TOPEKA (KSNT) — The Topeka Scarecrows will return to the ice on April 3 at night for their first home game in more than a month, with a playoff spot potentially in reach as the team closes out its inaugural season.
After nearly 20 years without professional hockey in the Capitol City, the Scarecrows have quickly built momentum both on and off the ice — drawing large crowds and creating an economic boost for Topeka in their first season.
Jon Kliment, the team’s broadcaster and director of communications, said fan support has exceeded expectations.
“Right now, we’re at 23 home games and we’ve had 97,766 people in this arena, so we’ve still got five home games left to go. We’re easily going to surpass 100,000 people in this facility, and to be honest, I don’t know if anybody could have predicted the amount of success,” Kliment said.
Kliment said the return of hockey has filled a gap many longtime Topekans have felt for years, one they can share with their families.
“Topeka was a professional hockey hotbed that people loved playing here,” Kliment said. “Hockey is one of those sports that speaks generationally.”
He added that community support has helped make the franchise a place players want to stay.
“We have 11 players from the opening night roster still on this team, which at this level is kind of unheard of,” he said.
Beyond the ice, the team is also generating economic activity as visiting teams spend money on hotels, restaurants and other local businesses while in town. Kliment says local companies have also embraced the team through partnerships and sponsorships.
“It’s like all these companies are buying into what we’re doing here,” Kliment said.
As the Scarecrows look to secure a playoff spot, Kliment emphasized that the community’s response makes it clear the team has found a home in Topeka.
“Every single part of it … it’s the embodiment of what you want to see from a community,” he said.
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