The Topeka Pilots are gearing up and making final preparations with the 2019-2020 season just around the corner.
But before they get the season started, the Pilots have a couple of free events for fans.
The team’s first true taste of competitive action will come at 6 p.m. this Thursday, Sept. 5, as the Pilots face off in their annual Blue vs. White in Landon Arena at the newly rebranded Stormont Vail Events Center.
The game will pit two squads of Pilots players against one another, allowing the coaching staff to see where players are physically and mentally.
“It’s an opportunity for us to continue to evaluate the talent we have,” Pilots head coach Simon Watson said. “Having the game in a structured environment is always good. It gets these guys thinking about game situations.”
The Blue vs. White game is free to enter, with a suggested donation of a non-perishable food or hygiene item, benefiting Harvesters Corporation.
While the team will continue to practice this week and next in advance of the season home opener on Sept. 13 against the Corpus Christi Ice Rays, fans will have an opportunity to interact with their favorite players and meet any new roster additions on Sept. 9.
The Combat Air Museum, located at 7016 SE Forbes Ave., will host the Pilots Meet & Greet from 5-7 p.m. The event will be free and open to the public. Season ticket holders will also be able to pick up their season tickets at the event.
The following night on Sept. 10, the Pilots travel to Omaha, Neb., where they will face the United States Hockey League’s Omaha Lancers at 7 p.m. in Ralston Arena.
“It’s an unbelievable building up there in Omaha,” Watson said. “Coach (David) Wilkie runs a great program. Everyone’s going to get a chance to play in the game for the most part, so it will be a really good test against a really talented squad.”
Fans are encouraged to come out to support the team at both pre-season events here in Topeka and to bring new faces with them, too.
“It’s important for our players to connect with the fans and be a part of the community,” Watson said. “We’re looking forward to creating that connection with our fans, as we enter the new season.”
If you have any questions regarding upcoming events please call the Pilots office at 785-266-7825.
