The Peoria Rivermen are about to get some fresh competition from the South. The SPHL has announced a major expansion for the 2026-27 season, bringing the league to 11 active teams with the addition of the Athens Rock Lobsters from northeast Georgia.
Athens is moving up from the low-A Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) to the high-A SPHL, marking a significant step up in competition. The Rock Lobsters will call the state-of-the-art Akins Ford Arena home—an 8,000-seat venue in downtown Athens that opened its doors in 2024. Fans of quirky team names will love this one: it's a nod to the B-52s' classic hit "Rock Lobster," paying tribute to Athens' legendary music scene.
But that's not all. The SPHL is also adding Mobile, Alabama, to the lineup, though that team won't hit the ice until the 2027-28 season while a new arena is completed.
"We're always excited for the growth of our league," said Peoria Rivermen co-owner Bart Rogers. "Especially into a place with a new building, and great ownership. Athens has all the attributes to be successful."
Behind the scenes, the Rock Lobsters boast serious hockey pedigree. The team is owned by Spire Motorsports, a NASCAR powerhouse that also runs ECHL clubs in Rapid City, Greenville, and Trois-Rivieres. Team president Scott Hull and vice president Bob McNamara bring decades of experience—McNamara, a former general manager of two-time SPHL champion Evansville, has also held top roles with the Quad City Mallards, Hamilton (AHL), Grand Rapids (AHL), and Cleveland (IHL).
Athens enters the SPHL on the heels of an impressive 44-11-1 season as FPHL division champions, though they bowed out in the first round of the playoffs. Their roster even featured a familiar face for Rivermen fans: former Peoria center John Kaljian.
As for how the Rock Lobsters will stock their roster, the league is still working out details on a potential dispersal draft.
"On behalf of the Board of Governors, I am excited to welcome Athens to the SPHL," league commissioner Doug Price said. "From their first season, the Rock Lobsters have demonstrated what a successful franchise looks like: Strong ownership, a fantastic arena, and a passionate fan base. Athens has already shown its commitment to delivering an outstanding hockey product and a memorable game-day atmosphere. We are excited about what the future holds as they begin play in our league next season."
With expansion heating up and new rivalries on the horizon, the SPHL is clearly on the rise—and the Rivermen will be right in the middle of the action. For fans looking to gear up for the season ahead, now is the perfect time to stock up on your favorite team apparel and show your support as Peoria takes on the league's newest challengers.