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Athens Rock Lobsters Gear Up for Exciting Second Season Opener

Sports
June 25, 2025•2 min read

Athens Rock Lobsters Gear Up for Exciting Second Season Opener

The Athens Rock Lobsters are ready to electrify fans once again as they announced their opening night for the highly anticipated 2025-2026 Federal Prospects Hockey League season. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. on October 25, 2025, at the energetic and fan-favorite Akins Ford Arena, affectionately known by locals as "The Tank." The opponent for this thrilling night of hockey action will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Coming off an extraordinary inaugural season, the Rock Lobsters are set to raise expectations and thrill levels even higher. Last season, the team quickly captured the hearts and loyalty of Athens fans, finishing second in the fiercely competitive Continental Division with an impressive 121 points. Their remarkable performance did not go unnoticed, earning multiple league honors and setting attendance records across the Federal Prospects Hockey League, with over 104,000 fans passing through "The Tank’s" doors over the course of five electrifying months.

Reflecting on their spectacular first year, Athens Rock Lobsters President Scott Hull expressed his excitement for the new season: "Year one was bigger than we ever imagined. The support from fans and the Athens community was overwhelming. We made a powerful statement—not just within our league, but also here at home in Athens. This season, we’re committed to raising the bar even higher."

The Rock Lobsters have made significant offseason changes aimed at bolstering their chances for an even stronger run. Under the leadership of new head coach Garrett Rutledge, the refreshed roster is poised to deliver a compelling blend of talent, grit, and energy. Fans can expect exciting new league matchups and rivalries as the team strives to build upon last season's momentum and achieve even greater heights.

The complete 2025-2026 schedule, featuring home and away matchups, will be released in the upcoming weeks. Fans are encouraged to mark their calendars, secure their seats, and gear up for another unforgettable season of Athens Rock Lobsters hockey.

Tom Hoffman is a veteran journalist and the grizzled heart of the Athens Chronicle, where he has reported for over four decades. Known for his dogged determination, sharp pen, and old-school ethics, Tom has become a local legend in Athens, Georgia—a storyteller with ink in his veins and justice on his mind. Born and raised in the foothills of the Appalachians, Tom’s career began in the early 1970s covering labor disputes and civil rights marches across the South. A graduate of the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism, he cut his teeth chasing city corruption, corporate scandals, and courtroom dramas, earning the respect of readers and colleagues alike. Tom’s signature style is hard-hitting yet deeply human. He has a unique ability to uncover hidden truths while giving voice to the voiceless. Over the years, he’s won numerous state press awards, not for chasing accolades, but because of his relentless pursuit of the truth—often filed from the back booth of his favorite Athens diner, a legal pad in one hand and a cup of black coffee in the other. Now semi-retired but still sharp as a tack, Tom focuses on longform pieces that probe deep into regional politics, environmental concerns, and working-class issues. His voice remains a trusted pillar in the community—gravelly, wise, and unwavering. When he's not chasing a lead or editing copy with a red pen, Tom can be found tending his garden, feeding the stray cats that wander onto his porch, or telling stories that are too wild to print—but all of them true.

Tom Hoffman

Tom Hoffman is a veteran journalist and the grizzled heart of the Athens Chronicle, where he has reported for over four decades. Known for his dogged determination, sharp pen, and old-school ethics, Tom has become a local legend in Athens, Georgia—a storyteller with ink in his veins and justice on his mind. Born and raised in the foothills of the Appalachians, Tom’s career began in the early 1970s covering labor disputes and civil rights marches across the South. A graduate of the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism, he cut his teeth chasing city corruption, corporate scandals, and courtroom dramas, earning the respect of readers and colleagues alike. Tom’s signature style is hard-hitting yet deeply human. He has a unique ability to uncover hidden truths while giving voice to the voiceless. Over the years, he’s won numerous state press awards, not for chasing accolades, but because of his relentless pursuit of the truth—often filed from the back booth of his favorite Athens diner, a legal pad in one hand and a cup of black coffee in the other. Now semi-retired but still sharp as a tack, Tom focuses on longform pieces that probe deep into regional politics, environmental concerns, and working-class issues. His voice remains a trusted pillar in the community—gravelly, wise, and unwavering. When he's not chasing a lead or editing copy with a red pen, Tom can be found tending his garden, feeding the stray cats that wander onto his porch, or telling stories that are too wild to print—but all of them true.

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