The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) is a professional ice hockey league based in the southern United States. Founded in 2004, it features teams primarily from states like Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The league aims to provide affordable family entertainment while promoting the sport of ice hockey in regions where it is less common. The SPHL operates under the governance of the American Hockey League and serves as a developmental league for players aspiring to reach higher levels of professional hockey. Each season, teams compete for the coveted President's Cup, showcasing talent and fostering local fan engagement.