DON LEWIS, FPHL EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

Binghamton, NY – The Federal Prospects Hockey League today announces its selection for the FPHL Executive of The Year. This is An annual award determined in a vote of the FPHL Board of Governors and then a verification by the FPHL League Staff.  

The FPHL Congratulates Don Lewis of the Baton Rouge Zydeco as the recipient for  2024-25 FPHL Executive of The Year.

Don's career in sports management is marked by numerous significant achievements that have positioned him as an innovative leader in the industry. From 2011 to 2014, he served as the Assistant General Manager for First Arena and the Elmira Jackals Hockey Team in Elmira, NY, where he guided a period of impressive growth, reaching over 31 sellout games with standing room only. From 2014 to 2017, he became a business partner with the Elmira Pioneers Baseball Club in Elmira, NY, during which time they consistently topped the league in attendance, highlighting his commitment to building strong fan relationships.




Between 2017 and 2020, Lewis owned the Mansfield Destroyers Baseball Club in Mansfield, PA, once again leading the league in attendance and showcasing his talent for creating a thriving sports culture. From 2020 to 2023, he owned the Auburn Doubledays Baseball Club in Auburn, NY, helping the team become one of the top draws among 16 franchises, a testament to his dedication to excellence. He also owned the Geneva Red Wings and Newark Pilots during the 2020-2023 seasons.


In the 2023-2024 season, Lewis took on the role of team President for the new expansion FPHL team, the Baton Rouge Zydeco, leading the franchise to an unprecedented league record of over 110,000 fans, most ever in league history during that time. In the current 2024-2025 season, he has not only achieved success with corporate partnerships but has also played a crucial role in overseeing the Dashers Hockey Club and Mississippi Seawolves towards the second half of the 2024-2025 season. Under his leadership, the Baton Rouge Zydeco secured their first-ever playoff berth. Looking ahead, Lewis is excited to be part of the ownership group with Chris Bryniarski for teams in Mississippi, Baton Rouge, and Topeka for the 2025-2026 season.



"I can only achieve my full potential with the outstanding staff surrounding me. I am deeply thankful to the team in Baton Rouge; though we may be small, we are truly strong. Hope, MJ, Keith, Bryan, Grace, Lucy, Dr. Julie, and Coach Thompson consistently exceed their job descriptions to keep the Zydeco organization thriving. Our team captains and all the players also rise to the occasion throughout the season, ensuring we give back to the entire community time and again. The staff, under Jessica's leadership with the Dashers Hockey Team, has demonstrated how an organization can remain unified during difficult times. I also want to express my gratitude to the staff in Mississippi starting with Danielle and Job for standing by me through the emotional highs and lows of the taxing 2024-2025 season. Their commitment ensured that the players received the best of our availability care and that the fans could attend every home game to cheer on the Seawolves. Additionally, I want to extend my thanks to all the organizations in the FPHL that came together this season to support Mississippi and the Dashers Hockey Team. The backing from other owners, presidents, and general managers truly exemplifies what the FPHL stands for.” 


The FPHL is a Single-A Minor Professional hockey league operating in its 15th season during 2024-25.