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SPHL
Current season, competition or edition:
Current sports event 2024–25 SPHL season
SportIce hockey
Founded2004
CommissionerDoug Price[1]
No. of teams10
CountryUnited States
Most recent
champions		Evansville Thunderbolts
(2025)
Most titlesKnoxville Ice Bears and Pensacola Ice Flyers (4 each)
BroadcasterFloSports
Official websitethesphl.com

The SPHL (formerly the Southern Professional Hockey League) is a professional ice hockey independent minor league based in Huntersville, North Carolina, with teams located primarily in the southeastern United States as well as Illinois and Indiana in the midwestern United States.

Following the 2024–25 season, the Evansville Thunderbolts are the reigning President's Cup champions. As of 2024, the Knoxville Ice Bears are the most successful team in SPHL history, having won five William B. Coffey Trophies as the regular season champions and four President's Cup playoff championships. The Peoria Rivermen have also won five William B. Coffey Trophies, while Pensacola has also won four President's Cups.

History

[edit]

The SPHL's history traces back to three other short-lived leagues. The Atlantic Coast Hockey League started play in the 2002–03 season. After its only season, the ACHL dissolved with member teams forming the nucleus for two rival leagues, the South East Hockey League and the World Hockey Association 2. After one season, the SEHL and WHA2 disbanded, with their surviving teams rejoining with two expansion teams to form the SPHL, commencing with the 2004–05 season.

In 2009, the SPHL saw a large expansion with three new franchises, in Biloxi, Mississippi,[2][3][4] Lafayette, Louisiana[5] and Pensacola, Florida.[6][7] In 2010, the league added an expansion team in Augusta, Georgia, another former long time ECHL market.[8] For the 2011–12 season, the league added two-time Central Hockey League champions, the Mississippi RiverKings.[9][10] For the 2013–14 season, the league lost the Augusta RiverHawks but also expanded northward with two franchises in Illinois: the Bloomington Thunder, a team also moving from the CHL, where they were known as the Bloomington Blaze, and the Peoria Rivermen, who were replacing an American Hockey League team of the same name in their market.[11] In 2015, the Augusta franchise returned and relocated to Macon, Georgia as the Macon Mayhem.

In November 2014, Shannon Szabados became the first female goaltender to win an SPHL game, when the Columbus Cottonmouths defeated the Fayetteville FireAntz 5–4 in overtime.[12] In that same game Erin Blair and Katie Guay became the first female officials to referee an SPHL game.[12]

At the end of the 2015–16 season, the Louisiana IceGators announced a one-year leave of absence for renovations to their arena but never returned. The IceGators' franchise was sold and reactivated as the Quad City Storm in 2018. Then in 2016, the dormant Mississippi Surge franchise was relocated to Southwest Virginia to become the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs. One of the inaugural SPHL teams, the Columbus Cottonmouths, suspended operations in 2017 after failing to find a buyer while an expansion team called the Birmingham Bulls were accepted into the league as the tenth team. Following the 2017–18 season, the Mississippi RiverKings suspended operations while the league searched for new owners.[13] With the acceptance of the Quad City Storm, the league was able to remain at ten teams for the 2018–19 season.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2019–20 season was curtailed and no champion was named. The following season, the league announced it would only play with five of the ten member teams due to pandemic-related capacity restrictions barring fans from attending games.[14] During the season, the league approved of the Vermilion County Bobcats as a 2021–22 expansion team based in Danville, Illinois.[15] The Bobcats folded after only a year and a half.[16]

In 2023, the league rebranded to the orphaned initialism "SPHL" to reflect the fact that the league's footprint had expanded beyond the southern United States.[17]

On September 17, 2025, it was announced that Mobile will be joining the league for the 2027–28 season.[18]

Teams

[edit]
class=notpageimage|
Teams currently in the SPHL.
  • Current teams
  • Future teams

2025–26 members

[edit]
Overview of SPHL teams
Team City Arena Capacity Founded Joined Head Coach
Birmingham Bulls[19][20] Pelham, Alabama Pelham Civic Center 4,100 2017 Craig Simchuk
Evansville Thunderbolts Evansville, Indiana Ford Center 9,000 2016 Jeff Bes
Fayetteville Marksmen Fayetteville, North Carolina Crown Coliseum 9,500 2002 2004 Kyle Sharkey
Huntsville Havoc Huntsville, Alabama Von Braun Center 6,050 2004 Stuart Stefan
Knoxville Ice Bears Knoxville, Tennessee Knoxville Civic Coliseum 5,109 2002 2004 John Gurskis
Macon Mayhem Macon, Georgia Macon Coliseum 6,550 2010[a] Nick Niedert
Pensacola Ice Flyers Pensacola, Florida Pensacola Bay Center 8,150 2009 Gary Graham
Peoria Rivermen Peoria, Illinois Carver Arena 9,815 2013 Jean-Guy Trudel
Quad City Storm Moline, Illinois Vibrant Arena at The MARK 9,200 2009[a] Shayne Toporowski
Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Roanoke, Virginia Berglund Center 8,672 2009[a] Dan Bremner

Future expansion

[edit]
Overview of SPHL teams
Team City Arena Capacity Founded Joined Head Coach
Mobile SPHL team Mobile, Alabama New Mobile Arena 10,275 2025 2027 TBD

Notes

  1. ^ a b c Relocated franchise

Timeline

[edit]
Vermilion County BobcatsBirmingham Bulls (SPHL)Evansville ThunderboltsPeoria Rivermen (SPHL)Bloomington Thunder (SPHL)Mississippi RiverKingsMacon MayhemAugusta RiverHawksPensacola Ice FlyersRoanoke Rail Yard DawgsMississippi SurgeQuad City StormLouisiana IceGators (SPHL)Richmond Renegades (SPHL)Twin City CyclonesPee Dee CyclonesFlorida SealsWinston-Salem Polar TwinsMacon TraxKnoxville Ice BearsJacksonville BarracudasHuntsville HavocFayetteville MarksmenFayetteville FireAntzColumbus CottonmouthsAsheville Aces

Defunct and relocated teams

[edit]

Key rule differences

[edit]

As per minor leagues, there are some rule differences between the SPHL and the NHL (and even the ECHL and the AHL, the two official developmental leagues regulated by the Professional Hockey Players' Association).

  • A team may dress eighteen regular players to a game. Two players dressed for the game will be goaltenders.
  • A mouthpiece is required for all players except the goaltender.
  • No curvature of stick limitations as in the NHL, AHL, and ECHL.
  • Shootouts are five players. After five different players have made an attempt, teams may reuse anyone including those who have previously attempted in later rounds, even using the same player in consecutive rounds if desired.

Champions

[edit]

President's Cup

[edit]

Awarded to the league playoff champion.

Season Winner Runner-up
2005 Columbus Cottonmouths Macon Trax
2006 Knoxville Ice Bears Orlando Seals
2007 Fayetteville FireAntz Jacksonville Barracudas
2008 Knoxville Ice Bears Jacksonville Barracudas
2009 Knoxville Ice Bears Fayetteville FireAntz
2010 Huntsville Havoc Mississippi Surge
2011 Mississippi Surge Augusta Riverhawks
2012 Columbus Cottonmouths Pensacola Ice Flyers
2013 Pensacola Ice Flyers Huntsville Havoc
2014 Pensacola Ice Flyers Columbus Cottonmouths
2015 Knoxville Ice Bears Mississippi RiverKings
2016 Pensacola Ice Flyers Peoria Rivermen
2017 Macon Mayhem Peoria Rivermen
2018 Huntsville Havoc Peoria Rivermen
2019 Huntsville Havoc Birmingham Bulls
2020 Not awarded due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2021 Pensacola Ice Flyers Macon Mayhem
2022 Peoria Rivermen Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs
2023 Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Birmingham Bulls
2024 Peoria Rivermen Huntsville Havoc
2025 Evansville Thunderbolts Knoxville Ice Bears
Team Titles
Knoxville Ice Bears 4
Pensacola Ice Flyers 4
Huntsville Havoc 3
Peoria Rivermen 2
Columbus Cottonmouths 2
Fayetteville FireAntz 1
Macon Mayhem 1
Mississippi Surge 1
Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs 1
Evansville Thunderbolts 1

William B. Coffey Trophy

[edit]

Originally known as the Commissioner's Cup, the regular season championship trophy was renamed in honor of league co-founder Bill Coffey during the 2007–08 season.[30]

Season Winner Title
2004–05 Knoxville Ice Bears 1
2005–06 Knoxville Ice Bears 2
2006–07 Columbus Cottonmouths 1
2007–08 Knoxville Ice Bears 3
2008–09 Knoxville Ice Bears 4
2009–10 Mississippi Surge 1
2010–11 Mississippi Surge 2
2011–12 Augusta RiverHawks 1
2012–13 Fayetteville FireAntz 1
2013–14 Pensacola Ice Flyers 1
2014–15 Peoria Rivermen 1
2015–16 Peoria Rivermen 2
2016–17 Macon Mayhem 1
2017–18 Peoria Rivermen 3
2018–19 Peoria Rivermen 4
2019–20 Not awarded due to season cancellation
2020–21 Macon Mayhem[31] 2
2021–22 Knoxville Ice Bears 5
2022–23 Peoria Rivermen 5
2023–24 Birmingham Bulls 1
2024–25 Peoria Rivermen 6
Team Titles
Peoria Rivermen 6
Knoxville Ice Bears 5
Macon Mayhem 2
Mississippi Surge 2
Augusta Riverhawks 1
Columbus Cottonmouths 1
Fayetteville FireAntz 1
Pensacola Ice Flyers 1
Birmingham Bulls 1

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

SPHL

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) is an independent professional ice hockey minor league in North America, operating as the fourth tier below the American Hockey League (AHL) and East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), with teams primarily located in the southeastern and midwestern United States. Founded in 2004 as a successor to earlier regional leagues, the SPHL began with nine teams and has since expanded to its current roster of 10 franchises, with an 11th team, the Mobile Pro Hockey, set to join in the 2027–28 season, emphasizing affordable, family-friendly entertainment in smaller markets. The league's inaugural season in 2004–05 featured teams such as the Asheville Aces, , Fayetteville FireAntz, , Jacksonville Barracudas, , Macon Trax, Orlando Seals, and Winston-Salem Polar Twins, with the winning the first President's Cup playoff championship and the claiming the regular-season Commissioner's Cup. Over the years, the SPHL has undergone significant expansions and relocations, including the addition of the Pee Dee Cyclones in 2005–06, Richmond Renegades in 2006–07, and more recent entries like the and in 2016–17, alongside the 2018–19 introduction of the . Notable challenges included the 2019–20 season's cancellation due to the , after which the league rebranded simply to SPHL in 2023, dropping the "Southern" descriptor to reflect its broader geographic footprint. As of the 2025–26 season, the SPHL's active teams include the Birmingham Bulls, , , , , , , Peoria Rivermen, , and , each competing in a 58-game regular season schedule from October to April, culminating in an eight-team playoff tournament for the President's Cup. The league has produced multiple champions, with the holding the most Commissioner's Cup titles (five) and the securing four President's Cups, underscoring the SPHL's role in developing talent for higher-level professional hockey while fostering community engagement in host cities.

League overview

Formation and rebranding

The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) was established in as an independent minor league , formed from the surviving teams of the recently defunct South East Hockey League (SEHL) and World Hockey Association 2 (WHA2). Both predecessor leagues had operated only during the 2003–04 season before folding due to financial and operational challenges, leaving a void in professional hockey in the southeastern U.S. region. The SPHL aimed to provide affordable, competitive hockey in this underserved market, drawing from teams that had previously competed in the short-lived Atlantic Coast Hockey League. Its inaugural –05 season featured nine franchises: the Asheville Aces, , Fayetteville FireAntz, , Jacksonville Barracudas, , Macon Trax, Orlando Seals, and Winston-Salem Polar Twins, though the Orlando Seals did not play, resulting in an eight-team league that played a 56-game regular season. Tom Coolen was appointed as the first commissioner, with the league office based in . The won the first President's Cup as playoff champions after defeating the in the finals. The league's early structure emphasized regional focus and sustainability, adopting the President's Cup as its championship trophy to symbolize leadership and growth in minor professional hockey. This period marked the SPHL's role in stabilizing professional hockey south of the established East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), with games drawing local crowds in arenas across the Southeast. In 2023, the league underwent a significant rebranding to simply "SPHL," dropping the "Southern Professional Hockey League" descriptor from its official name and logo. Announced on August 1, 2023, by Commissioner Doug Price, the change reflected the league's expansion beyond its traditional southeastern base to include teams in the Midwest, broadening its geographic footprint and aligning with modern branding trends seen in other leagues like the ECHL. The rebrand coincided with the 2023–24 season's celebration of the league's 20th anniversary, featuring a commemorative logo designed by league staff member Drew Blevins. This evolution underscored the SPHL's adaptation to growth while retaining its core identity as an independent minor professional league.

Governance and operations

The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) is headquartered at 11330 Vanstory Drive in , having relocated there from its previous location in , where the office had been based since 2009. The league is led by Doug Price, who was appointed on January 17, 2019, and has played a key role in guiding the SPHL's expansion efforts and operational stability, including the recent approval of a new franchise in . As an independent minor professional hockey circuit, the SPHL operates without formal affiliations to the National Hockey League (NHL) or the (AHL), allowing its teams to function autonomously in player development and roster management. Broadcasting operations are handled primarily through a multi-year streaming with , which began in 2023 and provides coverage of over 280 regular-season games, playoffs, and the championship annually. The league also maintains local radio and over-the-air television deals, including a 2025 with Gray Media to air select regular-season games in various markets. The SPHL's financial model emphasizes affordability for fans while ensuring profitability for its teams, primarily through revenue from ticket sales, corporate sponsorships, and merchandise. In the 2023–24 season, average attendance was approximately 3,964 fans per game, with figures continuing to rise in the following season, supporting the league's economic viability amid its growth plans, such as the addition of an in Mobile for the 2027–28 season, which will increase the total to 11 teams.

History

Early years (2004–2009)

The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) was founded in 2004 as a in the , formed by merging surviving teams from the defunct Atlantic Coast Hockey League and , supplemented by expansion franchises. The league's inaugural season commenced on October 29, 2004, with the defeating the Macon Trax 4-1 in the first official game, marking the start of a 56-game regular season schedule. Nine franchises launched the league: the , , Fayetteville FireAntz, , Jacksonville Barracudas, , Macon Trax, Winston-Salem Polar Twins, and the inactive Orlando Seals; the league office was based in , under first commissioner Tom Coolen. The 2004–05 season established the league's competitive foundation, with the Knoxville Ice Bears clinching the Commissioner's Cup as regular-season champions after posting a 37–13–6 record and earning 80 points. In the playoffs, which featured the top six teams in a single-elimination format, the fifth-seeded Columbus Cottonmouths staged a perfect 5–0 run to capture the inaugural President's Cup, defeating the Ice Bears in the finals and highlighting the league's parity despite its startup status. The following 2005–06 season saw further consolidation, as the Asheville Aces, Macon Trax, and Winston-Salem Polar Twins folded due to financial pressures, reducing the league to seven teams with the addition of the expansion Pee Dee Cyclones and the relocation of the Orlando Seals to Kissimmee as the Florida Seals; the Ice Bears repeated as champions, winning both the regular-season and playoff titles. Early challenges plagued the SPHL, including widespread financial instability and low attendance in smaller markets, which contributed to multiple team cessations and operational disruptions. For instance, the Florida Seals were terminated mid-season in 2006–07 after failing to meet league financial requirements, while the 2008–09 season saw the Jacksonville Barracudas voluntarily suspend operations amid similar economic strains. The league added the expansion Richmond Renegades in 2006–07 to offset some losses. Relocations were common as a survival strategy, such as the Pee Dee Cyclones moving from , to , ahead of the 2007–08 season and rebranding as the Twin City Cyclones. These issues reduced the league to six teams by 2008–09, when the schedule expanded to 60 games to mark the fifth anniversary, but the continued their dominance by securing the President's Cup for the third time in five seasons. A key milestone came in the 2007–08 season, when Jim Combs succeeded Keith Jeffries (2005–2007) as the third and the regular-season championship trophy was renamed the William B. Coffey Trophy in honor of co-founder and Director of Hockey Operations William B. Coffey, who had played a pivotal role in the league's establishment; the Ice Bears won this renamed award alongside the President's Cup that year. The period also saw the league navigate a 52-game schedule in 2007–08 amid ongoing adjustments, with the claiming the Coffey Trophy in 2006–07 and the Fayetteville FireAntz taking the President's Cup that same season, underscoring the competitive resilience despite structural hurdles. By 2009, these foundational struggles had shaped a more stable core of franchises, setting the stage for future growth.

Expansion and development (2010–present)

Following the stabilization of its early years, the SPHL experienced significant expansion starting in the 2009–10 season, adding the Louisiana IceGators, Mississippi Surge, and , which brought the league from six to nine teams; the also returned for that season. This growth continued with the addition of the Augusta RiverHawks in 2010–11, bringing the total to ten teams. The joined in 2011–12, followed by the Peoria Rivermen and Bloomington Thunder in 2013–14, while the , added in 2009–10, played a key role in post-2010 development by establishing a strong presence in and contributing to the league's southern footprint. Further expansions in 2016–17 included the (relocated from the suspended Bloomington Thunder) and (relocated from the suspended Mississippi Surge), solidifying the league's regional presence while emphasizing affordable, family-oriented entertainment. The joined in 2018–19, maintaining ten teams. Relocations during this era helped adapt to market demands and sustain operations. In 2015–16, the Augusta RiverHawks relocated to , rebranding as the to better serve the local community; the Mississippi Surge had suspended operations after the 2013–14 season and was relocated to , as the Rail Yard Dawgs ahead of the 2016–17 season to capitalize on emerging fan interest in the area. These shifts, along with the suspension of the Bloomington Thunder after the 2014–15 season, paved the way for new entries like the , ensuring continuity without major contractions. Such moves reflected the league's proactive approach to viability in smaller markets. The period also faced external challenges, notably the , which disrupted operations in 2019–20 by canceling the season on March 15 after 43 games for most teams. The 2020–21 campaign was severely shortened to 42 games involving only five teams due to health restrictions and venue limitations, testing the league's resilience. Recovery began in 2021–22 with a return to full schedules across eleven teams, including the addition of the , marking a rebound in competitive play and fan engagement; the Bobcats folded mid-season in 2022–23. Diversity milestones emerged as the league evolved, with Canadian goaltender becoming the first woman to sign with an SPHL team in March 2014, joining the . She made history again on November 21, 2014, by recording 34 saves in a 3-2 victory over the Fayetteville FireAntz, securing the first win by a female player in league . This breakthrough was followed by Szabados earning SPHL Player of the Week honors and inspiring further inclusion, including the debut of the first female referees, Erin Blair and Katie Guay, on the same night. International participation has also grown, with players from Canada, Ukraine, and Europe comprising a notable portion of rosters—such as Ukrainian defenseman Hlib Varava signing with the Fayetteville Marksmen for 2025–26—reflecting broader recruitment from global talent pools. Recent developments underscore the league's maturation, including a 2023 rebranding from the full "Southern Professional Hockey League" to the acronym SPHL on , acknowledging its expansion beyond traditional southern markets and enhancing marketing flexibility for national outreach. This change coincided with the league's 20th anniversary, introducing a commemorative to boost visibility and fan connection. Attendance has shown steady growth, rising from 1,026,831 total fans in 2022–23 (averaging 3,445 per game) to 1,149,410 in 2023–24 (averaging 4,105), with early 2024–25 figures indicating continued increases driven by expanded schedules and community initiatives.

Teams

Current teams (2025–26 season)

The 2025–26 Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) season consists of 10 active franchises, concentrated in the southeastern and , competing in a 58-game regular season that began on October 17, 2025. Each team plays 29 home and 29 away games, with the top eight advancing to the President's Cup playoffs in April 2026. The enter as defending champions, having defeated the in overtime of Game 4 to claim their first SPHL title on April 23, 2025. The league's teams, listed alphabetically with their home cities, years of joining the SPHL, and primary arenas, are as follows:
TeamLocationJoinedArena
Birmingham BullsPelham, AL2017Pelham Civic Complex
Evansville ThunderboltsEvansville, IN2016Ford Center
Fayetteville MarksmenFayetteville, NC2004Crown Coliseum
Huntsville HavocHuntsville, AL2004Von Braun Center
Knoxville Ice BearsKnoxville, TN2004Knoxville Civic Coliseum
Macon MayhemMacon, GA2015Macon Coliseum
Pensacola Ice FlyersPensacola, FL2009Pensacola Bay Center
Peoria RivermenPeoria, IL2013Peoria Civic Center
Quad City StormMoline, IL2018Vibrant Arena at The MARK
Roanoke Rail Yard DawgsRoanoke, VA2016Berglund Center
These franchises represent the SPHL's focus on affordable, family-oriented professional hockey in mid-sized markets, with four original members from the league's 2004 founding still active.

Historical team changes

The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) began operations in the 2004–05 season with nine teams, though Orlando was inactive, leaving eight active franchises: the Asheville Aces, Columbus Cottonmouths, Fayetteville FireAntz, Huntsville Havoc, Jacksonville Barracudas, Knoxville Ice Bears, Macon Trax, and Winston-Salem Polar Twins. In the 2005–06 season, three teams ceased operations (Asheville Aces, Macon Trax, and Winston-Salem Polar Twins), while the Pee Dee Cyclones joined as an expansion team and the Orlando Seals relocated to Kissimmee, Florida, becoming the Florida Seals. The 2006–07 season saw the Richmond Renegades added as an expansion team, offsetting the termination of the Florida Seals. Prior to the 2007–08 season, the Pee Dee Cyclones relocated to , and rebranded as the Twin City Cyclones. For the 2009–10 season, the league expanded with the addition of the IceGators, Surge, and , while the Jacksonville Barracudas and Richmond Renegades were terminated, and the Twin City Cyclones suspended operations. The Augusta RiverHawks joined as an expansion team in 2010–11, followed by the in 2011–12. In 2013–14, the Bloomington Thunder and Peoria Rivermen entered as expansion teams, with the Peoria franchise relocating from the (CHL). The Augusta RiverHawks suspended operations after that season and relocated to , rebranding as the for 2015–16. That same year, the suspended activities after the 2014–15 season before relocating to , as the Rail Yard Dawgs, while the Bloomington Thunder moved to , becoming the ; the Louisiana IceGators also suspended operations. The Birmingham Bulls expanded into the league in 2017–18, coinciding with the ' suspension. The joined as an expansion team in 2018–19. The 2020–21 season was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with five teams—Evansville Thunderbolts, Fayetteville FireAntz, Peoria Rivermen, Quad City Storm, and Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs—opting to sit out entirely, though the league proceeded with a reduced schedule among the remaining franchises; no full league-wide suspensions have occurred since. The Vermilion County Bobcats expanded for the 2021–22 season but ceased operations after 2022–23. On September 17, 2025, the SPHL announced an expansion franchise in Mobile, Alabama, to debut as Mobile Pro Hockey in the 2027–28 season at the new Mobile Arena. Over time, the SPHL has shifted from a primarily Southern footprint to include Midwestern markets, exemplified by the additions of the Peoria Rivermen in 2013 and Quad City Storm in 2018.

Defunct and relocated teams

The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) has experienced several team suspensions, terminations, and relocations since its inception in 2004, often due to financial difficulties, arena issues, or economic factors. Among the earliest defunct franchises were the Asheville Aces, who ceased operations after the 2004–05 season due to an inability to reach an agreement on rent with the Asheville Civic Center. Similarly, the Macon Trax and Winston-Salem Polar Twins folded prior to the 2005–06 campaign, contributing to a contraction that reduced the league from nine to six teams and highlighting early challenges in sustaining markets in the Southeast. The Florida Seals, originally relocated from Orlando to Kissimmee for the 2005–06 season, were terminated midseason on January 5, 2007, after 26 games when the team was locked out of the for failing to meet contractual obligations, including unpaid bills. The Jacksonville Barracudas voluntarily suspended operations following the 2008–09 season amid broader economic pressures affecting minor league hockey, leading to the league operating with seven teams in 2009–10. The Cyclones, who joined as an in 2005–06, relocated to , and rebranded as the Twin City Cyclones for the 2007–08 season but ceased activities after 2009–10, citing the American economic downturn as the primary factor. These early losses prompted the SPHL to focus on stabilizing core markets while seeking new expansion opportunities. In the 2010s, additional challenges emerged with arena-related suspensions. The Mississippi Surge suspended operations indefinitely after the 2013–14 season due to a steady decline in revenue and low attendance over five years, later relocating the franchise to , as the Rail Yard Dawgs for 2016–17 to broaden the league's footprint. The Bloomington Thunder followed suit, suspending play after 2014–15 to accommodate a junior hockey team in the market, with the franchise subsequently moving to , to become the Thunderbolts for the 2016–17 season. The Augusta RiverHawks suspended operations for 2013–14 and 2014–15 due to persistent ice plant failures at , relocating to , as the Mayhem for 2015–16, which helped maintain regional presence but underscored infrastructure vulnerabilities in smaller venues. More recent defunct teams include the , a member since 2004–05, who ceased operations after the 2016–17 season when no new owner could be secured despite efforts to sell the franchise, ending a 13-year run marked by consistent playoff contention. The , after five seasons of operations, suspended indefinitely following the canceled 2019–20 season due to the , though the franchise was later revived under new local ownership in 2021 to preserve hockey in . The ceased after 30 games in 2022–23, citing financial unsustainability, further illustrating the league's ongoing need to adapt to market dynamics. These changes have had notable impacts on the SPHL, including temporary contractions that tested operational resilience—such as dropping to six teams in 2005–06—and relocations that stabilized attendance in viable markets like Evansville and Roanoke. Defunct teams have left legacies in league records; for instance, the , who endured ownership transitions but remained active, hold multiple Commissioner's Cups from the early years, while the —evolving from the pre-SPHL Channel Cats through rebranding in 2004–05—maintains a strong championship history with three President's Cups. Overall, these shifts have allowed the SPHL to evolve, prioritizing sustainable franchises amid the challenges of minor professional hockey in the South.

Season structure and rules

Regular season and playoffs

The SPHL regular season features a balanced 58-game for each team, consisting of 29 home games and 29 away games, spanning from to April. This structure allows for competitive play across the league's 10 teams, with matchups designed to foster regional rivalries while ensuring broad exposure. Teams accumulate points in the standings through a standard system: 2 points for a regulation or win, and 1 point for an or loss. Standings are ranked by points percentage (.xxx). For the 2025–26 season, which began on 17, 2025, the regular season is set to conclude in April 2026, providing a full slate of games leading into the postseason. In the event of tied points percentages in the standings, tiebreakers are applied in order: total regular-season wins; wins in head-to-head games; points earned in head-to-head games; goal differential in head-to-head games; goals scored in head-to-head games; fewest penalty minutes; coin toss. This determines seeding and playoff positioning. Home-ice advantage in both regular-season scheduling and is awarded based on higher regular-season standings, giving top performers an edge with more home games in potential series. The league also hosts a mid-season , an event established in 2006 that includes a skills competition showcasing top players' talents followed by an to entertain fans and highlight league stars. The playoffs culminate in the President's Cup, with the top 8 teams from the regular-season standings qualifying for a single-elimination . The format consists of best-of-3 series in the quarterfinals (#1 vs. #8, #2 vs. #7, #3 vs. #6, #4 vs. #5), semifinals (reseeded based on original standings), and finals, emphasizing intense, short-duration matchups that reward consistent performance. This structure ensures all playoff rounds are decided quickly, typically wrapping up by late April, as seen in recent seasons.

Unique rules

The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) features several on-ice rules that distinguish it from higher-tier leagues such as the and , emphasizing player safety, game flow, and development opportunities within a minor professional context. Roster composition in the SPHL allows teams to dress 19 players for all regular-season and playoff games, consisting of 17 skaters and 2 goaltenders, an increase implemented for the 2025-26 season to provide greater flexibility while adhering to constraints. Unlike the unlimited active roster sizes in some developmental leagues, SPHL teams maintain a contracted roster of 19 players per Rule 5.1, with substitutions permitted during play under Rules 68.1 and 71.1, but improper lineups result in bench minor penalties per Rules 7.2 and 86.8. Equipment requirements prioritize , mandating that all players wear mouthguards at all times during active play, with violations resulting in removal from the ice under Rule 9.6—a stricter compared to the optional use in the NHL, where mouthguards must be available but not always worn. Helmets and chin straps must remain fastened, including during altercations (Rule 9.5 and 46.6), and visors are required to be properly positioned. Stick blade curvature is limited to a maximum of ¾ inch, consistent with NHL standards, with illegal sticks drawing a minor penalty upon challenge (Rules 10.1 and 10.5). Game procedures in the SPHL include a 5-minute 3-on-3 sudden-death period in the regular season, featuring a new "over-and-back" rule for 2025-26 that prohibits teams from returning the puck to their defensive zone after it crosses the offensive blue line, resulting in a defensive-zone faceoff for violations to promote offensive play. If no is scored, games proceed to a with each team attempting 5 shots before sudden-death rounds (Rule 84.5), differing from the NHL's 3-shooter initial format. The league employs hybrid icing under Rule 81.1, where play stops if the defending team cannot reach the puck first after it crosses the line, reducing collision risks compared to traditional touch icing in some contexts. Playoff overtimes extend to 20-minute periods without a (Rule 84.6). Fighting penalties follow standard major assessments of 5 minutes (Rule 46), but the SPHL uniquely limits teams to 5 fighting majors per game, imposing a game misconduct on the sixth and any subsequent incidents (Rule 46.24), which encourages controlled physicality without the automatic ejections common in non-fighting leagues like the AHL. Additional penalties apply for aggressors, instigators, or third-man entries (Rules 46.14, 46.15, and 46.17), with escalating fines and suspensions for repeats. The league places a strong emphasis on player development through pathways to higher levels, with no formal NHL affiliate agreements but significant advancement to the ; in the prior season, 95 SPHL players appeared in 1,545 ECHL games across 27 teams, underscoring its role as a developmental circuit. Safety adaptations include mandatory removal of players from the ice until the injury stops and equipment is decontaminated (Rule 8.3), a protocol retained from post-COVID enhancements to standards in arenas, such as frequent sanitization and blood-borne procedures, to minimize risks in close-contact play. Serious injuries halt play immediately (Rule 8.1), and a four-on-ice officiating system is used in 25% of regular-season games—rising to all —to improve monitoring and enforcement.

Championships and awards

President's Cup

The President's Cup is the championship trophy of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL), awarded annually to the winner of the league's postseason since the 2004–05 season. It honors the league's presidency and recognizes the playoff champion, with the inaugural winner being the , who defeated the Macon Trax in the finals. Through the 2024–25 season, 20 championships have been awarded to 11 teams, reflecting the league's competitive balance amid expansions, relocations, and one canceled season in 2019–20 due to the . The playoff format leading to the President's Cup has evolved over time. Early seasons featured varying series lengths, with quarterfinals and semifinals often as best-of-three or best-of-five matchups, while were typically best-of-five until format adjustments in the early . By the , the league standardized top-eight qualification, with all rounds—including the —shifting to best-of-three series in recent years to accommodate scheduling and travel in the regional league. The 2024–25 , for example, were a best-of-three series. The and share the record for most President's Cup titles with four each. 's victories came in 2005–06, 2007–08, 2008–09, and 2014–15, including a from 2007–09. won in 2012–13, 2013–14, 2015–16, and 2020–21, with their 2015–16 triumph featuring a dramatic game-winning goal by Josh Cousineau with less than one second remaining against the Peoria Rivermen. The 2024–25 season saw the claim their first Cup, defeating the 2–1 in the finals, capped by an overtime goal from Aidan Litke in Game 3. Notable finals include the 2018–19 series, where the defeated the Birmingham Bulls 3–1 to secure their second title, highlighted by an victory in Game 1. In 2021–22, the Peoria Rivermen rallied for a 3–2 win in Game 5 against the , earning their first Cup since rejoining the SPHL. The Peoria Rivermen added a second title in 2023–24, defeating the 2–1 in another best-of-three finals. Key records associated with the President's Cup include Knoxville's three consecutive championships from 2007–09, the only in league history. The 2012–13 finals drew the highest average playoff attendance at 3,126 fans per game during Pensacola's series win over Huntsville. In terms of scoring, the 2022–23 finals between Roanoke and Birmingham featured high-output games, with Roanoke clinching the 3–1 after a 4–2 victory in Game 4.

William B. Coffey Trophy

The William B. Coffey Trophy is awarded annually by the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) to the team that finishes with the best regular-season record, determined by the highest points total. Points are earned with two for a regulation win, one for an or loss, and zero for a regulation loss. The trophy recognizes overall regular-season dominance and provides the winner with home-ice advantage throughout the . Named after William B. Coffey, a co-founder of the SPHL in and its director of hockey operations from to 2007, the award was renamed the William B. Coffey Trophy starting with the 2007–08 season, replacing the prior regular-season championship designation. Coffey, a veteran of hockey since 1984, also contributed to the formation of the in 1988 and owned teams that secured multiple championships during his career. In the event of tied points totals among teams, tiebreakers are applied in this order: the greater number of wins in the , the greater number of points earned in head-to-head games against the tied opponent(s), goal differential in those head-to-head games, overall goal differential for the season, and finally a coin flip if necessary. The trophy is presented at the conclusion of the , typically in late or early , honoring the team's consistency over the 56-game . The Peoria Rivermen hold the record for most William B. Coffey Trophies with six, while the Knoxville Ice Bears have won five. Below is a complete list of winners since the league's inception:
SeasonWinnerPointsCoach
2004–05Knoxville Ice Bears—Jim Bermingham
2005–06Knoxville Ice Bears—Jim Bermingham
2006–07Columbus Cottonmouths—Jerome Bechard
2007–08Knoxville Ice Bears—Scott Hillman
2008–09Knoxville Ice Bears—Scott Hillman
2009–10Mississippi Surge—Steffon Walby
2010–11Mississippi Surge—Steffon Walby
2011–12Augusta RiverHawks—Brad Ralph
2012–13Fayetteville FireAntz—Mark DeSantis
2013–14Pensacola Ice Flyers—Rod Aldoff
2014–15Peoria Rivermen75Jean-Guy Trudel
2015–16Peoria Rivermen83Jean-Guy Trudel
2016–17Macon Mayhem—Kevin Kerr
2017–18Peoria Rivermen81Jean-Guy Trudel
2018–19Peoria Rivermen89Jean-Guy Trudel
2019–20Fayetteville Marksmen71—
2020–21Macon Mayhem—Kevin Kerr
2021–22Knoxville Ice Bears—Jeff Carr
2022–23Peoria Rivermen82Jean-Guy Trudel
2023–24Birmingham Bulls—Craig Simchuk
2024–25Peoria Rivermen—Jean-Guy Trudel
Note: The 2019–20 season was cut short due to the , but the were retroactively awarded the trophy based on their standing at suspension. Early-season points totals are omitted where not specified in official records. Notable achievements include the Macon Mayhem's 2016–17 season, where they set a league record with a .810 winning percentage (32–6–4), and the Peoria Rivermen's 2022–23 campaign, which featured 39 regular-season victories.

Other awards

The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) presents several individual awards to recognize outstanding performances during the regular season, voted on by league coaches, broadcasters, and staff. These honors highlight top contributors across positions and roles, complementing the league's team-based championships.

Most Valuable Player

The SPHL (MVP) award is given annually to the player who demonstrates the greatest overall impact on their team's success through scoring, leadership, and consistency. Established since the league's inception in 2004-05, it has been won multiple times by players like Kevin Swider of the , who claimed it four times between 2004-05 and 2011-12. Recent recipients include Carson Rose of the Birmingham Bulls in 2023-24, who led the league with 65 points (30 goals, 35 assists) in 49 games, and Jordan Ernst of the Peoria Rivermen in 2024-25, who scored a league-high 37 goals and 20 assists for 57 points in 55 games. A partial list of MVP winners includes:
SeasonWinnerTeam
2004-05Kevin Swider
2005-06Matt Carmichael
2010-11Matt AuffreyAugusta RiverHawks
2017-18Berkley Scott
2021-22Alec BaerPeoria Rivermen
2022-23Justin MacDonald
2023-24Carson RoseBirmingham Bulls
2024-25Jordan ErnstPeoria Rivermen

Goaltender of the Year

This award honors the league's top based on metrics such as goals-against (GAA), save (SV%), and wins. Notable multiple winners include Kyle Rank of the Peoria Rivermen (2013-14 and 2014-15) and Sean Bonar of the (2015-16 and 2016-17). In 2023-24, Hayden Stewart of the Birmingham Bulls earned the honor with a 2.14 GAA and .925 SV% over 39 games, helping his team to a strong playoff run. The 2024-25 recipient was Colby Muise of the Peoria Rivermen, who set a league record with a 1.68 GAA and tied the single-season mark with 8.

Defenseman of the Year

Recognizing excellence in both defensive play and offensive contributions from the blue line, this award has seen repeat winners like Mark Van Vliet of the (2010-11 and 2011-12). Brendan Pepe of the won in 2023-24, leading all defensemen with 13 goals and 41 points while posting a +24 rating. Zach Wilkie of the Peoria Rivermen claimed it in 2024-25, his second such honor, with 13 goals and 43 assists for 56 points in a league-best +50 rating.

Coach of the Year

The Coach of the Year award is presented to the bench boss who leads their team to exceptional regular-season results, often measured by points percentage and improvement. Jean-Guy Trudel of the Peoria Rivermen holds the record with four wins, including 2024-25 after guiding his squad to a 40-10-6 record and 86 points. Craig Simchuk of the Birmingham Bulls won consecutively in 2022-23 and 2023-24, the latter for a 37-13-6 campaign that clinched the William B. Coffey Trophy.

All-SPHL and All-Rookie Teams

Since 2004-05, the SPHL selects All-SPHL First and Second Teams to honor the league's elite players at each position, based on votes from coaches, staff, and broadcasters. Forwards, defensemen, and s are chosen, with examples from 2023-24 including First Team members Carson Rose, Drake Glover, and Leif Mattson (forwards); Brendan Pepe and Zach Wilkie (defensemen); and Hayden Stewart (). The Second Team featured Simon Boyko, Nikita Kozyrev, and Matt Ustaski (forwards); Matt O’Dea and Dillion Fournier (defensemen); and Nick Latinovich (). The All-Rookie Team, introduced in 2006-07, recognizes top first-year professionals. The 2023-24 honorees were forwards Simon Boyko (), Nikita Kozyrev (Birmingham Bulls), and Alex Laplante (); defensemen Matthew Araujo () and Matt Doran (); and goaltender Ryan Kenny (). Simon Boyko, who also earned Rookie of the Year, led rookies with 56 points.

Special Honors and Records

The Wanda Amos Community Service Award, established in 2017-18, celebrates exemplary charitable efforts by teams, staff, or alumni within SPHL communities. Recent winners include the (2017-18), (2018-19), Dave Feather of the (2021-22), Alexandra Crutchfield of the (2022-23), and Robert Dyer of the (2023-24) for his work with local youth hockey and military support initiatives. Individual records underscore the league's scoring prowess, with Kevin Swider holding the single-season points mark at 106 (40 goals, 66 assists) for Knoxville in 2004-05, a benchmark that highlights the offensive depth in early SPHL eras. Swider also set the for most 100-point seasons, achieving it four times. These awards reflect the SPHL's emphasis on balanced recognition, with increasing nods to defensive stability and community involvement alongside traditional offensive stars.

References

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