Topeka Re-Signs Trio of Team Leaders

Today the Topeka Scarecrows of the FPHL are proud to announce they have re-signed last season’s Team MVP Goaltender Sammy Bernard, Team Leading Scorer Scott Coash, and Community Leader Gordon Whalen.

Bernard, a 32-year-old Goaltender from Layfeyette, CO returns to Topeka after a banner year posting a 19-11-0 record, his highest win total as a professional. In addition to his ability to put up wins Sammy put up a career low in goals against at 2.50, a career high save percentage in .923 and tied last year’s career high of 3 shutouts in a season. Bernard’s numbers were highlight reel alone, but his addition to the Scarecrows locker room and adding to the culture of the room can’t be illustrated by numbers.

"Sammy was the first player we signed for the franchise last year and he did not disappoint us. He ended up being our MVP. No better place to start for the upcoming season than by signing your MVP." General Manager Nichols said about his Goaltender.

Coash, a 29-year-old Forward from Plainfield,IL, returns to Topeka after a season that saw Scott put up his best numbers since Motor City in 2023-24. Coash put up 62 points in 56 games, his second 56 game season in his pro career. Coash scored the first goal in franchise history and continued to write the record book for the Topeka franchise here in the FPHL adding in first hat trick and first natural hat trick before the season was a month old. 

"Scotty was a great offensive force. He was our leading scorer and we wanted to make sure he returned. We look forward to another great season from Scotty." General Manager Nichols said.

Whalen, a 27-year-old Defenseman from Niles, IL, was one of the players who evoked a major reaction when the Scarecrows drafted him last season from Carolina. Gordon’s defensive skill and effort are both notable as he was a positive in the plus/minus category and was able to contribute 14 points for the Scarecrows inaugural season, but his most notable achievements came off the ice. Whalen not only adopted Topeka as a team, but as a community attending over 100 different community events over the course of the Scarecrows season. Even while injured Gordon found his way to schools, outdoor games, parades, and carnivals showing the Scarecrows reach to the community.

"Gordie was a very solid defenceman for us. He had a midseason injury and returned later. Gordie was amazing in the community; never once did he miss a community appearance. Our community is of the utmost importance to the Scarecrows." General Manager Nichols told media members.

The Scarecrows return to the ice this October and will be attempting to chase down the Commissioner’s Cup! Don’t miss a minute of the action as Season Tickets are on Sale Now via the website TopekaScarecrows.com or by calling our office at 785-289-HCKY (4259)!