BLACK BEARS NAME CAPTAINS FOR '22-'23 SEASON

BINGHAMTON- The Binghamton Black Bears have named their captains for the '22-'23 season.  One captain and four alternates were selected by players earlier this week to represent Binghamton for the remainder of the campaign.  

Defenseman Jake Schultz will become the first Black Bear in franchise history to wear the "C" on his jersey, serving as the team captain.  Schultz brings multiple years of professional experience to the leadership group, dating back to 2017 when he started his professional journey with the Mississippi RiverKings, formerly of the SPHL.  Schultz has played 33 games in the East Coast Hockey League, splitting time with the Wheeling Nailers, Greenville Swamp Rabbits, and Indy Fuel, before arriving at the FPHL's Columbus River Dragons.  The Rochester, New York, native was able to win the Ignite Cup with Columbus in the shortened 2021 season.  Schultz signed with the Black Bears in the offseason and has played in all five contests so far this season.  

In addition to Schultz, four other players have been selected by their teammates to serve as alternate captains, representing the organization on and off the ice. 

Kyle Powell was selected to serve as an alternate for the second straight season.  Powell also served as an assistant coach on the bench during the team's trip to Danbury earlier this year.  Tyler Gjurich and Tyson Kirkby, both of which re-signed this offseason, will join Powell in this year's leadership group.  Gjurich and Kirkby provided a ton of offensive fireworks last season for Binghamton.  The duo combined for 124 points in the Black Bears inaugural season.  

The final member of the captain squad will be Binghamton native, Gavin Abbott.  The 28-year-old played in 34 games last season and has become a key-figure on the team's penalty kill unit.  

The new captains and the Black Bears will be in action Friday night, as Binghamton will travel this weekend back to Elmira.  Friday night's game will begin at 7:35 P.M.  Fans can listen to every Black Bears game on FOX 1430 Binghamton and on the IHeartRadio app.  The Black Bears will return home on November 11th &12th for Military Appreciation Weekend.  

Get your tickets at www.binghamtonblackbears.com/tickets.

Stay current with the latest team news by visiting www.binghamtonblackbears.com, by calling 607-722-7367, or visiting the front office on the third floor of the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena. Follow the Black Bears all year long on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tic Tok @BlackBearsFPHL.