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Athens Rock Lobsters

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Athens Rock Lobsters
CityAthens, Georgia
LeagueFederal Prospects Hockey League
DivisionContinental
Founded2024
Home arenaAkins Ford Arena
ColorsCrimson, Sapphire, Norfolk Sky, White
       
Owner(s)Barry Cohen and Nancy Peters[1]
Head coachGarrett Rutledge
Websiterocklobstershockey.com

The Athens Rock Lobsters are a professional ice hockey team based in Athens, Georgia. Their home is at the Akins Ford Arena and they are a member of the Federal Prospects Hockey League. Their inaugural season is the 2024–25 season.[2]

History

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On March 28, 2024, officials at Athens Pro Hockey and the Classic Center announced that the Federal Prospects Hockey League would expand to Athens and begin play in October, 2024.[3][4] In May 2024, voters chose the name Rock Lobsters in honor of the debut single, "Rock Lobster", by The B-52s, a new wave band formed in Athens in 1976.[5][6] On June 27, 2024, Steve Martinson, former head coach of the San Diego Gulls, Rockford IceHogs, Elmira Jackals, Chicago Express, and Allen Americans, was named as head coach.[7]

The mascot, named Clawdius, is a red anthropomorphized lobster wearing a blue shirt, red shorts, and dark sunglasses. The name of the mascot was decided by the results of an online fan poll conducted in October 2024.[8] Clawdius made his first appearance at the game against the Wytheville Blue Ridge Bobcats on February 22, 2025.[9] The team concluded its inaugural season in a three-game Commissioner's Cup Playoff quarterfinal series against the Columbus River Dragons.[10][11] The FPHL named Steve Martinson its Coach of the Year for the 2024-25 season.[12]

On June 3, 2025, Garrett Rutledge, former head coach with the Carolina Thunderbirds of the FPHL, and assistant coach with the Saginaw Spirit and Flint Firebirds of the OHL, was appointed as the general manager and head coach for the 2025-26 season.[13]

Season-by-season results

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Season GP W L OTL Pts GF GA PIM Playoff Result
2024-25 56 43 10 3 121 220 137 1141 L, 3-2 Columbus River Dragons (Round 1)

References

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  1. ^ "Rock Lobsters' home opener put on ice after new Athens arena fails to receive occupancy permit". AP News. December 7, 2024. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  2. ^ Newberry, Paul (May 16, 2024). "It's not a rock, it's the Athens Rock Lobsters. New minor league team honors B-52s". AP News.
  3. ^ Page, Fletcher. "Athens, welcome to the ice your ... Rock Lobsters?". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
  4. ^ "News: FPHL Announces Athens, GA - Federal Prospects Hockey League". www.federalhockey.com. March 28, 2024. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  5. ^ "New Athens Pro Hockey Team Name Honors The B-52s". Gwinnett Daily Post. May 15, 2024. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
  6. ^ Tochterman, Leo (May 15, 2024). "New Georgia hockey team's new name to pay homage to B-52′s". WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
  7. ^ "Rock Lobsters ink head coach Steve Martinson". The Red & Black. June 27, 2024. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
  8. ^ "News: Introducing Clawdius! - Athens Rock Lobsters". www.rocklobstershockey.com. October 18, 2024. Retrieved February 22, 2025.
  9. ^ "News: Clawdius' Birthday - Sunday Funday - Athens Rock Lobsters". www.rocklobstershockey.com. February 17, 2025. Retrieved February 22, 2025.
  10. ^ Kule, Ben (April 14, 2025). "Rock Lobsters split final series with River Dragons, will face them in playoffs". The Red & Black. Athens, GA: redandblack.com. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  11. ^ Kule, Ben (April 21, 2025). "Athens Rock Lobsters lose 4-2, eliminated from FPHL playoffs". The Red & Black. Athens, GA: redandblack.com. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  12. ^ "Steve Martinson, FPHL Coach of the Year". April 18, 2025. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  13. ^ "News: Athens Rock Lobsters Appoint Garrett Rutledge as General Manager and Head Coach - Athens Rock Lobsters". www.rocklobstershockey.com. June 3, 2025. Retrieved June 3, 2025.
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