Augusta, GA
Augusta is one step closer to seeing ice hockey team
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Ice hockey in Augusta is looking more like a done deal than a distant dream.
Now that voters approved the funding for a brand-new James Brown Arena, the plans are starting to take shape.
Oak View, the group that will manage the arena, is working with a company called Zawyer Sports, whose CEO vows to bring ice hockey to Augusta.
He sat down with our Laura Warren to explain why they think Augusta is a great fit.
Laura: “How do you sell out an ice hockey game in a place like Savannah, Georgia?”
Andy Kauffman: “Honestly, it’s just about bringing the community together.”
It’s a model they’ve been able to replicate.
“Started a team out in Lake Tahoe with our buddy Tim Tebow as the managing partner over there. Started a team in Allen, Texas with Miles Jack, who actually played for the Steelers,” said Kauffman.
And now, they’re planning to bring ice hockey to Augusta.
“We have no doubt it’s going to be successful here, and we’re ready to put our money where our mouths are,” he said.
The puck started sliding when voters approved the funds to build a new James Brown Arena. A former Lynx player named John Whitwell really led the charge and captured the attention of Kauffman.
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“Just seeing the success we’ve seen in other markets that quite frankly aren’t positioned as well as Augusta. Augusta has a base of hockey fans from the days of the Lynx,” said Kauffman.
The group that will be managing the arena is called Oak View.
The Coliseum Authority in charge of building the arena says things are moving in the right direction, and we could see the demolition of the old building starting mid-July, which puts us closer to seeing a contract in place for ice hockey.
“Once we are in about two years or so of being able to drop the puck for opening night, we basically claim an expansion membership in the ECHL and we come to town, make everyone proud, and celebrate with you guys,” said Kauffman.
Kauffman says they take a community-first approach, and Augusta will have a say in naming the team. This will be an NHL-affiliated franchise.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta University’s Healthy Grandparents program had its Christmas party Sunday.
Santa is continuing his trip across the csra and was at the party to give presents to the kids.
The program was started in 1999 to support grandparents raising their children.
They help with necessary services like food assistance and transportation.
We spoke with one of the grandparents about the program.
“My grandchildren love it. They do a lot of things going on the year, like summer camp and all that stuff, book bag, getaways,” said Carolyn Thompson.
The program has helped more than 660 families, 900 grandparents, and 1,300 grandchildren.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, Ga. – In a game that saw 19 lead changes, Georgia College and State prevailed over Augusta 99-91 in overtime Saturday at Christenberry Fieldhouse. The Jaguars fall to 2-2 in Peach Belt Conference play and 6-7 overall. The Bobcats are now 3-0 in conference play and 6-2 overall.
C.J. Jones of GCSU was the star of this one as he poured in 42 points to lead all scorers and also grabbed eight rebounds in the win.
The Jaguars fell behind midway through the second half, but with just one second left in regulation, T.J. Baker hit a three-pointer to send the game into overtime. But in the extra period, GCSU outscored AU 18-10 for the winning margin.
Luis Nonfon, who had another double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, started the scoring in overtime and gave the Jags the 83-81 lead. GCSU then rattled off five straight points to take the lead, one they would not surrender.
The Jaguars had five players in double figures led by Elías Pálsson who tallied 22 points while grabbing eight rebounds. T.J. Baker and Tobias Prall each had 18 points while Charlie McBeath scored 13.
Augusta hit on just 35% of their shots from the field while GCSU hit on 52.5%. The Bobcats outscored Augusta 46-22 in the paint and went 8-18 from three-point range while Augusta finished 10 of 29 from deep. From the foul line, both teams went 29-36.
Other than Nonfon grabbing double figures in rebounds, Pálsson eight rebounds and was a perfect 12-12 from the foul line.
Next up for the Jaguars will be a battle with Reinhardt University on Thursday at 11 a.m., part of Columbia County Education Day.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Richmond County started a search for an armed robbery suspect Saturday evening.
They started the search on the 3700 block of Wheeler Road after an alleged armed robbery at an SRP ATM.
The suspect is described as a 40-year-old black male, wearing all black, a face mask and a camouflage jacket.
The suspect fled the area on foot in an unknown direction.
The sheriff’s office used K9 Units, along with the drone unit, to search.
This investigation is in its early stages, and no further information is available at this time.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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