Before the Black Bears vs Pee Dee | 2026 Commissioner's Cup Finals

BINGHAMTON- The Black Bears are once again heading to the Carolinas for the Commissioner's Cup Finals. However, this time they will travel a bit farther to South Carolina, where they will face the Pee Dee IceCats. The two teams met during the regular season, splitting a series in Binghamton. The Black Bears took the opening game in a back-and-forth contest, matching a strong offensive performance from the IceCats. On night two, however, Binghamton was stunned as Pee Dee shut them out behind a masterful performance from Parker Rutherford. Now, the stage is set as these two teams prepare to battle for the FPHL’s ultimate prize.

Last week, the Black Bears went the distance in a series against their rivals, the Port Huron Prowlers. Game one took place in Port Huron, where goaltending stole the show as Domnik Tmej and Reid Cooper faced off. Mac Jansen scored early, and that would be all the offense needed. The game ended 1–0, with Binghamton taking an early series lead. The next game shifted to Binghamton, where Port Huron responded in a big way. Their offense came alive, and five different goal scorers helped them even the series. It all came down to game three, where Mac Jansen and Domnik Tmej once again played the hero roles. Jansen scored twice, while Tmej shut down the Port Huron offense, securing a 2–1 win in both the game and the series. The Black Bears now turn their focus to the ultimate prize as they aim to claim their third straight Commissioner's Cup.

The IceCats have been the underdog story of the playoffs thus far, and it has carried them all the way to the Commissioner's Cup Finals. After upsetting the top-seeded Athens Rock Lobsters, Pee Dee faced the Columbus River Dragons. Game one was played in Pee Dee, where the River Dragons came out firing. They limited the IceCats to just one goal and took a 1–0 series lead. The next game shifted to Georgia, where Pee Dee’s season seemed all but over—until, with less than a minute remaining, Dominiks Marcinkevics scored an empty-net equalizer. The IceCats would go on to win in overtime. With the series tied, the all-important game three felt like déjà vu, as Pee Dee once again scored in the final minute before winning in overtime. They stunned the River Dragons twice and claimed the series 2–1.

Players To Watch

Black Bears – Dominik Tmej (G)
Tmej was absolutely outstanding last weekend and is one of the main reasons the Black Bears are back in the finals. He has been sensational from the moment he stepped on the ice in Binghamton. Tmej has the ability to take over a game and completely shift momentum when needed. He can single-handedly win games and is one of the most reliable pieces in the Black Bears system. He is never out of a play and can make highlight-reel saves when it matters most. Dominik is the cornerstone of this Binghamton team and will need to be at his best in order to lift the cup at the end of the series.

Black Bears – Tyson Kirkby (F)
Kirkby is the leader of this Black Bears team, and that was on full display in the last game. Tyson has put everything on the line, consistently making tough plays to secure victories for his side. Look no further than his last-second dive at the blue line against Port Huron. Kirkby is aiming to add a third ring to his collection, and with his veteran experience, he has a clear edge. Tyson will be a focal point of Binghamton’s game plan and will need to perform at his best if he hopes to once again be the first player to lift the cup.

IceCats – Alexander Legkov (F)
Legkov has been a major addition to this IceCats team since his arrival. The young forward was just named Rookie of the Year, and his numbers back up that honor. We saw Legkov multiple times in Danbury, where he was sensational every time. He has a wicked shot and can create opportunities not only for himself but for his teammates as well. As part of the IceCats’ three-headed monster up front, Legkov will need to be at his best as they look to dethrone the reigning champions.

Schedule

May 1, 7:15 pm at The Florence Center (Florence, SC)

May 2, 7:15 pm at The Florence Center (Florence, SC)

May  8, 7:00 pm at The Visions Veterans Memorial Arena (Binghamton, NY)

May 9, 7:00 pm at The Visions Veterans Memorial Arena (Binghamton, NY)*

May 10, 5:00 pm at The Visions Veterans Memorial Arena (Binghamton, NY)*

*If Necessary

Make sure to get your tickets to Game 3 and if needed 4 and 5 by calling the Black Bears office at 607-722-7367 or online at binghamtonblackbears.com/playoff-tickets.

Watch all the games on the Binghamton Black Bear Youtube Channel