To the Best Fans in Minor League Hockey,

by Brooks Hill

BINGHAMTON- The Binghamton Black Bears would like to announce that Tyson Kirkby has expressed a desire to take the next step in his career, and make decisions to help him in his post-hockey life. Therefore, Tyson has been left unprotected in tonight’s expansion draft. This discussion with Tyson has taken place during a large part of the previous season, and is something that the organization and coaching staff have an understanding for and fully support Tyson as he likely moves on to a new destination.

The Black Bears have benefited from Tyson’s play since our inaugural season and while we understand that a player of his stature wanting to seek a new challenge will be unsettling to many of you, this is a decision that is made with all parties having an agreement and an understanding. We also want to assure fans that while player turnover is often painful, it is part of the “business” of professional sports and we will always put the players first, and strive to be the standard organization of the FPHL.

Binghamton has become my home away from home these past five seasons. In my first game playing here in 2022, I knew there was something special about this city. From winning championships the past three years, to getting married to my amazing wife Morgan, this chapter of my story has been truly incredible. Each championship season told a different story, but I am proud that it ended with the same result! I would like to thank all the fans for the support you have given me and my family on and off the ice. Binghamton is truly a special place to play and will never take my time here for granted.

I am excited to take on a new challenge and join a new team. I believe this decision will be the best for my future and give me the opportunity to learn more in hopes of learning about managing an organization from the ground up. - Tyson Kirkby

Tyson finishes his Black Bears career 1st in franchise history in goals (136), assists (176) and points (312). He was one of two players to play in all of the first five years in franchise history.

I want to begin by thanking Kirks for his immense sacrifices to this organization. He has been a part of this team from the start, and he worked tirelessly to help establish our culture. Because of his leadership, I never had to worry about the team’s energy or focus. I truly appreciate how he held his teammates accountable while remaining their biggest supporter; he found the perfect balance of tough love and encouragement.
Kirks is by far the most cerebral player in the FPHL, and I know he will find great success in his next chapter. To that end, I have had to make some difficult decisions for the betterment of both the team and the individual. I chose to honor Tyson’s wish to move on by not including him on the protected list, as this was the best way to appease both parties.
What we've accomplished here is truly something special, but I support his desire to take on a new challenge. My hope is that he can retire in a Binghamton jersey one day and receive the proper send-off he deserves. - Head Coach Brant Sherwood

Tyson was chosen to be the 2nd captain in franchise history right before the 2023-24 season. Since then, he led the organization to three-straight Commissioners Cup victories.

Words can't express what Tyson Kirkby has meant to this organization. Wearing the C, he has taken us to three-straight championships and became the most recognized player in team history and will be a hero in Binghamton forever. Earlier this season, Tyson came to me and expressed a desire to use his degree and look to work within the sports industry in an executive- or coaching role. After a lot of discussions with the coaching staff, we decided that a change in scenery would provide him with the best opportunity to be part of building a new organization from the ground up, gain a lot of invaluable experience, while being able to start to look ahead towards the next phase of his life.
Having Tyson leave Binghamton is understandably very hard for fans to swallow. We are hoping that everyone can appreciate how much Tyson has done for us, and that this is the right move for him, at this point in his career and life, and we felt that having him go as part of the draft where Binghamton would likely lose four players anyway, made more sense than trying to engineer a likely unbalanced trade at a later point, and would also allow Tyson and Morgan to start planning for this next phase of their life together. - CEO Andreas Johansson

All of us with the Binghamton Black Bears would like to wish Tyson the best of luck at his next stop! We can not thank you enough!