Hockey officially returns to Topeka

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Hockey is returning to the Capital City after Shawnee County announced the rebirth of two former teams.

Topeka is also getting a professional hockey team for the next three years. It all starts with four hockey games on Jan. 24-25 and Jan. 31-Feb. 1 at the Stormont Vail Events Center (SVEC).

Three teams from the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL), Baton Rouge Zydeco, Port Huron Prowlers and Danville Dashers, will rebrand as the Topeka Scarecrows and Road-Runners. It will be a tribute to two of Topeka's former hockey teams.

When that ends, local leaders say SVEC will be home to its own hockey team for the next three years. Occasionally, the rink will open to the public as well.

"It's so good to have the coolest sport on earth back in our hometown," said Topeka hockey player Dalton Gillum. "I had to reach out to Kansas City just to have a community and a family to play with there. So, to have it here again and not have to travel that hour home especially when I'm dog-tired is going to be so good."

Don Lewis, owner of the Baton Rouge Zydeco hockey team, tells 27 News the new team plans on playing 28 games starting in October through April 2026. The county says the hockey fanbase in Topeka has been extremely vocal about getting a team back in the Capital City.

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