Black Bears Named CJ Stubbs Team Captain

The Binghamton Black Bears have chosen a new leader for the upcoming 2026-27 hockey season.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Hockey

Expressive sports illustration of a hockey player in black and gold gear moving dynamically across the ice inside an arena. — The Binghamton Black Bears have named CJ Stubbs as their third team captain, selecting the playoff MVP to lead the roster for the 2026-27 season. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Binghamton Black Bears have appointed CJ Stubbs as the third captain in franchise history. He replaces Tyson Kirkby, who departed the team following the 2026 FPHL Expansion Draft.

Why it matters

The leadership change arrives as the organization aims to defend their recent championship title. Filling the vacancy left by Kirkby is critical for maintaining stability on the ice throughout the 2026-27 campaign.

CJ Stubbs recorded 62 goals and 101 assists over two seasons, while Ivan Bondarenko led the team with 98 points last season. Jesse Anderson, named assistant captain, played 51 games last year with 26 total points.

The players

CJ Stubbs

He is a veteran forward and the 2026 playoff MVP who is entering his third season with the Binghamton Black Bears.

Ivan Bondarenko

He is a top-scoring forward who was named the FPHL Forward of the Year and serves as an assistant captain.

Jesse Anderson

He is a long-standing team member serving his fourth season as an assistant captain.

Tyson Kirkby

He is the former team captain who left the organization after being selected in the 2026 FPHL Expansion Draft.

The details

CJ Stubbs enters his third season with the team, carrying momentum from his 2026 playoff MVP performance during the Commissioner's Cup win. Ivan Bondarenko and Jesse Anderson have also been tapped to serve as assistant captains for the new season.

Binghamton won the Commissioner's Cup during the 2026 playoffs.
The new leadership roles are effective for the 2026-27 season.
The season opener against the Watertown Wolves is scheduled for October 10, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This leadership transition marks a significant shift as the Black Bears look to sustain their championship-caliber performance after losing key personnel to expansion. The new captaincy group will determine how effectively the team integrates veteran presence to maintain its competitive edge.

With the season opener on October 10, the new leadership structure will be tested immediately against the Watertown Wolves. Fans can look for Stubbs, Bondarenko, and Anderson to anchor the rotation as the team begins its title defense.

The takeaway

The appointment of a new captain signifies the start of a transition period for the reigning champions. Success in the upcoming season will depend on the ability of the new leadership core to replicate last year's high offensive production.