Former NFL player Myles Jack has become a National Hockey League (NHL) minor league team co-owner. He joins his mother, LaSonjia Jack, as co-owner of the TX-based team that is affiliated with the NHL’s Ottawa Senators.
This was contained in a press statement by the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) team Allen Americans, saying it has approved a new ownership group led by the Jack family. The team will be managed and operated by Zawyer Sports and Entertainment and REV Entertainment, the statement further added.
The deal makes Jack and his mother the first African-American majority owners in professional hockey history. Before securing this current deal, Jack spent seven seasons in the NFL before his retirement. He spent the majority of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who drafted him in the 2016 NFL Draft. He came in as the 36th overall pick. The other teams he played for include the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles.
“From the football field to the business world I have always brought passion and leadership to my teams. The opportunity to lead this franchise and serve our great fans is an incredible responsibility,” said Myles Jack. “I’m excited to bring a first-class, family-friendly entertainment option to this community alongside our great partners.”
Aside from Allen, Jack is a partner at Jacksonville Icemen, Jacksonville Community First Igloo, Savannah Ghost Pirates, and English Premier League side Leeds United in London among others.
The new owners are focused on turning Allen Americans into a successful team by bringing a competitive spirit to the Americans, as well as providing a positive impact on the community off the ice, the statement said.
“It’s such an honor to lead such a great hockey team in Texas – which is a great place for families and businesses. We are looking forward to engaging all our fans, business partners, and community leaders. The Allen Americans are a pillar in this community and we will continue that tradition. We believe in bringing people together and sharing memories, and what better way to do that than to attend an ECHL Hockey Game,” said co-owner LaSonjia Jack, President/COO/Co-Owner, Amsonia Sports.
In furtherance to this, they will receive assistance from Zawyer Sports and REV Entertainment, which will be responsible for managing the operations of the club such as marketing, branding, sales, and strategy.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Allen Americans to our family,” Andy Kaufmann, owner and CEO of Zawyer Sports, stated. “We are committed to making the fan experience one-of-a-kind and will continue to make the Allen Americans an integral part of the community. We are just a few short weeks away from Opening Day and look forward to starting our first season with the Americans.”
