It’s official, the Topeka Scarecrows are back. They will suit up in the FPHL this coming season.

The team unveiled their logo and jerseys at a press conference Monday afternoon, bringing a new look to the Scarecrows name which had brought hockey to the Capital City in 1998 thru 2001.

The team also announced Robbie Nichols as Head Coach. A champion coach in the Colonial/United Hockey League, he would go onto ownership in the FPHL as he led the Elmira Enforcers to three entertaining and successful years before the team was evicted from the arena in Elmira. This move reunites Nichols with former Enforcers broadcaster Jon Kliment who will serve as voice of the Scarecrows.

Nichols also announced the team’s first signing, his Player-Assistant Coach, Justin Schmit. Schmit has spent the last four years in the fed with Columbus, Elmira and Watertown. He finished this past season in the LHSAAAQ (Quebec Sr A) with the Granby Bisons, helping them win a championship.

Topeka Owner Don Lewis pledged to make the experience comfortable for the players, saying that if they have to fly, they’ll fly, or use the sleeper bus they had just acquired.

Topeka’s home opener will be the third weekend of October.