Athens, Ga. (December 3, 2024) – Piedmont and the Athens Rock Lobsters announced they have signed a three-year sports medicine and marketing partnership agreement, positioning Piedmont as the official healthcare provider for the team. As part of the partnership, Piedmont orthopedic surgeon Alex Graf, M.D., will serve as the team physician, providing the players with specialized sports medicine care and ensuring seamless access to comprehensive health care services.
The agreement unites Piedmont, Georgia’s leading health-care organization, with 1,755 locations, serving communities that comprise 85 percent of Georgia’s population, with the new member of the Federal Prospects Hockey League. Named after the first single released by the Athens band, the B-52s, the Athens Rock Lobsters will be in Akins Ford Arena. The opening night puck drops on Friday, Dec. 6, for the first home game.
“Launching a partnership with the Athens Rock Lobsters is very exciting for us,” Piedmont Athens Regional CEO Michael Burnett said. “Hockey players are extremely tough, very physical athletes, so making sure they have access to outstanding physicians in nearly every specialty, as well as to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, ensures they can compete at their best. From a clinical perspective, we are proud to have the responsibility to provide high-quality, patient-centered care to the players.”
"Our three-year partnership with Piedmont marks an exciting chapter for professional and youth hockey in Athens," said Scott Hull, executive vice president of the Athens Rock Lobsters. "Their knowledge and impact in the community perfectly align with our vision, and we are confident they will be a valued partner for years to come. Dr. Graf's tremendous professional expertise strengthens both organizations, and we are proud to stand alongside Piedmont in this journey."
Dr. Graf joined the Piedmont Athens Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine practice in August. Dr. Graf specializes in hand and upper extremity surgical procedures, treating common and complex conditions from the shoulder to fingertips. He provides treatment for conditions such as shoulder arthritis, rotator cuff tears, as well as fractures, dislocations, compressive neuropathy, tendinopathy and other upper extremity conditions.
The Piedmont Athens Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine works closely with athletes of all ages, creating personalized treatment plans designed to get an athlete back in the game. The team has proudly supported the University of Georgia Ice Dawgs since 2019 with athletic training services at practices and games, as well as providing more extensive treatment when necessary.
Tickets for opening weekend and the remainder of the season are available now at rocklobstershockey.com.