On what team owner Keith Jeffries called “an exciting day for the Huntsville Havoc. A new era is dawning for the Huntsville Havoc … but it will be off the ice.

In fact, and another step forward for hockey in Huntsville and across North Alabama.”

The Havoc announced Thursday that Zawyer Sports & Entertainment has acquired a controlling interest in the team. Zawyer is a Jacksonville, Fla.,-based sports ownership and management company.

Keith and Becky Jeffries, who have held majority ownership since the team’s inception in 2004, will remain as the largest minority partner.

“The time is right to bring in a managing partner that can help take the Huntsville Havoc into its next chapter,” said Keith Jeffries. “Becky and I are incredibly proud of what the Havoc has become and what this organization has meant to our family and the Huntsville community over the years. Andy Kaufmann and the team at Zawyer Sports & Entertainment share our vision for what this organization can continue to become.

“I will remain involved with the Havoc, and our front office staff will remain intact, while Zawyer brings additional resources, experience and opportunities that will help us continue to grow.”

Zawyer owns and operates the ECHL’s Jacksonville Icemen, Greensboro Gargoyles, and Savannah Ghost Pirates; the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers; and the SPHL’s newest member, the Mobile Mysticks.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Huntsville Havoc to the Zawyer Sports & Entertainment family,” said Zawyer CEO Andy Kaufmann. “The Havoc have built something truly special in Huntsville, with a winning tradition, an incredibly loyal fan base and deep roots in the North Alabama community.

“We’re proud to join that tradition and build on the strong foundation already in place.”

Von Braun Center officials said they are excited about the partnership with Zawyer and the opportunities for the team and Huntsville.

“For more than 20 years, the Huntsville Havoc have been an important part of the Von Braun Center and the Huntsville community, bringing tremendous energy to Propst Arena and creating memorable experiences for fans throughout North Alabama,” said VBC CEO Steve Maples. “We are excited to welcome Andy Kaufmann and Zawyer Sports & Entertainment into this next chapter of Havoc hockey.

“We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the organization and working together to build on its success while delivering outstanding sports and entertainment experiences for our community.”

Zawyer also owns and operates the Minor League Baseball Gastonia Ghost Peppers, the UPSHOT League, a women’s professional basketball league, and owns and operates its teams in Jacksonville, Savannah, Charlotte, Greensboro, and Baltimore.

In addition to its owned properties, Zawyer provides operational management for the ECHL’s Augusta Lynx and Tahoe Knight Monsters, as well as UPSHOT Nashville.

The SPHL Board of Governors approved the transaction at their annual meeting last month. The Havoc is a founding member of the league.

“On behalf of the SPHL, I want to recognize Keith Jeffries for his tremendous leadership and commitment to the Huntsville Havoc and the Huntsville community,” said SPHL Commissioner Doug Price. “The Havoc have long been one of our league’s premier organizations, and we are excited to welcome Andy Kaufmann and Zawyer Sports & Entertainment into the Havoc family.

“We look forward to working with them as they build on the strong foundation already in place and continue the organization’s tradition of success both on and off the ice.”

The Havoc hosts Pensacola in a preseason game Oct. 9 at Propst Arena at the VBC. For tickets, click here.

The home opener is Oct. 23 when the Ice Flyers return to Propst Arena. Season tickets, mini plans and groups are on sale; single game tickets go on sale 10 a.m. today.

For ticket information, click here.

“We look forward to continuing the Havoc’s commitment to the community, creating great experiences for fans and families, and making an even greater impact throughout North Alabama,” Kaufmann said.