FPHL 
Hockey Operations
Robbie Nichols
Robbie S. Nichols is a Canadian former professional ice hockeyplayer who competed in the American Hockey League (AHL) and International Hockey League (IHL). He currently serves as the head coach of the Topeka Scarecrows in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) and is also a co-owner of three collegiate summer baseball teams.
Robbie S. Nichols is a Canadian former professional ice hockeyplayer who competed in the American Hockey League (AHL) and International Hockey League (IHL). He currently serves as the head coach of the Topeka Scarecrows in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) and is also a co-owner of three collegiate summer baseball teams.
Nichols was chosen by the Philadelphia Flyers in the ninth round of the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. Robbie went on to have a productive playing career that spanned nine seasons in the AHL and IHL. Known for his gritty and hard-nosed style of play, Nichols suited up for several teams, including the Adirondack Red Wings, the AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings. One of the highlights of his career came in 1989 when he helped lead the Adirondack Red Wings to a Calder Cup championship.
After retiring as a player, Nichols transitioned into coaching, spending seven seasons as head coach of the Flint Generals. He also served as general manager of the Elmira Jackals from 2007 to 2013.[3] Nichols went on to own the Elmira Enforcers of the FPHL.
Justin Schmit
Schmit, a 39-year-old defenseman from Strathmore,AB, joins the Scarecrows after a championship season with Granby in the LHSAAAQ. Over the past four seasons Justin’s teams have made the playoffs three times. As a veteran in the league Justin’s experience and leadership as well as his edge bring a much-needed piece to the first-year franchise.
Kyle Roberts
Kyle Roberts got his start in equipment at 7 years old for the Tacoma Sabercats in the WCHL. He then went on to play junior and college hockey. After that he helped in opening 3 Total Hockey stores in Minnesota. Following that he worked with the Arizona Coyotes and their equipment staff closely as well as managing the pro shops at both Coyotes practice facilities. Kyle is excited to be with the scarecrows for their inaugural season in the FPHL.
Ali Trosper
Hailey Avila
Morgan Birrell
Dr. Morgan Birrell is a board-certified primary care sports medicine physician who provides
Dr. Morgan Birrell is a board-certified primary care sports medicine physician who provides
medical care and game coverage for the Topeka Scarecrows.
Originally from Montreal, Quebec, Dr. Birrell has a lifelong passion for hockey. She grew up playing competitively—including AAA, college hockey, and men’s league—and attended a sports-study high school where she trained daily.
Dr. Birrell earned her medical degree from Saba University School of Medicine, completed her
Internal Medicine residency at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, Maryland, and went
on to complete a Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, where
she covered the Kansas City Mavericks professional hockey team. Her clinical interests include
musculoskeletal injuries, therapeutic and diagnostic ultrasound-guided procedures, concussion
management, and promoting safe, effective return-to-play strategies.
She also covers Washburn University Athletics and local high school football. Dr. Birrell
practices at the Stormont Vail Health Cotton O’Neil Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Clinic at
Kanza Park, caring for individuals of all ages with musculoskeletal conditions.
She takes a patient-centered, collaborative approach and is passionate about helping people
stay healthy, active, and performing at their best-whether in sports or in everyday life.
