Baton Rouge Kingfish return as new hockey franchise unveils familiar name
Kingfish return to Baton Rouge ice
The Baton Rouge Kingfish, the city’s new professional hockey franchise, has officially unveiled its permanent identity, reviving a name with historical ties to the area’s hockey scene. The announcement was made at the Raising Cane’s River Center. The team will begin its inaugural season on October 16.
The Kingfish name is an homage to Louisiana’s sportfish and political history, as well as the original Baton Rouge Kingfish hockey team from the late 1990s and early 2000s. This choice aims to connect long-time fans with a new generation of supporters.
The new club, previously known as the Baton Rouge Hockey Club, replaces the Baton Rouge Zydeco, which ceased operations earlier this year after three seasons. Matt Pace, a member of the new hockey club’s ownership team, expressed excitement about carrying the Kingfish name and acknowledged the history and legacy associated with it.
Leadership and season details
The team will be led by head coach Jimmy Soper and general manager Cory Howerton. Soper, a former captain for the Knoxville Ice Bears, commented on the importance of culture, stating it will define how the team practices, prepares, responds to adversity, and celebrates success. The team had been signing staff and members prior to the formal unveiling.
The new Federal Prospects Hockey League minor league hockey club is owned by Andreas Johansson, who also owns the FPHL team Binghamton Black Bear. The Kingfish were formally announced in June.
Season tickets for the upcoming season are currently available. Former Zydeco season ticket holders have a two-week window to renew their tickets for the Kingfish. The team’s schedule is expected to be released on Friday, ahead of their home opener against the Monroe Moccasins on October 16.
Community anticipation and AI safety concerns
Speculation about the team’s name had been circulating, with a trademark application for the Baton Rouge Kingfish as an ice hockey organization found in April and a website domain registered in May. Pace noted the public’s positive reaction to the potential return of the Kingfish name, indicating that the market is ready for the team.
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The Kingfish will begin their season at the Raising Cane’s River Center on October 16.
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Source: businessreport.com
