"They will be fired on spot": Paul Bissonnette and Ryan Whitney make their feelings known about co-owning Greensboro ECHL expansion team

Paul Bissonnette and Ryan Whitney have officially become co-owners of an ECHL expansion team in Greensboro, North Carolina. The announcement came on Episode 540 of their podcast, Spittin’ Chiclets. They, along with co-host, Keith Yandle and producer Mike Grinnell, are part of the ownership group. Greensboro’s new team will begin play in October 2025 at the First Horizon Coliseum.

Bissonnette and Whitney expressed excitement about their new role. Bissonnette called it the biggest moment in the podcast’s history.

"Speaking of teams, we have another big announcement," Bissonnette said. "This might be, in fact, the biggest one in Spittin’ Chiclets history. We've been talking all this time about getting involved in the ECHL. Well, it has finally happened. We are co-owners in an ECHL professional hockey team in Greensboro, North Carolina." [10:20]

The team’s name and logo will be revealed at a press conference (6:30 PM Eastern time, Greensboro), but they praised the design. Whitney said fans will be just as impressed as they are.

"The logo and the name is phenomenal. It's unbelievable," Whitney said.

The new owners also shared their plans for the team. Paul Bissonnette said he would take an active role in overseeing many decisions. He joked about running the team like Jerry Jones or Lou Lamoriello, promising a strong focus on winning.

"I'm gonna see my role as kind of like a Jerry Jones/Lou Lamoriello," Bissonnette said. "I'm gonna have my fucking hands on everything. Vince McMahon ring. I will be doing media hits. If any of these media members question the moves I'm making, they will be fired on the spot. I am going to run the shit out of this team to multiple championships. These guys aren't getting paid unless they win."

Whitney said he’s excited to support players and engage with fans. Both mentioned ideas like bonuses to reward success, though details remain unclear.

"This is unreal. We're gonna run amok in the ECHL. There's no stopping us." Bissonnette said.

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More about Greensboro ECHL history which Paul Bissonnette and others co-own

Greensboro has a rich hockey history. The city hosted the ECHL’s Monarchs from 1989 to 1995 and the Generals from 1999 to 2004. It also temporarily hosted the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes after their move from Hartford. The return of hockey to Greensboro is an important moment for the community and the league.

The addition of Greensboro brings the ECHL to 30 teams. Paul Bissonnette, a former ECHL player with the Wheeling Nailers, understands the league’s importance in hockey development. His co-owners, Whitney and Yandle, are former NHL players with rich experience in the sport.