Leadership: Garrett Rutledge, Athens Rock Lobsters
Press Release: Athens Rock Lobsters Appoint Garrett Rutledge as General Manager and Head Coach for 2025–26 Season
Athens, GA — The Athens Rock Lobsters are proud to announce the hiring of Garrett Rutledge as the organization’s new General Manager of Hockey Operations and Head Coach for the upcoming 2025–26 season.
Rutledge brings a wealth of experience, a player-focused development philosophy, and a championship pedigree to one of the fastest-growing franchises in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL). Rutledge joins the Rock Lobsters following a successful multi-year run as both a head coach and senior hockey operations leader in junior and professional hockey, including the Carolina Thunderbirds and Saginaw Spirit. Widely respected for his tactical mindset, player development skillset, and locker room leadership, Rutledge was named the FPHL Coach of the Year in 2023 and has guided teams to division titles, playoff runs, and league-leading records.
A Vision for the Next Chapter of Rock Lobsters Hockey
Fresh off their electrifying 43–10–3 debut season, the Rock Lobsters are ready to elevate their on-ice product and establish themselves as perennial contenders. The addition of Rutledge as both GM and Head Coach signals a pivotal next step in the team’s evolution—combining roster-building strategy with day-to-day leadership behind the bench.
“I’m incredibly excited and honored to take on this opportunity with the Athens Rock Lobsters,” said Garrett Rutledge. “This is a young but passionate hockey market, and what the team accomplished in year one is only the beginning. My goal is to build a competitive, accountable, and fun culture—one that players are proud to be part of and fans love to support. We’re going to work, we’re going to win, and we’re going to represent Athens with pride.
I have tremendous respect for what Coach Steve Martinson accomplished here in laying the foundation for success. He set a high standard, and I plan to honor that legacy by taking the mantle and pushing this organization to the next level. Together, we’re going to build something truly special.”
A Strategic Hire With Long-Term Vision
For the Rock Lobsters, Rutledge’s dual role offers a rare blend of coaching acumen and operational oversight—ensuring continuity from talent recruitment to player development, and from game-day execution to long-range planning.
“Bringing in Garrett is more than a coaching hire—it’s a culture-setting move for our franchise,” said Scott Hull, President of the Athens Rock Lobsters. “His track record speaks for itself, but even more impressive is how he connects with players and builds programs the right way. We’re thrilled to welcome him to Athens and can’t wait to see what’s next under his leadership.”
Rutledge’s hiring comes as the team prepares for its sophomore season in the newly opened Akins Ford Arena, a 5,500-seat downtown venue that has quickly become a hockey destination in Northeast Georgia. The Rock Lobsters drew strong attendance and community support in their inaugural year, signaling that the “Claws Up Era” is just beginning.
About Garrett Rutledge
Rutledge has coached at nearly every level of competitive hockey, including head coaching roles with the Carolina Thunderbirds (FPHL) and assistant coaching roles with the Saginaw Spirit and Flint Firebirds (OHL). He’s known for cultivating high-effort, detail-oriented teams and is regarded as a strong communicator both on and off the ice. His hiring reaffirms Athens’ commitment to fielding a top-tier program built on excellence, professionalism, and community pride.
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About Athens Rock Lobsters
The Athens Rock Lobsters are a professional hockey team proudly competing in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL), bringing elite-level, high-energy hockey to Northeast Georgia. Founded in 2023, the team launched its inaugural season in 2024–25 and quickly emerged as one of the FPHL’s breakout franchises — finishing second in the Continental Division with 121 points and earning multiple league honors.
Playing out of Akins Ford Arena in the heart of Athens, Georgia, the Rock Lobsters welcomed over 104,000 fans in just five months, averaging 3,733 fans per game — the highest attendance in the league — and solidifying the Classic City as one of the FPHL’s most electric markets. Despite beginning the season entirely on the road, the team’s grit on the ice and energy off it built a passionate fanbase known as Crustacean Nation.
With a name that nods to Athens’ deep musical roots and the iconic B-52s, the Rock Lobsters combine culture, community, and competition to deliver a game-night experience unlike any other. Through themed events, community engagement, and a rallying cry of #ClawsUp, the Rock Lobsters are redefining what minor league hockey can look like in the South — committed to growing the game and making Athens proud, one puck drop at a time. Connect with Athens Rock Lobsters on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter/X. Visit RockLobstersHockey.com.
Media Contact:
Britton Briley
admin@rocklobsterhockey.com
864-747-0646
