Binghamton Black Bears

The Binghamton Black Bears are a Single A professional ice hockey team in the FPHL. The team is currently based in Binghamton, New York.

Binghamton Black Bears logo

TABLE OF CONTENTS

About The Team

The Binghamton Black Bear’s organization was founded in 2021, but minor league professional hockey has been around in Binghamton for much longer than this. When the Black Bears joined the FPHL for the 2021-2022 season, they replaced the Binghamton Devils (AHL) who called the city home from 2017-2021. Prior to this from 2002-2017, another AHL club in the Binghamton Senators played here.

What players say...

"With 4,000 fans, packed AHL caliber facility, fans screaming your names with your jerseys on and signs they made for you, there is nothing more that you could ask for. The amenities that are inside the facility are all available to our disposal. It’s nice being able to get off the ice after practice and being able to walk into the weight room without having to leave the building. Off the experience wise, the city supports the players whether it be recognizing you out in public or within the building. Not only do these fans see you as a Binghamton hockey player but some of them of see you as a role model. The Binghamton family makes each of us that are far from home as part of their own." -Austin Thompson

Visions Veterans Memorial Arena

The Black Bears home arena is Visions Veterans Memorial Arena. Build in the early 1970’s, the arena holds up to 4,710 spectators for hockey games and is one of the more electric barns in the entire FPHL. The fanbase in Binghamton is passionate about their hockey team and the club averages almost 4,000 fans per home game (even more in playoffs). Along with Memorial Arena playing home to various pro hockey teams over the years, the venue also hosts a variety of other sporting events and concert acts that come through town.

How many championships do the Binghamton Black Bears have?

1. The Binghamton Black Bears won the FPHL title (Commissioner's Cup) in 2023-2024.

Notable/Cult Players

A few cult players to date in Binghamton Black Bears recent history are:

  • Tyson Kirkby
  • Nikita Ivashkin
  • Tyler Gjurich
  • Austin Thompson
  • Gavin Yates
  • Mathieu Boislard
  • Kyle Powell

Off The Ice in Binghamton, New York

Binghamton might not be the first place most people think of in terms of hockey destinations away from the arena, but there’s plenty to do in Binghamton for players and fans alike. From small town restaurants/dining, several museums, and Binghamton University being the top ranked public university in New York State, this brings young energy and vibrancy to the southern tier city.

Interesting Facts

Binghamton, NY is commonly referred to as the “Parlor City” which stems from its place during the Victorian era (1830’s-1900). Rich men of industry in town would build elegant mansions in town which bolstered the cities image of being both well cultured and sophisticated during that time period. Sophistication is not a word most would use to describe the city of Binghamton today, but there was a time in history when it most certainly was.

Want to play Pro hockey in Europe? Click here

More FPHL Teams