Binghamton defeated Topeka 4-3 in the first round of the FPHL playoffs. Despite a late comeback, Topeka's effort fell short against the top-seeded team.
Key points
Binghamton defeated Topeka 4-3 in the FPHL playoffs
Topeka's comeback attempt fell short
The game was held at Stormont Vail Events Center
Robbie Nichols is the head coach of Topeka Scarecrows
Topeka was the No. 4 seed in the playoffs
Mentioned in this story
Stormont Vail Events Center
Topeka ScarecrowsBinghamtonFPHL playoffs
TOPEKA â With the lower bowl mostly sold out, Topeka was ready for playoff hockey in Kansas's capital city. But the visitors stole the show inside the Stormont Vail Events Center on Wednesday, April 15.
No. 1 Binghamton defeated the No. 4 Scarecrows 4-3 in game one of the FPHL playoffs' first round matchup. The Black Bears jumped ahead 4-0 before a furious comeback fell short for Topeka.
âIâm really proud of the way that the guys battled back, a little too late to battle back, but the guys didnât quit,â Scarecrows head coach Robbie Nichols said. âTo hold the top team to 4-3, itâs still a loss, but Iâm still proud of the way they played.â
The rink is prepped before a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
Binghamton Black Bearâs Nicholas Swain (24) reacts after scoring during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
Topeka Scarecrowâs TJ Sneath (17) slaps the puck during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
Q&A
What was the final score of the Topeka Scarecrows vs Binghamton playoff game?
The final score was Binghamton 4, Topeka Scarecrows 3.
How did Topeka perform in the playoff game against Binghamton?
Topeka fell behind 4-0 but mounted a comeback that ultimately fell short.
Who is the head coach of the Topeka Scarecrows?
The head coach of the Topeka Scarecrows is Robbie Nichols.
When did the Topeka Scarecrows play against Binghamton in the playoffs?
The game took place on Wednesday, April 15.
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Topeka Scarecrowâs hype man Gabe Walden stands with the mascot during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
Topeka Scarecrowâs hype man Gabe Walden fist bumps players as they leave the rink during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
Topeka Scarecrowâs Cory Checco (21) dribbles the puck during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
Topeka Scarecrowâs T J Sneath (17) and Binghamton Black Bearâs Austin D'Orazio (11) struggle for the puck during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
Topeka Scarecrowâs Connor Nagy (7) shoves Binghamton Black Bearâs Austin D'Orazio (11) into the glass during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
Binghamton Black Bearâs Austin D'Orazio (11) lays on the ice after being hit during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
Topeka Scarecrowâs Josh Labelle (9) shoves Nicholas Swain (24) into the glass during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
Topeka Scarecrowâs Jacob Gagnon (2) dribbles the puck during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
The puck is dropped during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
Topeka Scarecrowâs Steven Klinck (81) slaps the puck during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
Topeka Scarecrowâs Douglas Blaisdell (20) grabs Binghamton Black Bearâs Jacob Shankarâs (9) helmet Topeka Scarecrowâs during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
A fight between Topeka Scarecrowâs Gordon Whalen (23) and Binghamton Black Bearâs Zac Sirota (89) is broken up during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
Topeka Scarecrowâs Trevor Lord (16) shoves Binghamton Black Bearâs Austin D'Orazio (11) during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
Topeka Scarecrowâs Jacob Gagnon (2) grabs Binghamton Black Bearâs Nicholas Swain (24) during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
Binghamton Black Bearâs Daniel Stone (52) passes the puck during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
Binghamton Black Bearâs Camron Cervone (27) watches the puck during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
The puck is dropped during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
Binghamton Black Bear players react after defeating the Topeka Scarecrows during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
Topeka Scarecrowâs hype man Gabe Walden cheers with fans during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
Topeka Scarecrowâs Steven Klinck (81) scores during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
A fight breaks out during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
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Topeka Scarecrows host Binghamton Black Bears in playoff opener
The rink is prepped before a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
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Topeka Scarecrows host Binghamton Black Bears in playoff opener
The rink is prepped before a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
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Topeka Scarecrows host Binghamton Black Bears in playoff opener
Binghamton Black Bearâs Nicholas Swain (24) reacts after scoring during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
3 / 24
Topeka Scarecrows host Binghamton Black Bears in playoff opener
Topeka Scarecrowâs TJ Sneath (17) slaps the puck during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
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Topeka Scarecrows host Binghamton Black Bears in playoff opener
Topeka Scarecrowâs hype man Gabe Walden stands with the mascot during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
5 / 24
Topeka Scarecrows host Binghamton Black Bears in playoff opener
Topeka Scarecrowâs hype man Gabe Walden fist bumps players as they leave the rink during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
6 / 24
Topeka Scarecrows host Binghamton Black Bears in playoff opener
Topeka Scarecrowâs Cory Checco (21) dribbles the puck during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
7 / 24
Topeka Scarecrows host Binghamton Black Bears in playoff opener
Topeka Scarecrowâs T J Sneath (17) and Binghamton Black Bearâs Austin D'Orazio (11) struggle for the puck during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
8 / 24
Topeka Scarecrows host Binghamton Black Bears in playoff opener
Topeka Scarecrowâs Connor Nagy (7) shoves Binghamton Black Bearâs Austin D'Orazio (11) into the glass during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
9 / 24
Topeka Scarecrows host Binghamton Black Bears in playoff opener
Binghamton Black Bearâs Austin D'Orazio (11) lays on the ice after being hit during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
10 / 24
Topeka Scarecrows host Binghamton Black Bears in playoff opener
Topeka Scarecrowâs Josh Labelle (9) shoves Nicholas Swain (24) into the glass during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
11 / 24
Topeka Scarecrows host Binghamton Black Bears in playoff opener
Topeka Scarecrowâs Jacob Gagnon (2) dribbles the puck during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
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Topeka Scarecrows host Binghamton Black Bears in playoff opener
The puck is dropped during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
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Topeka Scarecrows' late game comeback falls short vs Binghamton in playoffs
Topeka Scarecrowâs Steven Klinck (81) slaps the puck during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
14 / 24
Topeka Scarecrows host Binghamton Black Bears in playoff opener
Topeka Scarecrowâs Douglas Blaisdell (20) grabs Binghamton Black Bearâs Jacob Shankarâs (9) helmet Topeka Scarecrowâs during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
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Topeka Scarecrows host Binghamton Black Bears in playoff opener
A fight between Topeka Scarecrowâs Gordon Whalen (23) and Binghamton Black Bearâs Zac Sirota (89) is broken up during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
16 / 24
Topeka Scarecrows' late game comeback falls short vs Binghamton in playoffs
Topeka Scarecrowâs Trevor Lord (16) shoves Binghamton Black Bearâs Austin D'Orazio (11) during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
17 / 24
Topeka Scarecrows host Binghamton Black Bears in playoff opener
Topeka Scarecrowâs Jacob Gagnon (2) grabs Binghamton Black Bearâs Nicholas Swain (24) during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
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Topeka Scarecrows host Binghamton Black Bears in playoff opener
Binghamton Black Bearâs Daniel Stone (52) passes the puck during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
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Topeka Scarecrows' late game comeback falls short vs Binghamton in playoffs
Binghamton Black Bearâs Camron Cervone (27) watches the puck during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
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Topeka Scarecrows host Binghamton Black Bears in playoff opener
The puck is dropped during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
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Topeka Scarecrows host Binghamton Black Bears in playoff opener
Binghamton Black Bear players react after defeating the Topeka Scarecrows during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
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Topeka Scarecrows host Binghamton Black Bears in playoff opener
Topeka Scarecrowâs hype man Gabe Walden cheers with fans during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
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Topeka Scarecrows host Binghamton Black Bears in playoff opener
Topeka Scarecrowâs Steven Klinck (81) scores during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
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Topeka Scarecrows host Binghamton Black Bears in playoff opener
A fight breaks out during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
The Black Bears, who have won the title in back-to-back seasons, were clinical in front of the net. The teams' efficiency was a key difference. Binghamton scored twice in the opening period and followed it with a goal in period two and three.
Binghamton scored four goals on 35 shots. Three of the teamâs goals came on the power play, too.
Topeka could not take advantage in the power play throughout the evening. Topeka enjoyed five power play opportunities, but they simply could not find the net.
âWe worked on them a lot this week, but it didnât show. We worked on the power play and they had good penalty kills,â Nichols said. âWe will definitely be working on that before Friday.â
Trailing 4-0, Topeka scored three straight times in the final 14 minutes.
Steven Klinck nailed a shorthanded goal as he went one-on-one with the goaltender to cut Binghamtonâs lead to 4-1.
Klinck scored another big goal 10 minutes later. With an opposing player on his left hip, Klinck fired a shot across goal and into the net. It was a big goal to give the Scarecrows life, cutting into Binghamtonâs lead further.
âWe have a lot of guys that are first year playoff guys and when you hear the Binghamton hype, it can get in your head. If we get rid of that first period, I think we win that game,â Klinck said. âIâve played against this goalie a lot and I know a low blocker on him, I did it twice and it just worked.â
Topeka Scarecrowâs Steven Klinck (81) slaps the puck during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
Topeka Scarecrowâs Steven Klinck (81) slaps the puck during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
With less than a minute to play, Gordon Whalen drilled a shot from the left wing. His shot beat Binghamtonâs goaltender from an impossible angle.
The Scarecrows pulled goaltender Sammy Bernard in the final seconds, but Topeka couldnât find the game-tying goal with the man advantage.
It was a return to the capital city for Camron Cervone, too. Binghamtonâs defenseman played for the Topeka Pilots in the 2018-19 season.
Binghamton Black Bearâs Camron Cervone (27) watches the puck during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
Binghamton Black Bearâs Camron Cervone (27) watches the puck during a hockey game Wednesday, April. 15, 2026 at Stormont Vail Events Center.
To keep its season alive, the Scarecrows will need to win twice in Binghamton. Itâs going to be a challenge with the Black Bears losing just five times out of 28 home games in the regular season. But, Topekaâs furry of goals in the final period has the team feeling confident as they embark on a 18-hour bus ride.âThey are on their heels, and I think all we need to do is come out the way we did in the third and weâll win this game,â Klinck said. âIâm not worried, no one on our team is worried. We know we can win this."
The three-game series will head east with the Black Bears hosting game two on Friday, April 17. If necessary, game three will also be played in New York on Saturday.
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Washburn University for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com