JON KLIMENT NAMED 2025-2026 FPHL FOUNDERS AWARD RECIPIENT

The Federal Prospects Hockey League today announces its recipients for the FPHL Founders Award.  This is an annual award to a person for their outstanding service and commitment to the FPHL.  

This years FPHL Founders Award recipients are Jon Kliment & David Dell (Port Huron Prowlers).

Jon Kliment has been a fixture in Topeka hockey since the very start and has served in many more capacities than a broadcaster. His presence in Topeka, in the front office, broadcast booth, and in the community has helped shape the team’s culture over the past year.

 Owner of the Scarecrows Don Lewis said “This is an award that Jon truly deserves. Having established himself in the hockey world, particularly within the FPHL, it's wonderful to see him receive recognition beyond just his role as a broadcaster. Jon has made significant contributions to the FPHL by helping to launch numerous new franchises, and his impact has been truly notable.”

Jon’s career in the Federal Prospects Hockey League began in 2018 as the Director of Broadcasting for the Elmira Enforcers, a position he held until 2021. In addition to his broadcasting responsibilities, Jon handled corporate sales, community events, and operated the Zamboni during COVID. After Elmira shut down after the COVID season, he contributed to the launch of a new franchise in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, now known as the Baton Rouge Zydeco. There, he oversaw two fully sold-out neutral site games with a third game seeing over 6,200 in attendance, managing all aspects from sales and marketing to merchandising and group ticket sales.

 Following his success in Baton Rouge, Jon returned to New York to establish the Elmira River Sharks in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL). During his tenure, he supervised all front office operations and broadcasted all home and away games. Subsequently, Jon relocated to Biloxi, Mississippi, where he was one of three staff members in a front office tasked with revitalizing that franchise. He managed player operations, sales and marketing, community relations, and broadcasted all home and road games.

 Jon’s latest opportunity took him to Topeka, Kansas, where he initially operated as a one-man team to establish a new franchise for six months. He later reunited with his former boss, Robbie Nichols, to continue building the team and organization. In Topeka, Jon handles sales, marketing, community relations, and worked closely with Coach Nichols on player paperwork and other responsibilities. Currently, Jon is in Topeka preparing for his second year with the franchise, following a successful inaugural season that attracted over 100,000 fans.

 “There’s a reason Jon was our very first hire in Topeka, and I believe this award perfectly reflects why he was the ideal choice. Jon consistently sets a high standard for everyone around him and invests incredible effort not only in his responsibilities with us but also in contributing to the FPHL as a whole. There could not be a more deserving candidate for this honor.”  Said Don Lewis, Owner of the Topeka Scarecrows.

 Season tickets for the 2026-2027 season are now available. To purchase, call 785-289-4259 or email Jon at (Jonathankliment@gmail.com). Stay updated on the Topeka Scarecrows throughout the off-season by visiting our website and following our social media pages.