The INDsider -> Nathan Stubbs FRI, MAY 15 5:14AM by Nathan Stubbs

Ice Gators return

t.claude1.jpg It’s time to dust off those old Ice Gator jerseys and start practicing "the chomp." Just when you thought the Louisiana Ice Gators had been forever dismissed to the penalty box of failed Lafayette sports franchises (along with the Swamp Cats and the Roughnecks), they’re back. Ice Gator hockey 2.0 is coming this fall to Blackham Coliseum.

According to a story in today’s Daily Advertiser, the minor league franchise will join the burgeoning Southern Professional Hockey League. The team is owned by local businessman Randy Smith and will be coached by former Ice Gator Ron Handy.

The original Ice Gators played in the Cajundome from 1995 until 2005 (Cajundome director Greg Davis says the dome was not approached about hosting the new Ice Gators team) and played in the East Coast Hockey League. Initially a big success, the Ice Gators set league attendance records in their first few seasons, averaging more than 11,000 fans per game. After the novelty wore off, attendance began to wane, dropping to under 1,000 people per game in the Ice Gators final season.

Obviously, the new team will hope to recapture the glory of the Ice Gators’ early years. Details will be forthcoming at a 2 p.m. press conference today at the Wingate Wyndham Hotel. No word yet on whether mascot T. Claude has signed back on with the team.

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written by Yikes , May 18, 2009 - 01:08 am

Under a 1000 people per game in the last season? I'd love to see where you got that information, because after going to many, many games that year, I know there was rarely, if ever, that few people. Source please?

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written by ICGATOR , May 28, 2009 - 02:08 pm

I was a season ticket holder for the Icegators, there were more than 1000 people per game in their final season. And I will once again be a season ticket holder for the Louisiana Icegators. I have been looking for this day for so long. I hope they draw good crowds in their return to Louisiana.

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written by rambler , June 19, 2009 - 11:34 pm

is the cajun dome really surprised that the gators went elsewhere after their treatment?

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written by dancer , July 19, 2009 - 10:23 pm

The Gators are choosing a dance team. Gator Girl auditions are on July 26, 10am at Grant Street Dancehall. You have to be 18 by Oct 1 to try out.

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written by dancing machine , August 02, 2009 - 02:10 pm

i cant wait to see the ice gators this year ill try to put on a show for them since im 43 years old i dont mine watching the game with the kids and dancing to the music ya play keep up the good music ya played back in 1995 when they first started i had a real good time that year

well got to go gooooooooo gators

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