PPPShow Bob

09/18/2026

Black Bears Add Veteran Defenseman Jake Hamilton

The Binghamton Black Bears announced today the signing of veteran defenseman Jake Hamilton, adding an experienced and physical presence to the blue line for the 2026-27 season.

Hamilton brings eight years of professional hockey experience to Binghamton, including stops in the ECHL with the Jacksonville Icemen, Kansas City Mavericks, Adirondack Thunder, Norfolk Admirals, Newfoundland Growlers and Orlando Solar Bears, along with time in the SPHL with the Peoria Rivermen and Pensacola Ice Flyers.

Hamilton is also a familiar face to Black Bears fans after spending part of last season with the P*e Dee IceCats. He played in all five games of the 2026 FPHL Commissioner's Cup Finals against Binghamton, giving him firsthand experience playing against the three-time defending champions.

The stay-at-home defenseman brings a different element to the Black Bears' defensive corps. Hamilton's game is built around defending his own zone, playing a physical style and providing some grit when needed. His willingness to play a hard-nosed game should give Head Coach Brant Sherwood another experienced option on the back end.

Hamilton began his professional career with the Peoria Rivermen during the 2018-19 season, appearing in 44 games and recording four goals and 12 assists for 16 points while finishing with a +29 rating and 80 penalty minutes.

He has continued to move between the ECHL and SPHL throughout his career, accumulating valuable experience at both levels. Last season, after appearing in 20 games with the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL, Hamilton joined P*e Dee and played 15 regular-season games, recording three goals and four assists. He then appeared in all nine of the IceCats' playoff games during their run to the Commissioner's Cup Finals, adding four assists.

Hamilton now joins a Binghamton defensive group that already has some familiar faces returning from last season.

Jesse Anderson, Scott Ramaekers and Cheechoo Lathlin are all back from last season's championship-winning defensive corps, while Hamilton will compete for a spot alongside newcomers Marquise Brown and Martins Leps as the Black Bears continue to build their roster for the 2026-27 season.

With championship experience returning and several new faces competing for jobs, Hamilton's veteran presence gives Sherwood another option as he puts together the defensive corps looking to help Binghamton pursue a fourth consecutive Commissioner's Cup.

Power Play Post Show

Welcome to Binghamton!
We have agreed to terms with Jake Hamilton


📷: Jason Johansen | Inside The Rink

Full Release:
https://www.binghamtonblackbears.com/news/hamilton-heads-to-binghamton

09/17/2026

23 DAYS UNTIL OPENING NIGHT — ZAC “THE RAT” SIROTA

Today’s countdown features one of the Black Bears’ biggest pests — and one of their biggest big-game performers — Zac “The Rat” Sirota!

Known for making life miserable for opposing goaltenders around the net, Sirota has become a key contributor for the Black Bears, including an important role on the second power-play unit. But while his job may be to get under the opponent’s skin, Sirota has also developed a knack for coming through when Binghamton needs a big goal.

That was never more evident than during the 2024-25 Commissioner’s Cup Finals. In Game 2, Sirota scored the only goal of the game, finding the back of the net just 7:00 into the second period to give Binghamton a 1-0 victory. In Game 3, he struck again, scoring the eventual game-winning goal at 15:13 of the second period as the Black Bears defeated Watertown 5-2. Two games. Two game-winning goals. 🏆

And Sirota wasn't finished making his mark in the postseason. During the 2025-26 playoffs, he scored the game-winning goal in Game 2 of the opening round, sending the Black Bears into the second round of the playoffs.

After joining Binghamton during the 2024-25 season, Sirota has continued to grow into an important piece of the Black Bears' lineup. In 76 regular-season games over his first two seasons in Binghamton, he has recorded 31 goals and 29 assists for 60 points, including 19 goals and 20 assists in just 31 games during the 2025-26 regular season. He also has eight (4 goals, 4assists) points in 16 career playoff games.

Whether he's creating havoc in front of the net, working the second power-play unit or coming through with a goal when it matters most, Zac “The Rat” Sirota is back — and he's ready to make opposing teams uncomfortable once again. 🐀🏒

🔥 23 DAYS!
🏒 Binghamton Black Bears vs. Watertown Wolves
📅 Saturday, October 10, 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM
🏟️ Visions Veterans Memorial Arena
🏆 Third Commissioner’s Cup Banner Raising

The Rat is back. Opening Night is getting closer! 🏆

Binghamton Black Bears Power Play Post Show

09/17/2026

PPPShow SN16: EP 5: The Hot Takes Episode No One Wanted

It's the Hot Takes Episode no one wanted, but here it is. This episode is just Hosts Bob Howard and Taylor Welch giving their Hot Takes on topics ranging from Connor McAnanama, to goalie stats, to chants in the arena, to the legacy of Brant Sherwood if the teams wins a 4th championship and so much more!

Have a take on anything we said in this episode, please let us know in the comments below or send us a message, we want to hear from you!

If you enjoy the show, be sure to leave a comment, give us a like, and subscribe wherever you listen or watch.

You can also listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3bv2FKDFzvxNdLWCeObMBF?si=-n4kcQWTTpO8q6_azVtQ8w

You can also listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pppshow-sn16-ep-5-the-hot-takes-episode-no-one-wanted/id692599195?i=1000790283334

Binghamton Black Bears Power Play Post Show

It's the Hot Takes Episode no one wanted, but here it is. This epis...

09/16/2026

Tyler Gjurich - Tyler-Gjurich_Retirement_Reflections_and_Game_Memories

Hear more on Tuesday, September 22nd at 8 AM on the Power Play Post Show!

09/16/2026

24 DAYS UNTIL OPENING NIGHT — CHEECHOO LATHLIN

Today’s countdown turns the spotlight to second-year defenseman Cheechoo Lathlin, who returns to Binghamton for his second season of professional hockey.

The 22-year-old from Opaskwayak, Manitoba, Canada, enters the 2026-27 season with an opportunity to take on an even bigger role on the Black Bears’ blue line. With the departures of Austin D’Orazio to the ECHL’s Indy Fuel, Dan Stone to retirement, and Camron Cervone to the FPHL’s Monarchs, Lathlin will be counted on to provide increased minutes and continued growth as he becomes a more established part of Brant Sherwood’s defensive corps.

Lathlin arrived in Binghamton as a 2024-25 MJHL champion, helping the Northern Manitoba Blizzard capture the league championship before making the jump to professional hockey. During his rookie campaign, he appeared in 33 regular-season games, recording a goal and four assists while finishing with an impressive +13 rating. He also appeared in four playoff games, adding an assist while posting a +4.

And then came March 7, 2026.

With the Black Bears visiting the Watertown Wolves, Lathlin recorded the first professional goal of his career — and he didn't stop there. He finished the night with four points, scoring once and adding three assists as Binghamton rolled to a 10-2 victory over the Wolves. It was a memorable night for the young defenseman and a glimpse of what he can bring offensively when given the opportunity.

Now, with another year of professional hockey under his belt and a bigger role waiting for him, Cheechoo Lathlin is ready for Year Two.

24 DAYS!

🏒 Binghamton Black Bears vs. Watertown Wolves
📅 Saturday, October 10, 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM
🏟️ Visions Veterans Memorial Arena
🏆 Third Commissioner’s Cup Banner Raising

Opening Night is getting closer! 🏆

Power Play Post Show

09/16/2026

THE 600TH EPISODE OF THE POWER PLAY POST SHOW!

Next Tuesday at 8 AM, the Power Play Post Show reaches a milestone I never imagined when this journey began — Episode #600!

And for this special episode, I’m joined by one of the greatest goal scorers in FPHL history — Tyler Gjurich!

A Commissioner’s Cup Champion and the FPHL’s all-time goal-scoring leader, Tyler joins me for an hour-long conversation covering his entire hockey career.

We talk about his time playing in Danbury, Binghamton, Watertown and Elmira, his experiences playing exhibition games within the Buffalo Sabres organization, his time in the ECHL, and the many accomplishments he has achieved throughout his FPHL career.

And the numbers tell an incredible story.

In 316 FPHL games, Gjurich has recorded:

🏒 302 Goals
🎯 284 Assists
⭐ 586 Points

But this interview is about much more than the numbers. Tyler shares his perspective on the FPHL, the teams and teammates he's played with, the places he's called home, and the experiences that have shaped one of the league's most accomplished careers.

600 episodes. 20+ years of minor league hockey stories. And another great guest to help celebrate the milestone.

This is an interview you DON'T want to miss!

📅 Tuesday, 8 AM
🎙️ Power Play Post Show — Episode #600
🏒 Tyler Gjurich

Hear from one of the FPHL's greatest players as the Power Play Post Show celebrates 600 episodes!

Binghamton Black Bears The Watertown Wolves

09/15/2026

25 DAYS UNTIL OPENING NIGHT — BRANT SHERWOOD

Today’s countdown belongs to the man behind the bench who has become the architect of a championship culture in Binghamton — Head Coach Brant Sherwood.

Sherwood is the vision, the strategy and the man behind the X’s and O’s. Since taking over the Black Bears in December of 2022, he has transformed the team into a perennial powerhouse and guided Binghamton to THREE STRAIGHT FPHL COMMISSIONER’S CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS.

And the numbers tell the story. Since taking over, Sherwood’s teams have posted an incredible 158-32-13 regular-season record. After finishing 22-10-3 following his arrival in 2022-23, the Black Bears went 39-10-7 in 2023-24, 49-6-1 in 2024-25, and 48-6-2 during their championship 2025-26 season.

But building a championship team is about more than wins and losses. Sherwood has built a winning culture, earned the trust of his players and established a standard that has made Binghamton the team everyone wants to beat. Now, he returns for his fourth full season at the helm, ready to chase championship number FOUR.

🔥 THE ARCHITECT IS BACK.
🔥 THE STANDARD REMAINS.
🔥 THE HUNT FOR FOUR BEGINS.

25 DAYS!

🏒 Binghamton Black Bears vs. Watertown Wolves
📅 Saturday, October 10, 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM
🏟️ Visions Veterans Memorial Arena
🏆 THIRD COMMISSIONER’S CUP BANNER RAISING

Power Play Post Show

09/14/2026

26 DAYS UNTIL OPENING NIGHT — JESSE ANDERSON

With 26 days until Opening Night, today's countdown celebrates one of the longest-tenured members of the Binghamton Black Bears, defenseman Jesse Anderson!

Anderson enters his sixth season of professional hockey and will return for his fifth season in a Black Bears uniform. After beginning his professional career with the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs in 2021-22, Anderson joined Binghamton during the 2022-23 season and has been a major part of the Black Bears' blue line ever since. Over his Binghamton career, he has appeared in 183 games, recording 38 goals and 108 assists for 146 points, while helping the Black Bears capture three consecutive Commissioner's Cups.

His offensive production has been impressive for a defenseman, but Anderson's importance to this team goes well beyond the scoresheet. Over the last couple of seasons, he has worn the 'A' on his jersey, becoming an important part of Brant Sherwood's leadership group. With several veteran leadership pieces moving on from last season's championship team, having Anderson back in the room provides the Black Bears with something every championship team needs., experience, stability and a player who understands what it takes to win in Binghamton.

Last season, Anderson battled through 51 regular-season games, contributing 4 goals and 22 assists for 26 points and a +23 rating. He then appeared in all nine playoff games, adding two points, as Binghamton completed its historic three-peat.

From his days at SUNY Morrisville to six seasons of professional hockey, Jesse Anderson has continued to build his career. Now, with another championship banner ready to go up at Visions Veterans Memorial Arena, one of the longest-tenured Black Bears is back to help lead the next chapter.

Three championships. An 'A' on his chest. Five seasons in Binghamton. And another season to defend the crown.

26 DAYS!

🏒 Binghamton Black Bears vs. Watertown Wolves
📅 Saturday, October 10, 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM
🏟️ Visions Veterans Memorial Arena

Jesse Anderson is back. The defending champions are coming home.🏆🏆🏆

Power Play Post Show

09/13/2026

27 DAYS UNTIL OPENING NIGHT — GEHRETT SARGIS

With just 27 days until the Binghamton Black Bears return to the ice, today's countdown celebrates a player who brings 15 seasons of professional hockey experience and a championship résumé that speaks for itself — Gehrett Sargis!

Sargis is a proven winner who has lifted championship trophies in multiple leagues and multiple cities. His championship journey began with the 2016-17 Danville Dashers, continued with the 2020-21 Columbus River Dragons and their Ignite Cup, and then the 2022-23 Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs, where he captured the SPHL's President's Cup. Last season, Sargis added another championship to that impressive résumé when he helped the Binghamton Black Bears capture their third consecutive Commissioner's Cup!

During the 2025-26 regular season, Sargis appeared in 36 games, scoring 16 goals and 15 assists for 31 points while posting a +26 rating. He was even more effective in the postseason, contributing four goals and two assists in nine playoff games, including two power-play goals, as Binghamton completed its historic three-peat.

Now, the fan favorite is back for another season in Binghamton and will enter the 2026-27 campaign as a 15-year pro. His career has taken him through the SPHL with Pensacola, Knoxville and Roanoke, the ECHL with Utah and Norfolk, and the FPHL with Danville, Columbus and Binghamton. Through it all, one thing has remained constant — Sargis knows what it takes to win.

🏆 2016-17 FPHL Commissioner's Cup — Danville
🏆 2020-21 FPHL Ignite Cup — Columbus
🏆 2022-23 SPHL President's Cup — Roanoke
🏆 2025-26 FPHL Commissioner's Cup — Binghamton

15 seasons. Four championships. One fan favorite.

And now Gehrett Sargis is ready to add another chapter to his Binghamton story.

27 DAYS!

🏒 Binghamton Black Bears vs. Watertown Wolves
📅 Saturday, October 10, 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM
🏟️ Visions Veterans Memorial Arena

The defending champions are coming home!🏆🏆🏆

Power Play Post Show

09/12/2026

28 DAYS UNTIL OPENING NIGHT — DOMINIK TMEJ

With just 28 days until the Binghamton Black Bears return home, today's countdown turns to the man between the pipes — the reigning FPHL Goaltender of the Year, Dominik Tmej!

Tmej was spectacular in his first season in Binghamton, putting together one of the best statistical seasons by a goaltender in franchise history. In 32 regular-season games, he went 28-2-1 with a remarkable 1.83 goals-against average and .932 save percentage, stopping 778 of the 835 shots he faced. He recorded seven shutouts and held opponents to just one goal in nine additional games. His 28 regulation wins rank second all-time in the five-year history of the Black Bears.

And Tmej didn't slow down when the postseason arrived. In nine playoff appearances, he posted a 7-2 record, a 2.02 GAA and a .915 save percentage, stopping 194 of 212 shots. He added another shutout while helping Binghamton capture its third consecutive Commissioner's Cup championship.

After the season, Tmej signed with the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs of the SPHL, where he was expected to compete with three other goaltenders for a spot on the roster. But when the opportunity came to return to Binghamton, the reigning Goaltender of the Year chose the Black Bears. Now, instead of trying to earn a place somewhere else, Tmej is back in Binghamton for his second season, giving Brant Sherwood and the Black Bears a championship-caliber netminder to build around.

Seven shutouts. 28 wins. A .932 save percentage. Goaltender of the Year. A Commissioner's Cup champion.

And now the man who helped backstop the Black Bears to their three-peat is ready to do it all over again.

28 DAYS.

🏒 Binghamton Black Bears vs. Watertown Wolves
📅 Saturday, October 10, 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM
🏟️ Visions Veterans Memorial Arena

The defending champions are coming home. And Dominik Tmej will be waiting in the crease. 🥅🏆🏆🏆

Power Play Post Show Binghamton Black Bears