Professional hockey returns to Topeka and fans are rejoicing
The Federal Prospects Hockey League brought back hockey to Topeka through neutral-site games and a three-year contract starting in October.
TOPEKA — With each passing month, professional hockey is nearing a return to Topeka. Monday marked another milestone for the new franchise that will begin play this fall.
In a press conference, the franchise announced the new team name: Topeka Scarecrows.
In fact, it’s far from new, but an ode to the past. The Scarecrows debuted as the first Topeka professional hockey team in 1998. The team played in the Central Hockey League for three years. This time, the Scarecrows will compete in the Federal Prospects Hockey League.
“It has a lot of history behind it from when we had our first pro team,” owner Don Lewis said. “We couldn’t be more excited to bring the Scarecrows back.”
The team name was based upon a fan vote between five different options. While the Scarecrows came away as the winner, Roadrunners, Capitals, Tornados and Wizards were the other options.
The season begins for the Topeka Scarecrows on Oct. 17.
Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com