After being off the ice for 23 years, the Monroe Moccasins are making their highly awaited return to the bayou, under the leadership of President and Managing Partner Parker Moskal. Moskal, who was instrumental in bringing hockey to Baton Rouge, took on the challenge of exploring new markets to grow the league. When Monroe came up as a potential location, he knew it was a perfect fit. The original Monroe Moccasins, who played from 1997 to 2001 as part of the Western Professional Hockey League, left a lasting legacy, and now, their revival is set to reignite the community's passion for the sport.

Parker Moskal is no stranger to the world of hockey. Growing up in an underprivileged community in San Diego, he discovered his passion for the sport thanks to a local rink funded by the Salvation Army. This opportunity sparked his love for the game and eventually led him to the East Coast, where he pursued hockey at a higher level, culminating in a six-year professional career. Beyond his impressive playing days, Parker is also passionate about giving back. He’s involved with a nonprofit called Power Play Promises, which he hopes to bring to Monroe. The organization ensures that, regardless of economic background, kids have the opportunity to get on the ice and learn valuable life skills through the sport.

Bringing hockey back to Monroe hasn’t been easy. Parker shared how they had to test over five miles of coils under the rink’s concrete that help make the ice, along with fixing some pipe failures. To improve the fan experience, they’ve added two new Zambonis, renovated the locker rooms, and installed a new jumbotron video board. Parker says the jumbotron will make the games even more exciting for fans. Fans can experience an interactive gameday experience with kiss cams, dance cams, and more.

The Monroe Moccasins are building an impressive roster for their return. Many of the players have ties to Sweden, stemming from Parker’s experience playing professionally there for a few seasons. The coaching staff is led by head coach Todd McIlrath and assistant coach Darren Dugan, both bringing unique credentials to the team. Dugan, the all-time leading scorer from the original Moccasins, returns to the franchise with deep ties to its legacy. McIlrath, a former Division I player at Bowling Green with extensive coaching experience, sets high standards for his players, in line with the ownership’s commitment to excellence. Together, they are building a standout roster for the Moccasins’ highly anticipated return.

The community response to the Monroe Moccasins' return has been overwhelmingly positive, exceeding all expectations.

The team has already set a new season ticket record, and projections show several games, including the New Year's Eve fireworks show, are expected to sell out.

Mark your calendars for the Monroe Moccasins' season opener on October 11th at 7 PM—an event you won’t want to miss! Be sure to follow the team on Facebook for the latest updates on tickets, special gameday events, and everything Moccasins hockey. Get ready to cheer them on as they make their exciting return to the ice!