A New Era for Baton Rouge Hockey
Andreas Johansson, a real‑estate entrepreneur with a track record in minor‑league hockey, has assumed control of professional hockey operations in Baton Rouge after the Baton Rouge Zydeco ceased operations. Johansson previously owned the Binghamton Black Bears, a franchise that captured three straight Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) championships, and the Watertown Wolves, another championship‑winning team. His reputation for drawing fans is underscored by the Black Bears’ consistent league‑leading attendance figures.
The Zydeco, which debuted in 2023 after a two‑decade hiatus, struggled to find its footing, finishing a season without a postseason berth before folding. Johansson praised the former owners for preserving hockey in the city for three years, and he plans to build on that foundation by engaging local investors and reflecting the unique culture of Baton Rouge in the new franchise.
Under the FPHL’s latest board of governors decisions, the league has approved expansion initiatives that include new teams in California’s Stockton, Oceanside and Fresno, while also tightening salary‑cap alignment and competitive‑balance measures. Johansson’s involvement in the league’s growth strategy positions him as a key figure in the FPHL’s 17th‑season rollout for 2026‑27.
The upcoming Baton Rouge team will retain much of the Zydeco roster, though roster reshuffles are expected as the organization fine‑tunes its competitive edge. Johansson has indicated that the franchise will leverage databases of former season‑ticket holders and explore partnerships with local businesses, aiming to embed the club deeply within the community it will call home.
Community Roots and Future Ambitions
Beyond the ice, Johansson’s vision extends to the Raising Cane’s River Center, the venue that will host the new team’s home games. By tapping into the region’s sports‑business network and leveraging his experience buying and selling minor‑league clubs, he hopes to create a sustainable model that benefits fans, players and local stakeholders alike.
The franchise’s leadership includes Wayne Hodes and Sid Edwards, longtime figures in the local hockey scene who will help translate Johansson’s ambitions into day‑to‑day operations. Their combined expertise is expected to guide the team through its inaugural season and beyond.