The Federal Prospects Hockey League’s regular season is entering its final stretch, and the playoff picture is nearly complete. With clinches confirmed, eliminations settled, and only a few mathematical possibilities left, the league’s two divisions tell distinct stories — one of dominance, the other of depth. The next week will finalize seeding and set the stage for the Commissioner’s Cup chase.
Empire Division: Binghamton’s Historic Run and the Final Lock‑In
The Binghamton Black Bears (BBB) have been the class of the league all season, and their record proves it. At 137 points and 43 regulation wins, they’ve clinched both the division and the league’s best overall mark — earning the “z” designation for locking up the Empire crown. Their 285 goals lead the FPHL by a wide margin, and their .846 win percentage is one of the highest in modern league history. Binghamton’s combination of relentless offense and airtight goaltending makes them the clear favorite heading into the postseason.
Behind them, the Port Huron Prowlers (PHP) have secured second place with 101 points. Their counter‑attacking style and strong special teams have kept them comfortably ahead of the pack. Port Huron doesn’t overwhelm opponents, but they rarely give up easy goals — a formula built for playoff success.
The Blue Ridge Bobcats (BRB) have also clinched, sitting at 93 points with 28 regulation wins. They’ve been streaky but dangerous, capable of trading punches with anyone. Their 215 goals for rank among the league’s best, and their ability to win high‑scoring games gives them a puncher’s chance against the top seeds.
The Topeka Scarecrows (TOP) have clinched the fourth and final playoff berth, currently sitting at 84 points and holding off the Danbury Hat Tricks (DHT), who finish the next to last week of the regular season at 75 points and are officially eliminated. Topeka’s knack for earning points in overtime — six OT wins — proved decisive. The Watertown Wolves (WTW) and Indiana (IND) round out the bottom of the division, both eliminated.
Empire Division Snapshot
- Clinched: Binghamton (z), Port Huron (x), Blue Ridge (x), Topeka (x)
- Eliminated: Danbury, Watertown, Indiana
- Key storyline: Binghamton’s chase for history — and whether anyone can slow them down.
Continental Division: Athens and Monroe in a Photo Finish
The Athens Rock Lobsters (ARL) and Monroe Moccasins (MRM) have been locked in a season‑long duel for the top seed, and it’s still too close to call. Athens leads with 119 points, while Monroe sits just one point behind at 118. Both have clinched playoff spots, and both boast elite offenses — 264 goals for Athens, 269 for Monroe. Athens has leaned on structure and balance, while Monroe has thrived on pace and creativity. Their final head‑to‑head meeting could decide the division crown.
The Columbus River Dragons (CRD) have clinched third with 93 points, riding a disciplined defensive system and timely scoring. They’ve been the quiet constant in a division dominated by flashier teams, and their ability to grind out wins makes them a dangerous playoff opponent.
The Pee Dee IceCats (PIC) have clinched the fourth and final playoff berth with 78 points, holding off the Twin City Thunderbirds (TCT), who currently sit at 72 points and are officially eliminated. While the two teams could conceivably tie in points, Pee Dee holds the tiebreaker with a higher number of regulation wins — 24 to Twin City’s 21 — sealing their spot in the postseason.
The Baton Rouge Zydeco (BRZ) and Biloxi Breakers (BB) have been eliminated, sitting at 46 and 24 points respectively.
Continental Division Snapshot
- Clinched: Athens (x), Monroe (x), Columbus (x), Pee Dee (x)
- Eliminated: Twin City, Baton Rouge, Biloxi
- Key storyline: Athens vs. Monroe for the division crown — and potential home‑ice advantage through the playoffs.
League‑Wide Themes
- Clinches and Crowns: All eight playoff spots are now locked in. Binghamton and Athens lead their divisions, while Monroe, Port Huron, Columbus, and Blue Ridge round out the top contenders.
- Scoring Power: Three of the league’s top four teams — Binghamton, Monroe, and Athens — all rank at the top in goals scored. The outlier is Port Huron with 183 goals, placing them in seventh among the eight playoff teams in offense.
- Defense Wins in April: Columbus and Port Huron have proven that structure and goaltending can neutralize even the league’s most explosive offenses.
- Momentum Matters: Binghamton, Monroe, and Blue Ridge enter the postseason on winning streaks, while Pee Dee and Topeka have stabilized just in time.
What’s Next
With the playoff field set, the focus now shifts to seeding and matchups. Athens and Monroe will battle for the Continental crown, while the Empire stage is essentially set. The postseason bracket promises compelling first‑round pairings — including potential Athens/Monroe‑Pee Dee and Port Huron‑Blue Ridge showdowns.
The 2026 FPHL postseason is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. The heavyweights are rolling, the challengers are fearless, and the ice is about to get very crowded.
Jarrett Cross
Learn more about the FPHL Playoff system in one of our recent articles!
Curious about how the league decides against teams who tie in points? We’ve got an article on the FPHL Tiebreaker System.
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