Myles Jack, a former NFL player, has become a co-owner of a National Hockey League (NHL) minor league team. He joins his mother, LaSonjia Jack, as a co-owner of the TX-based team, which is linked with the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League.
The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) team Allen Americans issued a press release announcing the approval of a new ownership group led by the Jack family. According to the release, the squad will be managed and controlled by Zawyer Sports and Entertainment and REV Entertainment.
With this transaction, Jack and his mother become the first African-American majority owners in professional hockey history.Before signing this current contract, Jack played in the NFL for seven seasons before retiring. He played his entire career for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who drafted him in the 2016 NFL Draft. He was the 36th overall choice. He has also played for 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.”
In addition to Allen, Jack is a partner in the Jacksonville Icemen, Jacksonville Community First Igloo, Savannah Ghost Pirates, and English Premier League side Leeds United in London.
According to the statement, the new owners are committed to making the Allen Americans a successful team by instilling a competitive spirit in the squad and making a positive influence in the community off the ice.
“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 addition, they will receive assistance from Zawyer Sports and REV Entertainment, which will be in charge of handling the club’s activities 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.”