HUNTSVILLE, AL – The Huntsville Havoc today announced that Zawyer Sports & Entertainment has acquired a controlling interest in the team. Keith and Becky Jeffries, the team’s current owners who have held majority ownership since the team’s inception in 2004, will remain as the largest minority partner.
The Havoc’s day-to-day business operations and front office staff will not change as a result of the ownership transfer.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Huntsville Havoc to the Zawyer Sports & Entertainment family,” said Zawyer Sports & Entertainment 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. 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.”
“The time is right to bring in a managing partner that can help take the Huntsville Havoc into its next chapter,” said Havoc owner 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. This is an exciting day for the Huntsville Havoc and another step forward for hockey in Huntsville and across North Alabama.”
The Huntsville Havoc are the latest addition to Zawyer Sports & Entertainment’s family of teams. Zawyer owns and operates the ECHL’s Jacksonville Icemen, Greensboro Gargoyles, and Savannah Ghost Pirates; the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers; and the SPHL’s Mobile Mysticks and Huntsville Havoc. The company also owns and operates the Gastonia Ghost Peppers, Community First Igloo, Ghost Pirates Ice Cove, and 32 Degrees Marketing, a full-service marketing & screenprint/embroidery agency. Zawyer also owns 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.
“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 Von Braun Center 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.”
The SPHL Board of Governors approved the transaction at their annual meetings last month.
“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 2026-27 home opener will be played at Propst Arena on Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. Season tickets, mini plans and groups are on sale now. Single game tickets will go on sale on September 9 at 10 a.m.