Marksmen Getting New SPHL Opponent in Mobile, Alabama in 2027
Fayetteville will gain a new hockey opponent in Mobile, Alabama as the SPHL is expanding with an 11th team in 2027.
Mobile will have a new arena completed in 2027, which will be the home to the new SPHL team.
Image Courtesy SPHLThe Fayetteville Marksmen hockey team will be gaining a new opponent, as the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) is bringing Mobile, Alabama, on board for the 2027-28 season.
The new team marks a return of hockey to Mobile, after 22 years away.
Zawyer Sports & Entertainment will run the franchise. "The goal is to field a competitive team and provide a fun, family-friendly experience both in the arena and the community," said CEO Andy Kaufmann to SPHL.com.
The team will play at the new Mobile Arena, which should be ready in January 2027. This addition continues the SPHL's growth across southern and midwestern markets since 2004.
SPHL Commissioner Doug Price spoke highly of the new owners. "Kaufmann's passion for hockey and community will be a strong asset to the league," said Price to SPHL.com.
The owners currently manage seven pro hockey teams. They oversee teams in both the ECHL and American Hockey League, including the Jacksonville Icemen and Charlotte Checkers.
Mobile first tried pro hockey with the ECHL's Mysticks from 1995 to 2002. That team struggled as fans found other entertainment options in town.
But hockey's future in Alabama looks better now. The Huntsville Havoc shows how successful it can be, building a solid fanbase over 20 years.
People can suggest names for the new team at MobileProHockey.com. These naming contests have become popular with new minor league teams.
The SPHL runs its 11-team league from Huntersville, NC. Teams in two regions bring exciting hockey to their loyal fans.
In addition to Fayetteville and Mobile, the SPHL has teams in Birmingham, Knoxville, Tenn., Evansville, Ind., Macon, Ga., Roanoke, Va., Pensacola, Fla., Huntsville, Ala., Moline, Ill., and Peoria, Ill.
