A fresh face on the local sports scene
Rome is set to welcome a semi‑professional hockey team beginning in the fall of 2026. The franchise will compete in the American Premier Hockey League (APHL), a circuit designed to give emerging talent a platform to advance toward professional play.
Milliken Sports Group, a well‑known hockey management company, will own and operate the new club. The group is headed by Jimmy Milliken, a veteran executive whose résumé includes stints with the Blue Ridge Bobcats in the Federal Prospects Hockey League and the Binghamton Black Bears.
Home ice and community involvement
Games will be played at the historic John F. Kennedy Arena, a venue that has long served as a gathering point for local sports enthusiasts. The organization plans to engage the community directly, inviting fans to participate in a "Name the Team" contest that will help define the franchise’s branding.
The roster will blend former professional players, promising college athletes and top junior prospects, creating a competitive environment that emphasizes development and community connection.
A pathway to the pros
Beyond entertainment, the league aims to serve as a stepping stone for players aspiring to reach higher tiers of professional hockey. By situating a team in Rome, the APHL hopes to broaden its geographic footprint and provide additional opportunities for talent to be scouted.