Baton Rouge is set to welcome a fresh face on the ice as the city’s newest minor league hockey franchise, the Kingfish, was officially introduced last week. The team will begin competition in the 2026‑27 season, reviving a name that harks back to the city’s minor league squad from the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The franchise is owned by Swedish entrepreneur Andreas Johansson, who also controls the Binghamton Black Bear of the Federal Prospects Hockey League. Johansson says the acquisition aligns with his long‑term goal of expanding his hockey portfolio while bringing a sense of continuity to Louisiana’s sports culture.
Former Knoxville Ice Bears captain Jimmy Soper has been tapped to lead the new club as head coach. Soper, who spent a decade as a player and later as an alternate captain in Tennessee, brings a deep understanding of player development and a reputation for disciplined, fast‑paced systems.
The Kingfish will replace the Baton Rouge Zydeco, a team that folded earlier this year after a storied run in the same league. The Zydeco’s demise cleared the slot for the Kingfish, and the organization has already filed a trademark application for the name and secured the domain BRKingfish.com in May.
Beyond the rink, the team’s branding pays tribute to Huey P. Long, the charismatic former governor whose nickname “The Kingfish” still resonates across Louisiana. The homage is more than nostalgic; it reflects an effort to embed the franchise within the state’s cultural narrative.
Community Roots and Future Ambitions
The organization has pledged to host youth hockey clinics across the region, aiming to inspire the next generation of players while fostering community ties. Plans also include charity nights that benefit local schools and environmental initiatives, underscoring a commitment to stewardship beyond the arena.