Master Boat Builders Becomes the First Official Partner of Mobile Pro Hockey
MOBILE, AL – Mobile Pro Hockey and Zawyer Sports & Entertainment is proud to announce that Master Boat Builders Inc. has become the first official partner of Mobile Pro Hockey.
“The Mobile community is proud, passionate and loyal,” said Zawyer Sports Chief Revenue Officer Mike DeMartino. “This city has been thirsting for a franchise like the Mobile Hockey Team to call their own. When we announced that a new team is on the way, the overwhelming support and enthusiasm has been awesome. From a business standpoint, leading the way of this support is Master Boat Builders – a regional company with a long, proud history of serving the community as a significant employer. Zawyer Sports and the Mobile Hockey Team could not be more thrilled to announce Master Boat Builders as our team’s first Official Partner!”
The partnership is already underway, as Master Boat Builders is currently the Presenting Partner for the team’s next two build years. The team is expected to begin play for the 2027-2028 SPHL season, and it is as that point that Master Boat Builders will then become an Official Partner of the team. The team’s name is expected to be announced at some point in the spring.
Professional hockey returns to Mobile after a 22-year absence. The city was previously home to the Mobile Mysticks of the ECHL, who competed from 1995 through 2002. This expansion team will compete in the SPHL, which is currently in its 22nd season with 10 member teams throughout the southeastern and midwestern United States.
“Mobile has nothing but great things ahead of it and we see this team as another investment in the momentum of the Gulf Coast,” said Garrett Rice, President of Master Boat Builders. “As the shipbuilding and maritime industry continues to grow throughout our region, bringing with it new jobs and long-term opportunity, we’re glad to support an anchor attraction that will bring people together downtown and help showcase our city as its best. We are excited to partner with Zawyer Sports & Entertainment to welcome professional hockey back to Mobile.”
After losing their small seafood shop to the devastating impact of Hurricane Frederic in 1979, owner Michael Rice endeavored into a new path of building boats. Within months, Master Boat Builders was founded. What started as a small venture has become an internationally recognized workboat business. For over 45 years, Master Boat Builders has built approximately 450 vessels to customers worldwide. They strive to build and design quality boats built to last at an economic cost. For more information visit www.masterboat.net
Mobile’s new team will play home games at Mobile Arena, a 10,000-seat venue that is currently under construction and is set to open in early 2027. The Arena is managed by Oak View Group.
Mobile Pro Hockey is owned and operated by Zawyer Sports & Entertainment, a professional sports management group based in Jacksonville, Florida, that operates multiple hockey franchises, including the ECHL’s Jacksonville Icemen, Savannah Ghost Pirates, Greensboro Gargoyles, and the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers.
Now in its 22nd season, the SPHL is comprised of 10 member teams located throughout the southeastern and midwestern United States. Headquartered in Huntersville, North Carolina, the mission of the SPHL is to provide a quality family-friendly entertainment product structured inside an economic model that is viable for small and mid-size markets and arenas.
