 |
|
Black Bears Add Veteran Defenseman Jake Hamilton September 18, 2026 |
Posted by: Bob Howard Credit: Binghamton Hockey.net |
September 18, 2026 - by Bob Howard - BinghamtonHockey.net The Binghamton Black Bears announced today the signing of veteran defenseman Jake Hamilton, adding an experienced and physical presence to the blue line for the 2026-27 season. Hamilton brings eight years of professional hockey experience to Binghamton, including stops in the ECHL with the Jacksonville Icemen, Kansas City Mavericks, Adirondack Thunder, Norfolk Admirals, Newfoundland Growlers and Orlando Solar Bears, along with time in the SPHL with the Peoria Rivermen and Pensacola Ice Flyers. Hamilton is also a familiar face to Black Bears fans after spending part of last season with the Pee Dee IceCats. He played in all five games of the 2026 FPHL Commissioner's Cup Finals against Binghamton, giving him firsthand experience playing against the three-time defending champions. The stay-at-home defenseman brings a different element to the Black Bears' defensive corps. Hamilton's game is built around defending his own zone, playing a physical style and providing some grit when needed. His willingness to play a hard-nosed game should give Head Coach Brant Sherwood another experienced option on the back end. Hamilton began his professional career with the Peoria Rivermen during the 2018-19 season, appearing in 44 games and recording four goals and 12 assists for 16 points while finishing with a +29 rating and 80 penalty minutes. He has continued to move between the ECHL and SPHL throughout his career, accumulating valuable experience at both levels. Last season, after appearing in 20 games with the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL, Hamilton joined Pee Dee and played 15 regular-season games, recording three goals and four assists. He then appeared in all nine of the IceCats' playoff games during their run to the Commissioner's Cup Finals, adding four assists. Hamilton now joins a Binghamton defensive group that already has some familiar faces returning from last season. Jesse Anderson, Scott Ramaekers and Cheechoo Lathlin are all back from last season's championship-winning defensive corps, while Hamilton will compete for a spot alongside newcomers Marquise Brown and Martins Leps as the Black Bears continue to build their roster for the 2026-27 season. With championship experience returning and several new faces competing for jobs, Hamilton's veteran presence gives Sherwood another option as he puts together the defensive corps looking to help Binghamton pursue a fourth consecutive Commissioner's Cup. |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
