The Baton Rouge Hockey Club has named Jimmy Soper as its inaugural head coach, tapping a seasoned professional with nine years of on‑ice experience to lead the franchise from its first day of operation.
Soper previously served as captain of the Knoxville Ice Bears, guiding the team to the 2024‑25 President’s Cup Finals, and he is known for a coaching philosophy built on accountability, preparation, and player development.
A new era for hockey in the Capital City
The ownership group, led by Matt Pace and including Andreas Johansson, Ted Goldthorke, and local businessman Jacob Hector, says the hire reflects a commitment to building a competitive team and forging strong ties with the Baton Rouge community.
The club has secured a three‑year lease to play at the Raising Cane’s River Center, and it will unveil its official team name and logo on Wednesday, July 22, the same day season tickets go on sale, with a special early‑bird window for existing Zydeco season‑ticket holders.
The franchise is slated to begin competition in the Federal Prospects Hockey League this fall, marking the first professional hockey presence in Baton Rouge in years and complementing the city’s existing Southern Professional Hockey League footprint.