From The Dusters To The Black Bears, Binghamton’s Hockey Legacy Is Rich!

Hockey has almost always been a part of the sports scene in the Binghamton area. The first professional hockey team to come to Binghamton were the Broome Dusters. They played from 1973-1977 in the North American Hockey League. That’s when I got my first taste of professional hockey that eventually led to my lifelong love of the sport.

Broome Dusters - Where It All Started

My dad got me and a friend tickets and we were able sit near the plexiglass by their bench and a fight broke out right in front of us. I WAS HOOKED! The NAHL eventually folded and the Broome Dusters became the Binghamton Dusters in the AHL until 1980.

Get our free mobile app

Next up were the Binghamton Whalers who were in Binghamton from 1980-1990 and have one of the most recognizable songs played during a hockey game called Brass Bonanza. They were also known for having their own cheerleaders called the “Whalerettes”.The Whalers were the AHL affiliate to the Hartford Whalers and Washington Capitals.

Binghamton Rangers Chuck-a-Puck

The Binghamton Whalers eventually relocated leaving room for the Binghamton Rangers to fill the void from 1990-1997. The Rangers were the AHL affiliate for the New York Rangers until the team relocated and became the Hartford Wolfpack.

In 1997 we had the B.C. Icemen. Their stint in Binghamton was short-lived and the team was sold in order to ensure another AHL team could come to the arena.

Honoring my friend, John Priestner - It's not the name at the top of the jersey but the bottom.

We endured a few years of no professional hockey but in 2002 the Binghamton Senators first made their appearance on the ice. They were the AHL affiliate to the Ottawa Senators and played here until 2017 when they were bought out by the Ottawa Senators and relocated to Bellville, Ontario.

Throwback Memory - Chuck-a-Puck Memories with Riley and Tara

It’s during the Senators stint in Binghamton that I was first able to share the ice for Chuck a Puck with my daughter Riley and eventually my daughter Tara. Some of my fondest memories are having them both on the ice with me.

Throwback Memory - Early Days of Chuck-a-Puck With Tara

In 2017 we met the Binghamton Devils. They played until 2020 when during the COVID-19 pandemic, they were allowed to relocate to New Jersey to be closer to their parent club, the New Jersey Devils. Ultimately they never returned are now the Utica Comets.

We once again found ourselves without a hockey team but Binghamton has been a long standing hockey town so the drought would not last long. The Binghamton Black Bears of the FPHL began their inaugural season in 2021 and are looking to defend their Commissioner’s Cup title this season.

Season For The Record Books

The Black Bears had a season for the books with 49 wins (49-6-1), 143 points, and 148 goal differential. They look to "run it back" and become the first FPHL team to repeat and the playoff run begins on the road. They return to the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena on Friday, April 18th and the if necessary game at the arena on Monday, April 20th.

LET'S GO BLACK BEARS!