Baton Rouge announced a new chapter for professional hockey on July 22, when the franchise formally revealed its identity as the Baton Rouge Kingfish.
A fresh identity for a historic market
The team’s logo, a stylized kingfish swimming across a teal backdrop, was displayed alongside the name, marking the first time the city has owned a club under that moniker since the original franchise folded nearly two decades ago.
The Kingfish will compete in the Federal Prospects Hockey League beginning this fall, with season tickets going on sale the same day the announcement was made. Existing season ticket holders from the 2025‑26 Zydeco campaign received a priority window to retain their seats, a gesture aimed at rewarding the city’s loyal fan base.
A new ownership consortium, led by Matt Pace, has taken control of the franchise. The group also includes Andreas Johansson, who also owns the Binghamton Black Bears, as well as Ted Goldthorpe and Jacob Hector. In addition to overseeing operations, the owners signed a three‑year lease with the Raising Cane’s River Center, securing a home venue for the foreseeable future.
Jimmy Soper, a veteran coach with a reputation for developing talent, was named the franchise’s inaugural head coach. He will guide the team’s on‑ice strategy as it prepares for its debut season in the FPHL.
Beyond wins and losses, the organization says its mission is to weave hockey into the broader fabric of Baton Rouge life. By hosting community events, youth clinics and local partnerships, the Kingfish hopes to create a sense of belonging that extends far beyond the rink.
The move also revives professional hockey in the capital region after the Zydeco brought the sport back in 2023, following the earlier departure of the original Kingfish. The new club looks to build on that momentum, leveraging the market’s hockey heritage while charting a fresh path forward.