Hockey is alive and buzzing with excitement this October, as two very different but equally passionate communities—Arizona State University and Topeka, Kansas—kick off their seasons with renewed energy and big ambitions. From the sun-soaked ice of Tempe to the packed stands of the Stormont Vail Event Center, the return of hockey has sparked pride, nostalgia, and hope for both players and fans. But what’s fueling this surge in hockey enthusiasm, and who are the key figures behind the scenes?
Let’s start in the desert, where the Arizona State University Division I club hockey team has taken to the ice under the banner of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). After a tough 2024-25 campaign in the Western Collegiate Hockey League, the Sun Devils are eager to turn things around. The big story? The arrival of Johnny Walker, a former NCAA Sun Devil standout and ECHL professional, as the team’s new head coach.
Walker’s return to ASU isn’t just a career move—it’s a homecoming. Having played under head coach Greg Powers for five years before turning pro, Walker is now back to guide a new generation of Sun Devils. “Just being able to really coach them makes me miss playing for sure, but it’s awesome,” Walker told The State Press. His impact has already been felt in the locker room and on the ice. Senior Kade Olsen, who balances hockey with a demanding mechanical engineering course load, put it simply: “The boys love him. Everyone listens to him, everyone respects him and he’s been a big difference this year.”
But what makes the ASU ACHA Division I team so vital isn’t just the coaching or the talent—it’s the opportunities it provides. According to Ted Burr, the general manager of ASU ACHA Hockey, “None of the players on our ACHA (Division) I team would go to ASU if we didn’t have that team. A lot of people just come to ASU for a chance to play hockey.” For players like Olsen, who hails from Canada, the chance to play four years of competitive hockey was a major factor in choosing ASU.
The roots of Sun Devil hockey run deep. The ACHA team’s 2004 national championship win was a watershed moment, setting the stage for the creation of ASU’s NCAA hockey program. “If it wasn’t for the ACHA hockey team winning the national championship in 2004, there probably would not be an NCAA team,” Burr explained. “That was the starting point to really get serious conversations going about getting some money (and) endowments to create an NCAA team.”
Despite the common perception that club hockey is a step below NCAA competition, Walker is quick to dispel that notion. “Nobody truly understands how good these players are,” he said. In fact, the lines between club and NCAA hockey at ASU are more fluid than many realize. “There’s actually some guys that used to be on ASU’s NCAA team that came over to play ACHA,” Burr noted. “We’ve had a few players on our Division I ACHA team get moved up to play NCAA.” This flexibility allows players to find the right fit and keeps the talent level high on both squads.
Off the ice, the club hockey team is a cornerstone of community and camaraderie for its players. Many are far from home, relying on their teammates for support and friendship. “A lot of us are living away by ourselves, so just having a culture, having a family, having the boys have your back—that’s what we’re trying to do,” Olsen shared. The team also provides a crucial link for local youth and fans eager to experience high-level hockey, especially as tickets for NCAA games become harder to come by and more expensive. Walker sees this as an opportunity: “It’s a great opportunity that we have to still provide really high-caliber hockey for kids in the Valley to be a part of.”
Meanwhile, nearly a thousand miles away in Topeka, Kansas, the Stormont Vail Event Center roared back to life as the Topeka Scarecrows hosted their home-opener against the Biloxi Breakers on October 17, 2025. The return of professional hockey to Topeka was met with palpable excitement, as fans packed the arena and snapped up over $5,000 in tickets. The opening ceremony set the tone, featuring the debut of new City of Topeka Police vehicles and a stirring rendition of the national anthem by local students.
For many in Topeka, hockey is more than just a game—it’s a community event and a source of pride. “It’s good to have pro-hockey back, it’s good to have family entertainment tonight, something to do on a Friday or Saturday night and to see the team because the best part about watching the team is watching them grow and improve,” said fan Judy True, capturing the spirit in the stands. Director of the Topeka Scarecrows, Jonathan Kliment, echoed that sentiment: “This many people showing up shows you that there is a passion for hockey here, there is a drive to have these boys back and again they are coming from all over the world so it’s going to be impressive to see.”
The Scarecrows’ roster reflects the sport’s growing international appeal, with players arriving from across the globe to compete in Topeka. The energy in the arena was undeniable, and the sense of anticipation for the season ahead was shared by fans, players, and staff alike. It’s a testament to the enduring draw of hockey—even in regions not traditionally known for the sport.
Both ASU’s club hockey revival and Topeka’s pro hockey homecoming highlight the sport’s unique ability to bring people together, foster community, and create lasting memories. From the dedication of coaches like Johnny Walker and the vision of leaders like Ted Burr and Jonathan Kliment, to the unwavering support of fans in the stands, hockey’s heart beats strong in unexpected places.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on these teams to see how they capitalize on their momentum. Will ASU’s Division I club squad bounce back under Walker’s leadership? Can the Scarecrows harness their passionate fan base to make a statement in their league? One thing’s for sure: the puck has dropped, the crowds are roaring, and the future of hockey in both Tempe and Topeka looks bright indeed.
