The ECHL announced Wednesday its board of governors has approved an expansion application for a new Augusta hockey team, with play set to begin in 2027.
The team, to be named later, will be owned by NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow and David Hodges of Hodges Management Group. Tebow and Hodges have ownership stakes in the Savannah Ghost Pirates and Jacksonville IceMen.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to bring hockey back to Augusta with our partnership group. Our desire is to make a positive impact both on and off the ice. We can’t wait for the puck drop in October of 2027!” Tebow said in a statement.
“Tim and I are excited to be able to bring ECHL hockey back to Augusta,” Hodges said. “On behalf of our partnership group, we look forward to stewarding this community asset.”
With Augusta’s addition, the ECHL will feature 32 teams, matching the NHL and AHL.
“The growth of the market and the newly constructed venue will make for a first-class entertainment experience, while also adding a great new rival city amongst our South Division,” ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin said.
Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson called the announcement “a proud day for Augusta,” the new arena and the region.
“Bringing professional hockey back to our city is all about energizing our community, attracting visitors and creating opportunities for our local economy to grow. The New Augusta Arena and our new ECHL team are set to become an incredible source of pride and excitement for residents across the region,” Johnson said.
The news points to construction of the new downtown arena being complete in two years. As the James Brown Arena was being demolished, controversy erupted over the Augusta coliseum authority removing Brown’s name from the new facility. No new name or naming rights for the new arena have been announced.
“Augusta is a passionate, sports-loving community that truly deserves to have professional hockey back in the city,” said Andy Kaufmann, CEO of Zawyer Sports, which also has ownership stakes in the Savannah and Jacksonville teams. “We are committed to building a strong franchise that will thrive here for years to come. And we are confident the New Augusta Arena will be a premier home for our team, giving fans and players alike a world-class environment to call their own.”
Augusta previously hosted the ECHL’s Augusta Lynx (1998–2008) and the SPHL’s Augusta RiverHawks (2010–2013). Information about ticket sales and the team’s name is available at augustaprohockey.com. More information can also be found on the Augusta Pro Hockey Facebook page.
