The Baton Rouge Kingfish were officially introduced this week, reviving a name that resonated through the city’s minor‑league hockey scene in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The franchise replaces the Baton Rouge Zydeco, which ceased operations earlier this year after three seasons, and marks the next chapter for professional hockey in Louisiana’s capital.
Team owner Andreas Johansson expressed both excitement and a sense of honor in taking on the Kingfish identity, promising fans a “great experience in the arena.” Johansson, who also controls the Federal Prospects Hockey League’s Binghamton Black Bear, emphasized that the new club will carry forward the community spirit that defined its predecessor.
Jimmy Soper, a former captain of the Knoxville Ice Bears, will guide the team onto the ice when the FPHL’s 2026‑27 season opens on October 16. The home opener will pit the Kingfish against the Monroe Moccasins, a matchup that will be preceded by the release of the full schedule on Friday.
Season tickets are now on sale, and holders of Zydeco season tickets have a two‑week window to renew their seats for the Kingfish. Early‑bird packages include premium seating and exclusive access to behind‑the‑scenes events, aiming to reward the league’s most loyal supporters.
Honoring a Political Legacy
The team’s name pays homage to former Governor Huey P. Long, whose nickname “The Kingfish” inspired the franchise’s branding. This tribute links the new club to a storied political legacy while the organization looks forward to building its own identity on the rink.
Local businesses and media partners have already begun to align with the new brand, underscoring the broader community interest in the team’s debut. With the schedule soon to be released, anticipation builds for a season that promises both competitive play and a celebration of Baton Rouge’s unique heritage.