Topeka Scarecrows Acquire Defenseman Josh Slegers From Stockton

TOPEKA, Kan. -The Topeka Scarecrows have acquired defenseman Josh Slegers and financial considerations from the Stockton Thunder in exchange for forward TJ Sneath, the organization announced today.

Slegers, a 6-foot-3, 194-pound right-shot defenseman from Simcoe, Ontario, brings professional experience in both the Federal Prospects Hockey League and Southern Professional Hockey League.

The 29-year-old has appeared in 44 career FPHL regular-season games, recording two goals, 10 assists and 12 points. During the 2024-25 season with the Blue Ridge Bobcats, Josh produced two goals and 10 assists in 36 games while finishing with a plus-eight rating. He has also appeared in four SPHL games with the Evansville Thunderbolts, registering one assist.

Before turning professional, Slegers played three seasons at the University of Windsor, collecting two goals and 12 assists in 50 U Sports games. Josh previously enjoyed a successful junior career in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, where he accumulated 31 goals, 46 assists and 77 points over 185 regular-season games. Slegers helped the Elmira Sugar Kings capture the 2017 GOJHL championship and earned Midwestern Conference Second All-Star Team honors that season.

“We are excited to add Josh to our defensive group,” General Manager Robbie Nichols said. “He gives us size, experience and another right-handed option on the blue line. It was important for us to sign another solid defenseman. Josh moves well for a player of his size and has shown the ability to contribute offensively. We believe he will be a strong fit for the style and identity we are building in Topeka.”

Sneath served as the first captain in Scarecrows history and played an important role in establishing the organization during its inaugural season.

“TJ will always hold a special place in the history of the Topeka Scarecrows as our first captain,” Nichols added. “We sincerely appreciate his leadership, professionalism and everything he contributed to our organization and the Topeka community. We wish him nothing but success moving forward.”

The additions of Slegers continue the Scarecrows’ preparations for their second season in Topeka. 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)!