Lafayette's arrival may reignite I-10 rivalry

[NewsCopy]

 LAFAYETTE, La. — Danny Smith looked more like a kid in a candy store than a professional franchise owner during last Friday's news conference to announce the return of the Louisiana IceGators' hockey franchise.

It was hard to blame him, though. Not many diehard fans get a chance to own their favorite team.

Smith's dream was actually that the IceGators would play hockey again in Lafayette. Former IceGator and new head coach Ron Handy had shared that passion since the franchise ceased operations after the 2005 season.

On Friday, the duo joined forces with new president and general manager Brent Sapergia with the sole purpose of "bringing a championship to Lafayette."

The franchise, which must get approval from the ECHL to keep the name "IceGators," will join with Pensacola and Biloxi, Miss., as new members of the Southern Professional Hockey League.

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Kevin Foote • Lafayette Advertiser • May 18, 2009

[RCAJUN90]

I would rather not have an I-10 rivalry. Bring the Mudbugs in up in Shreveport SPHL but no more Louisiana teams.

[wcd35]

I would rather not have an I-10 rivalry. Bring the Mudbugs in up in Shreveport SPHL but no more Louisiana teams.

Think it was referring to Biloxi and Pensacola. You're right, it should end there.

[bbernard6]

Definately...Louisiana's hockey market is not big enough to have teams in BR and NOLA like they did when the ECHL was in its prime.