06/09/2026
End of an Era: Tyson Kirkby Departs Binghamton After Captaining Black Bears to Three Straight Championships
The face of the Binghamton Black Bears franchise is moving on.
Following the Federal Prospects Hockey League Expansion Draft, longtime Black Bears captain Tyson Kirkby was selected by the Mid-South Monarchs, bringing an end to one of the most successful player tenures in franchise history.
While the news will be difficult for many Black Bears fans to process, Kirkby's departure comes after the veteran forward expressed a desire for a new challenge in his professional career. After five seasons in Binghamton, three Commissioner's Cup championships, and countless franchise records, Kirkby felt the time was right for a new opportunity.
That opportunity will reunite him with a familiar face. The Mid-South Monarchs are led by newly-appointed Head Coach Mac Jansen, Kirkby's teammate during the Black Bears' most recent championship season. Jansen retired following the 2025-26 campaign and quickly transitioned behind the bench to lead one of the FPHL's newest franchises.
For Kirkby, the move marks the beginning of a new chapter. In a statement released earlier today Kirkby said, “I am excited to take on a new challenge and join a new team. I believe this decision will be the best for my future and give me the opportunity to learn more in hopes of learning about managing an organization from the ground up.”
For Binghamton, it marks the end of an unforgettable era.
A member of the organization since its inaugural season in 2021-22, Kirkby quickly established himself as one of the premier players in the Federal Prospects Hockey League. Across five seasons in Binghamton, he appeared in 198 regular season games, scoring 136 goals and adding 176 assists for 312 points. In 32 playoff games, he contributed another 16 goals and 22 assists for 38 points.
Brant Sherwood spoke highly of Kirkby’s contributions to the organization: “I want to begin by thanking Kirks for his immense sacrifices to this organization. He has been a part of this team from the start, and he worked tirelessly to help establish our culture. Because of his leadership, I never had to worry about the team’s energy or focus. I truly appreciate how he held his teammates accountable while remaining their biggest supporter; he found the perfect balance of tough love and encouragement.”
His impact on the franchise record book is everywhere.
On March 1, 2025, Kirkby scored his 110th career Black Bears goal, becoming the franchise's all-time leader in goals. He also owns franchise records for assists, points, power-play goals, and short-handed goals. Earlier in his career, he recorded the 100th point of his professional career on March 31, 2023, in a game where he scored twice.
While the offensive numbers are impressive, Kirkby's greatest accomplishment may be the culture he helped build.
Named captain ahead of the 2023-24 season, Kirkby led the Black Bears through the most successful period in franchise history. Under his leadership, Binghamton captured three consecutive Commissioner's Cup championships in 2024, 2025, and 2026. Alongside teammates, coaches, and staff who remained with the organization throughout the run, Kirkby became a member of the franchise's exclusive "3-Peat-ers" club.
For Black Bears fans, his departure represents more than the loss of a top scorer. It is the departure of a player who became synonymous with the franchise itself. From the early years of establishing professional hockey in Binghamton once again, to raising three consecutive championships, Kirkby was at the center of nearly every major moment in Black Bears history.
Though a significant piece of the championship core is moving on, the Black Bears remain in capable hands. Head Coach Brant Sherwood has built one of the premier programs in the FPHL and continues to position the organization for success. Whether Sherwood returns behind the Binghamton bench next season or earns an opportunity at the SPHL or ECHL level, the foundation he helped create remains strong.
Roster changes are inevitable in professional sports, but some departures carry greater significance than others.
Tyson Kirkby's move to Mid-South signals the end of an era in Binghamton. Yet his legacy is secure. Three championships, franchise records, countless memorable moments, and a standard of excellence that helped define the Black Bears organization.
The next chapter awaits in Mid-South.
His place in Black Bears history is already written.
Binghamton Black Bears
