Zawyer Sports, a prominent sports and entertainment group, is preparing to reintroduce hockey to Augusta, with the potential of owning the new hockey team if the opportunity arises. The CEO and owner, Andrew Kaufmann, has expressed his enthusiasm for this prospect and has stated that the group eagerly anticipates this opportunity.
There are high hopes that the new team in Augusta could make its debut as early as October 2028, pending the progress of construction at the new James Brown Arena. Kaufmann has shared his excitement, expressing a desire for the team to be established as soon as possible.
With a successful track record in bringing hockey to other communities, such as the Savannah Ghost Pirates and the Jacksonville Icemen, Zawyer Sports & Entertainment intends for Augusta’s new hockey team to join the East Coast Hockey League. The specifics regarding the affiliation of the new team are yet to be determined, as noted by Kaufmann.
In addition to the development of the new team, Kaufmann has also mentioned plans to establish an icehouse within the community, although the details regarding funding are still being finalized. Despite past challenges faced by former hockey teams in Augusta, Kaufmann has expressed confidence in the lasting success of the new team, emphasizing the group’s full commitment to bringing hockey back to the region.
As the construction of the new arena progresses, Zawyer Sports remains steadfast in its commitment to revitalizing hockey in the Augusta area. Kaufmann has emphasized the group’s readiness to establish a team as soon as the necessary infrastructure is in place.
For hockey enthusiasts eager to experience the sport before the new James Brown Arena is completed, Kaufmann has recommended a visit to Savannah to catch the upcoming season and get a glimpse of what Augusta can expect in the near future. He has also revealed that the naming process for the potential expansion team typically involves community submissions and resident voting.
Despite the exciting potential for a rejuvenated hockey scene, the Mayor’s Office and the Augusta Coliseum Authority have been unable to provide further details about the timeline for the establishment of a hockey team in Augusta.
As plans take shape and anticipation builds for the return of hockey to Augusta, the community can look forward to the potential for a new era of sporting entertainment in the region. The prospect of bringing hockey back to Augusta presents a wave of excitement and opportunity for both sports enthusiasts and the wider community.
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