(BINGHAMTON, NY) – Broome County Executive Jason Garnar and Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham joined Binghamton Black Bears Director of Media Relations and Broadcasting, Brooks Hill, on Thursday afternoon to kickoff the Black Bears’ 2025 playoff run as they prepare to face the Watertown Wolves in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) Quarterfinals.
This best-of-three quarterfinal series kicks off Friday night in Watertown at 7:30 p.m. The action returns to Binghamton on Saturday night at 7 p.m. for Game 2 at the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena. If necessary, Game 3 will also be held in Binghamton on Monday at 7 p.m.
"The Black Bears organization is ecstatic for the playoffs once again this year. We could not be prouder of Coach Sherwood and team downstairs for their amazing accomplishments this season. Now it's time to Run It Back,” said Hill.
“Winning the championship last year was a huge moment for Binghamton, and this team has kept the momentum going all season long,” said Garnar. “Now, with another playoff run ahead, let’s rally behind the Black Bears and turn the arena into the loudest, proudest place in the FPHL.”
“There’s nothing like playoff hockey in Binghamton and no better time to pack the arena and rally behind our defending champions. Let’s show the rest of the league what a true home ice advantage feels like,” said Kraham. “Get your tickets now and make a plan to visit our downtown restaurants and taverns before and after the games."
The Black Bears enter the postseason as the #1 seed in the Empire Division after a dominate 2024-25 regular season. They collected 49 wins and scored a total of 143 points, while fueling a fan base that showed up in force with 124,838 fans filling the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena throughout the season. This marks the third straight playoff appearance for the Black Bears, who are looking to defend their 2024 Commissioner’s Cup Championship title.
Tickets for Saturday’s Game 2 and a potential Game 3 on Monday are available here.
