In Mobile, Alabama, the excitement is on ice. Literally. And in a very good way.
Because after more than 20 years, professional hockey is returning to the vibrant, growing Gulf Coast city. When the puck drops in 2027, the all-new Regions Arena near the Mobile Bay downtown will host the Mobile Mysticks. Further, the 10,000-seat venue will serve as a hub for sports, concerts, and community events.
And while Regions Bank is, indeed, the naming-rights sponsor of the arena and Official Banking Partner of the Mysticks, our team’s connection to Mobile’s hockey teams traces its roots back decades.
For Regions Consumer Banking Executive Mike Dennis, this is a different type of “Regions360” moment.
Long before his banking career, Dennis played for the original Mobile Mysticks during the team’s 1995–96 season.
“I was traded to the team in their inaugural year the day before Christmas,” Dennis, a native of Canada, recalled. “That’s where my journey began in the great state of Alabama.”
What began as a hockey stint on the Gulf Coast turned into a long-term banking career, and Dennis found growth opportunities with Regions right there in Mobile – then later in the Midwest and, more recently, back in Alabama as the Consumer Banking Executive leading branch-banking teams across the Birmingham and Huntsville metros.
I was traded to the team in their inaugural year the day before Christmas. That’s where my journey began in the great state of Alabama. Mike Dennis, Regions Consumer Banking Executive
More on that in a moment. But first…
Mobile Mysticks Return
The new Mobile Mysticks will begin play in the 2027–28 Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) season, marking the official revival of a team that left a lasting mark on Gulf Coast sports.
The original team from the 1990s built a passionate fan base before relocating to Georgia. The new Mysticks will bring back a familiar name and colors while introducing the game to a new generation of fans.
“The Mysticks name means something in this city, and having Regions behind us tells our fans this comeback is built to last,” said Andy Kaufmann, Owner/CEO of Zawyer Sports, which owns and operates the team. “Regions Bank’s deep roots in Mobile and the Gulf Coast made this partnership an easy choice.”
For longtime fans and newcomers, it marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for professional hockey – along with all the new downtown investments and civic pride that come from having not only a great team, but also a world-class, brand-new venue right in the heart of the city.
The Mysticks name means something in this city, and having Regions behind us tells our fans this comeback is built to last.Andy Kaufmann, Owner/CEO of Zawyer Sports
From Hockey Captain to Regions Leader
Dennis is seeing his worlds collide.
“Now they’ll be back and playing in the Regions Arena,” he said. “How ironic.”
During his two seasons with the Mysticks, Dennis was elected captain by his teammates before continuing his professional hockey career in Italy. In 1998, he transitioned into banking and began his career with Regions Bank.
For a brief time, both paths overlapped.
While working at Regions, Dennis rejoined the Mysticks during a playoff game to support the team. When asked to remain with the team, he chose to continue building his future in banking. He is now celebrating 23 years with Regions.
Lessons from the Ice
Dennis often points to hockey as a foundation for how he leads today.
“Leading a team revolves around earning trust and helping others grow,” Dennis said. “It’s about building relationships and supporting people so they can succeed.”
He also credits hockey with teaching him the value of preparation, strategy, and teamwork.
“In hockey, you’re always thinking about the next play and what gives your team the best chance to succeed,” Dennis said. “Competition is my top strength. Those same principles apply in banking. It’s about working together, planning ahead, and helping customers achieve both their short- and long-term goals.”
Leading a team revolves around earning trust and helping others grow. It’s about building relationships and supporting people so they can succeed.Mike Dennis
Those principles align closely with Regions360, which focuses on understanding a customer’s full financial picture and bringing together the right people and resources to help them succeed.
Regions Bank’s Commitment to Mobile
The return of the Mobile Mysticks to Regions Arena represents more than the revival of a team. It reflects a broader investment in Mobile’s future.
Regions Arena is expected to bring people together from across the Gulf Coast, supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and driving downtown development.
For Regions, the project reinforces a long-standing commitment to strengthening communities and creating more opportunities.
Dennis says it is all coming full circle.
“It’s special to see the Mysticks return and to know they’ll be playing at Regions Arena,” Dennis said. “Hockey shaped how I lead, and Regions has given me the opportunity to build a career focused on people. Seeing my career past and present come together like this is a championship-worthy win for the people of Mobile and a reminder of what can happen when strong teams come together to serve the community.”
