A New Chapter for Baton Rouge Hockey
The Baton Rouge Hockey Club revealed on Tuesday that Jimmy Soper, a nine‑season veteran of the Southern Professional Hockey League, will serve as the franchise’s inaugural head coach. The announcement comes as the expansion team gears up for its first competitive campaign, with a public name reveal and season‑ticket sales scheduled for Wednesday, July 22.
Soper, who captained the Knoxville Ice Bears for several seasons, guided the club to the President’s Cup Finals in the 2024‑25 season, marking the team’s first appearance in the championship round since 2015. After a playing career that spanned nine years, he will now transition to the bench, bringing a player‑first perspective to the role.
Andreas Johansson, a member of the Baton Rouge ownership group, praised Soper’s leadership qualities and expressed confidence that the former Ice Bears captain will shape a competitive roster from the outset. “Jimmy brings a deep understanding of the game and a proven ability to rally teammates,” Johansson said in the announcement.
The upcoming name unveiling will introduce the club’s branding to fans in Louisiana and beyond, while the release of season tickets marks the first opportunity for supporters to secure seats for the historic first season. Details on ticket tiers and pricing are expected to be posted on the team’s official website shortly after the name reveal.