Mysticks return: Mobile revives beloved hockey brand for 2027-2028 season

Hockey is officially making its return to Mobile. City officials and ownership confirmed this week that the beloved “Mysticks” brand will be revived for the 2027-2028 Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) season.

The announcement triggered a massive celebration at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center, where more than 2,300 fans gathered on Tuesday. Attendees cheered for the return of the iconic purple, gold, and green branding and the classic cartoonish dragon emblem, signaling a nostalgic and energetic start for the franchise.

A Community-Driven Return

The buzz at the rally was palpable as fans—many donning vintage jerseys—chanted “Let’s Go Mysticks!” and wasted no time establishing a rivalry by booing the name of the upcoming SPHL opponent, the Pensacola Ice Flyers. According to Mobile Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis, the decision to bring back the name was a clear response to the community, noting that an online fan vote for the team’s identity was the most lopsided result in the organization's experience.

“We knew this community was fired up to have their hockey back,” said Andrew Kaufmann, CEO of Zawyer Sports & Entertainment, the Jacksonville-based group behind the revival. Peter Luukko, co-chairman with the arena's manager, the Oak View Group, added that he had never seen such a massive turnout for a team reveal.

The New Home for Mobile Hockey

The new Mysticks will call the 10,000-seat Regions Arena home, with a 30-game schedule set to begin in October 2027. The venue is a $300 million project currently under construction in downtown Mobile, scheduled to open this January.

The franchise revival honors the city's unique heritage. The name pays homage to Mobile’s roots as the “Birthplace of Mardi Gras,” drawing a direct line from the city's 1703 French origins to the new era of SPHL action.

Generations United

The atmosphere at the reveal event showcased the deep connection local fans have with the brand. Former player Hugues Gervais, who skated for the original Mysticks from 1996 to 2002, attended the rally and expressed his excitement for the team's comeback. Longtime fan Lloyd Wing, 38, also joined the crowd, bringing along memorabilia from the 90s to celebrate the return of a sport he has missed for decades.

As the city prepares for the 2027-2028 season, season ticket deposits are now open. Fans interested in securing their spot or purchasing team gear can visit MysticksHockey.com for more information.

A Proven Path

The Mysticks are joining a storied tradition of sports franchises finding new life through rebranding. Similar to the return of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns in 1999 or the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets in 2011, the Mysticks are tapping into a dormant, loyal fan base. The trend is also present in minor league circuits, such as the recent decision in Augusta to revive the Lynx identity, proving that classic brands continue to resonate with sports fans years after their departure.