A fresh start for hockey in Louisiana
A new professional hockey franchise is set to debut in Baton Rouge this fall, promising to restore the city’s presence on the ice after the recent demise of the Zydeco. The team will operate under a three‑year lease agreement with the Raising Cane’s River Center, ensuring a stable venue for its inaugural season.
The ownership consortium includes Matt Pace, Andreas Johansson, Ted Goldthorpe and Jacob Hector. Each brings a track record of involvement in minor‑league hockey, from Pace’s local business connections to Johansson’s experience running successful Franchise Professional Hockey League (FPHL) clubs.
Johansson, who currently owns the Binghamton Black Bears and previously guided the Watertown Wolves, emphasized that fan engagement will be a cornerstone of the new club’s identity. He noted that the organization will prioritize open communication with supporters as it builds its brand.
Leveraging league ties and a passionate fan base
The franchise will compete in the Federal Prospects Hockey League, the same circuit that welcomed the Zydeco in 2023. League officials expressed confidence that the addition of a Gulf Coast team will enrich the league’s geographic diversity and provide fresh storytelling opportunities for players and fans alike.
The collapse of the Zydeco was attributed to a sharp decline in attendance, a lesson that underscores the importance of community outreach. Johansson’s past successes with the Black Bears and Wolves illustrate a model where on‑ice performance and off‑ice fan interaction reinforce each other.
While the team remains unnamed, its backers are already engaging with local sponsors and media to craft a narrative that resonates with Baton Rouge’s sports culture. The city’s existing hockey enthusiasts, who have followed both the Zydeco and the FPHL’s growth, are expected to rally behind the new club.