Baton Rouge is set to reclaim a piece of its sporting heritage as a new minor‑league hockey franchise, the Kingfish, prepares to take the ice for the first time in the fall of 2026.
A nod to Louisiana’s political past
The team’s name is more than a fresh brand; it is a direct tribute to a squad that competed in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and it also evokes the colorful nickname of former governor Huey P. Long, a figure still celebrated in local lore.
Behind the venture is Swedish entrepreneur Andreas Johansson, who also controls the Binghamton Black Bear of the American Hockey League. Johansson’s acquisition of the franchise was made possible after the previous tenant, the Baton Rouge Zydeco, folded earlier this year, leaving a vacant slot in the Federal Prospects Hockey League.
Jimmy Soper, a former captain of the Knoxville Ice Bears, has been tapped to lead the new club as head coach. Soper brings a decade of on‑ice leadership and a reputation for developing young talent, qualities that team officials say match the franchise’s ambitious vision.
Community excitement builds
Local fans have already begun lining up for season tickets, and the city’s municipal arena is undergoing modest upgrades to meet the league’s standards. City officials say the team’s presence could provide a modest boost to downtown commerce, especially for nearby eateries that expect a surge in game‑day traffic.
While the franchise is still in its formative stages, the combination of nostalgic branding, experienced ownership, and a proven coaching mind sets the stage for a competitive debut. If the early indicators are any guide, the Kingfish could quickly become a staple of Baton Rouge’s winter sports scene.