Binghamton Black Bears Go For First Place This Weekend

After seven straight seasons of no playoffs for Binghamton hockey, it all changed when the Binghamton Black Bears came to town last year. In their first year as a franchise, they made the playoffs and were seconds away from advancing to the quarterfinals in the Commissioner's Cup Playoffs. They were eventually ousted by their nemesis, the Danbury Hat Tricks.

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The Binghamton Black Bears are now two for two in making the playoffs after clinching a spot on the road against Port Huron last Saturday.. The Bears are in second place in the Empire Division and can take the top spot with a win at home on Friday, February 17th.

The dreaded Danbury Hat Tricks will be coming to the Veterans Memorial Arena for the final time this year. They have a two-point lead over Binghamton and a regulation win will give the Black Bears the top spot in the Eastern Division.

Difference Between NHL and Federal Prospects Hockey League Point System

The point system in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) is different then the NHL or the AHL. In the FPHL, you get three points for a regulation win, two points for an overtime win and one point for an over time loss.

I LOVE this point system because it puts the emphasis on winning in regulation. In the NHL and AHL, you get two points for a regulation or overtime win. If a team is tied near the end of regulation, they might skate conservatively so it goes to overtime and they'll be assured at least one point.

Binghamton Black Bears Go For First Place This Weekend

In the FPHL, they are encouraged to win in regulation, so it makes for a much more exciting game down the stretch. This also makes Friday nights game extra special. It's also the final time that the Hat Tricks will be in town during the regular season.

On Friday, you'll want to get there early and plan to stay late. It's 2 for 1 Beer night through the 1st period. Then stick around after the Black Bears win (and even if they lost) for a free post-game skate with the Binghamton Black Bears players.

Free Skate After The Game With The Binghamton Black Bears

It's free but you have to bring your own skates to get on the ice. Face-off is at 7 p.m. and I'll be doing Chuck-a-Puck between the 2nd and 3rd period.