Meet the Topeka Pilots, the capital city’s own Teir II junior ice hockey team.
Formerly the Topeka Roadrunners, the team underwent rebranding in June 2018 under new owner Lamar Hunt, Jr. of Loretto Sports Ventures. The name change pays homage to Kansas’ rich ties to the history of aviation.
Junior ice hockey teams, such as the Topeka Pilots, play an important role for players pursuing a future in hockey. Junior players, ages 16 to 20, are recruited from all around the world to play for the Pilots. Under the leadership of General Manager and Head Coach Simon Watson, a former player for Division 1 teams Lubbock Cotton Kings, Rocky Mountain Rage and the Missouri Mavericks, junior players work to hone their skills in hopes of being accepted to Division I colleges or catching the attention of the NHL draft.
When they aren’t competing or training, the players are engaged in various community service and activities: teaching floor hockey at SLI; volunteering for Stormont Vail Foundation; or mentoring Topeka Youth Hockey programs such as the Junior Pilots. Through all their pursuits, the Topeka Pilots strive to foster the growing interest in the sport of hockey.
Join the Pilots for their Inaugural Season Golf Season Fundraiser on August 28 at GreatLife Golf & Fitness at Western Hills. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Topeka Youth Hockey Association and the Rescue Mission Children’s Palace. For registration or sponsorship opportunities, contact the Topeka Pilots Office at 785.227.9898.
Want the Pilots, coaching staff or the mascot to make a special appearance at your next special event, party or school function? Request an appearance today!
Check out the Pilots’ 2018-19 home schedule below. Be sure to follow Topeka Pilots Hockey on Facebook and Twitter.
