By Michael A. Lough

The Sports Report

centralgasports@gmail.com

          For the second time in less than a year, the Macon Mayhem are undergoing a major change at the top.

          A little more than eight months ago, the team announced that Scott Gooch had become the majority owner with former co-owner Dr. John Sapp remaining a silent partner and chief medical officer. Sapp was a key member of a group that took over in 2020.

          That plan apparently didn’t work out as planned, and the team announced that Georgia Pro Sports Ventures sold the franchise to Macon Pro Hockey Group, a new limited liability company run by Chuck and Lanai Norris, who own the Fayetteville Marksmen, also in the Southern Professional Hockey League.

          The SPHL Board of Governors unanimously approved the move.

          The new owners reiterated plans similar to previous owners: enhance the fan experience, expand promotions, grow youth hockey, and improve attendance and on-ice success.

          It was a busy day, the team also firing Nick Niedert as head coach in his first season and replacing him with Caleb Cameron, who played for the Mayhem from 2017-23 and had his jersey retired. He has been part of the front office this season.

          Niedert was named as head coach in August of 2022. He played for the old Macon Trax in 2004, and returned to Macon after serving as an interim coach at Vermilion County of the SPHL.

          He went 12-30 this season, and 13-39 last year, with seven overtime losses and five shootout losses.

          Macon lost 6-1 Friday night to Pensacola on the same day as the announcements. The Mayhem host Pensacola on Saturday, visit Birmingham and Pensacola next weekend and Huntsville on April 5, and close the season at home on April 6 against Huntsville.

          From the Mayhem’s release (with some editing):

          The SPHL announced Friday the transfer of ownership of the Macon Mayhem franchise to Macon Pro Hockey Group, LLC, following a unanimous vote of approval by the SPHL Board of Governors.

          Macon Pro Hockey Group, LLC is a veteran-owned and operated organization under the direction of Chuck and Lanai Norris, who also own and operate the SPHL’s Fayetteville Marksmen.

          Under the Norris family, the Fayetteville hockey franchise has created stability and produced growth in many areas, including increasing attendance by over 100% since purchasing the team in 2017. In addition, their vision has redefined the capacity of in-game production for minor-pro hockey and pioneered many upgrades in the Crown Coliseum to maximize positive fan experience.

          “Our group is extremely excited to embark on this new journey in Macon,” said Chuck Norris. “The Macon hockey franchise has been an important league partner in the SPHL for many years, and we’re looking forward to helping the organization soar to new heights.”

          Chuck Norris, a Farmington Hills, Michigan native, moved to Fayetteville in 1989 when he was stationed at Fort Bragg, and stayed in the area developing residential and commercial construction, as well as owning and operating various companies in town. Norris purchased the Fayetteville hockey franchise (previously Fayetteville FireAntz) in early 2017.

          Norris credits local support from county leadership in Fayetteville as well as the management company of the arena, Oak View Group (which also manages the Macon Centreplex), with assisting the team in reaching and exceeding its goals. He also cited enthusiasm from meeting with Macon-Bibb mayor Lester Miller.

          The Macon Coliseum, built in 1968, will remain the team’s hom.

          “We are excited to welcome Macon Pro Hockey Group,” Aiello said. “OVG has a long history with this ownership and has seen a fruitful relationship with our sister property in Fayetteville. They’ve energized the hockey community there, and I can’t wait to see them take the Mayhem to the next level. Together, we’re going to pack the Coliseum and offer a top-notch hockey – and fan – experience.”

          Norris has named Alex Wall as team president, the same role he holds with Fayetteville Marksmen.

          Wall states that many additions and changes are already underway, with more to come over the summer.

          “Fans can expect a lot from us moving forward – from new and improved theme nights, to giveaways, specialty jerseys, enhanced merchandise, and so much more,” he said. “Each home game will be its own experience – win or lose – and we’re eager to welcome Macon back through the doors for the 2024-25 campaign.”

          While the new ownership shares excitement for changes in strategy off the ice, the on-ice team will be assisted by and develop under the guidance of current Fayetteville Marksmen Director of Hockey Operations, Ryan Cruthers.

          “Having been to Macon many times this season you can see how passionate the core fan base is,” mentioned Cruthers. “I plan to implement a similar strategy that we have seen produce success on the ice in Fayetteville.”

          Cruthers brings years of championship-caliber management to the organization and a focus on creating a positive, competitive culture in the locker room and the community.