by Carly
12. February 2010 16:07
The Southern Professional Hockey League has confirmed that hockey will return to Augusta in the fall of 2010.
At a press conference last week, Commissioner Jim Combs announced the SPHL Board of Governors had unanimously approved the expansion team to begin play in the fall of 2010. In addition to owner Bob Kerzner, Combs introduced Gilles Richard as the team’s general manager. Richard is no stranger to the SPHL having served in the same capacity with the Jacksonville Barracudas for four seasons. Richard twice guided the Barracudas to the President’s Cup Finals, becoming one of only three teams to make multiple appearances in the finals.
“Since we announced this press conference, the League Office has received literally dozens of calls and emails asking about everything from season tickets to team sponsorships,” stated Combs. “We had expected a positive response, but this is even greater than we could have imagined.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to bring hockey back to Augusta and am very encouraged about the initial positive response from the hockey fans here,” added Richard. Team owner Bob Kerzner agreed, stating “I am very excited to be able bring hockey back to Augusta.”
The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL), now in its sixth season of play, is currently comprised of seven teams: The two-time defending President's Cup Champion Knoxville (TN) Ice Bears, Columbus (GA) Cottonmouths, Fayetteville (NC) FireAntz, Huntsville (AL) Havoc; (Lafayette) Louisiana IceGators; (Biloxi) Mississippi Surge and Pensacola (FL) Ice Flyers.
The SPHL is conducting a contest to name the new Augusta franchise! Click here to submit your nomination! For more information on the new Augusta franchise and the Southern Professional Hockey League, visit www.thesphl.com.
Subscribe