FPHL News: Elmira Announcement To Be Made in mid-February, Black Bears New Close Rival?
January 23, 2022

Posted by: Bob Howard
Credit: WENY

The Binghamton Black Bears could soon have a close rival if the team stays for a second season. Last week it was announced by Steve Donner of Tadross Donner Sports and Entertainment, LLC which is managing the First Arena in Elmira, NY that a new team would be announced in mid February for the Federal Prospects Hockey League.

First Arena

A new lease for the Arena was signed in 2021 with the Donner group and improvements to the Arena are now almost complete. Nationally ranked Elmira College played Friday night as the first event in the refreshed building. The announcement in mid-February could mean next season the Binghamton Black Bears closest rival would be only just over 50 miles from Visions Veterans Memorial Arena to First Arena.

The previous team owned by Robbie Nichols, the Elmira Enforcers went dormat for this season after the county took over operations of First Arena when the counthty and Nichols' ownership group CAN-USA failed to reach a lease extension in time. At this point with Steve Donner now in control of the Arena, it's unlikely that the Robbie Nichols version of a FPHL team would return.

Binghamton and Elmira have only been in the same league for two pro seasons when both cities had UHL teams in the 2000-01 and 2001-02 seasons. The Elmira Jackals and the B.C. Icemen played in the same division together both seasons with Elmira having the edge in wins overall.

The other cog in this coming to a reality is that Binghamton could play host to an ECHL team next season. Nothing has been announced or finalized in an ECHL coming to Binghamton, but a possible ECHL affiliated Ottawa Senators has been talked about. But that needs to treated as just a rumor at this time.

Binghamton Hockey.net will keep close to this story and will update you as we hear more.