MOBILE, Ala. (WDNews) — Professional hockey is set to make a comeback in Mobile as the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) adds a new expansion team slated to debut during the 2027-2028 season, city officials announced Wednesday.
The yet-to-be-named team will be owned and operated by Jacksonville, Florida-based Zawyer Sports & Entertainment. The franchise will play home games at the new 10,000-seat civic center arena currently under construction in downtown Mobile. The approximately $300 million sports and entertainment venue is expected to open by January 2027, ahead of Mardi Gras celebrations.
“We are excited and proud to bring professional hockey back to Mobile,” said Andy Kaufmann, CEO of the new franchise. “We will aim to place a competitive team on the ice while also providing a fun, family-friendly product as we usher in this new era of hockey in the city’s brand new arena.”
The new team will join the same league as the Pensacola Ice Flyers, which have played in the SPHL since 2009. Alabama is already home to two SPHL franchises: the Birmingham Bulls and the Huntsville Havoc. The SPHL season typically begins in mid-October.
This will be Zawyer Sports’ first SPHL franchise. The company also owns several East Coast Hockey League teams in Jacksonville, Savannah, Georgia, and Greensboro, North Carolina, as well as the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League — the NHL’s primary developmental league.
“I am extremely excited to welcome Mobile and Zawyer Sports to the SPHL,” said SPHL Commissioner Doug Price. “Andy embodies not only a passion for hockey, but more importantly, a passion for the community, and he will be a tremendous addition to the SPHL.”
Mobile last hosted professional hockey from 1995 to 2002, when the Mobile Mysticks competed in the ECHL at the former Civic Center Arena.
A “Name the Team” contest is currently underway to give fans a chance to shape the team’s identity. Season ticket deposits are also being accepted as the franchise begins assembling its roster and front office ahead of the 2027-2028 season. Additional details, including the team name, ticket information, and community initiatives, will be announced as the launch approaches.
“This is a perfect fit for Mobile and the Mobile Arena,” Mayor Sandy Stimpson said. “Zawyer’s teams have a strong track record of investing in the communities where they play, and I know Mobilians are eager to welcome professional hockey back with open arms.”
