The falling of leaves, the breeze in the air, the early sunsets — October is officially here, which means two things.
It’s the start of the holiday season, but it’s also the start of ice hockey season.
If you’re new to Louisiana or to the sport itself, you might be wondering how you can keep up with the game here in the bayou.
While Louisiana isn’t a part of the National Hockey League (NHL) and LSU doesn’t have an NCAA-sanctioned team, there are still ways for hockey fans to stay on top of the ice in south Louisiana.
Baton Rouge Zydeco
Within the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) is a home team competing in the boot of Louisiana, the Baton Rouge Zydeco.
Ranked No. 7 in the Continental Division of the FPHL, the Zydeco was established in 2023, with its first season of play starting last year.
For its season opener, the Zydeco will be traveling to Monroe, Louisiana, to compete against the Monroe Moccasins on Oct. 18.
As far as its home opener, Halloween and hockey come together for the puck drop on Oct. 31 in a game against the Columbus Water Dragons at the Raising Cane’s River Center Arena.
If you’ve never heard the word “zydeco” before, you’re probably wondering what it means and how it relates to the team.
The word zydeco is rooted in Louisiana tradition, defined as a blend of tunes that combines waves of French origins and Caribbean music to form a rhythm of blues.
“By choosing the name Zydeco, we are honoring the rich history and traditions that have shaped Louisiana’s community,” team owner Barry Soskin said in a 2023 press release. “We believe in creating a sports team that not only excels on the ice but also reflects the unique culture and spirit of Baton Rouge.”
If you’re interested in following the Baton Rouge Zydeco, its Instagram is riddled with updates for the upcoming season. Season and individual game tickets are available for purchase on the team’s site through Ticketmaster.
LSU Club Hockey
In the name of school spirit, hockey fans can follow the frost to LSU’s club hockey team.
When hearing the words “LSU hockey,” many students respond bewildered to the fact that LSU has a club hockey team.
Founded in 2014 as a part of the American Collegiate Hockey Association and later disbanded in 2018, today’s club hockey team has been active since 2023.
“The group that was in charge brought the team back in 2023,” LSU club hockey captain and forward Anthony Lanfranchi said. “I was just grateful to be a part of it.”
Lanfranchi is a third-year doctoral student at LSU from New York, carrying hockey from both his heart and his home.
“With a hockey stick in hand as a little kid, I met some of my lifelong friends,” Lanfranchi said. “I think to introduce this game to the South, it gives more people an opportunity to become a fan, to become an athlete.”
In the name of becoming a fan, where can potential new fans of this club team find the Tigers on the ice?
Since LSU club hockey completely funds its own team, the Tigers travel to Planet Ice in Lafayette, Louisiana, for their home games to ensure affordability and budget costs.
“I know it’s a hassle to get to Lafayette,” Lanfranchi said. “But I think the more support we get in Lafayette, the more likely that we can get an opportunity to play here in Baton Rouge.”
With Planet Ice being an hour drive from LSU, it might be difficult for fans to travel to games, but don’t worry, there are still other ways to support this team.
From keeping up with them on social media, applying to be a sponsor or buying merchandise, LSU club hockey benefits from every ounce of support from fans.
“This year, we have a couple new jerseys coming out, so we will be selling each jersey, and a part of the sales come back to the team,” Lanfranchi said. “Those proceeds go back to us and help us out with stuff like ice costs.”
On top of its competition on the ice, LSU club hockey also goes out of its way to support its community, including coaching aspiring skaters and hockey players on the ice in Lafayette.
“So we went out to help them skate at this practice, and one of the kids said, ‘You know, when I grow up, I want to be an LSU Ice Tiger,’” Lanfranchi said.
With so many different fall sports in Louisiana, the presence of ice hockey in the South is still growing, and for it to reach the next generation, fans need to foster its growth now.
If you want to be part of the growth of Louisiana ice hockey, be sure to check out these local teams either on the ice or on social media.
