Topeka Scarecrows’ Return Fueled by Lifelong Bond of Kansas Hockey Players
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A revitalized sense of community and a heartwarming story of friendship are at the heart of the Topeka Scarecrows’ return to professional hockey. After a two-decade absence, pro hockey returned to Kansas’ capital city in October, but for two players – Tyler Inlow and Quinn O’Reilly – the homecoming felt particularly special.
The connection between Inlow and O’Reilly runs deep, forged over years of shared experiences. Both hailing from Wichita, Kansas, the pair grew up navigating the same rinks, embarking on the same road trips, and even sharing rooms during their time in junior hockey. Their dream of playing professional hockey together, once a distant aspiration, has now become a reality.
“Me and Quinn have been playing our whole lives together,” Inlow shared with 13 SPORTS. “Grew up on and off the ice, hanging out all the time, road trips back in juniors we were roommates.”
This long-standing familiarity translates directly to their performance on the ice. They possess an almost intuitive understanding of each other’s movements, allowing for quicker reactions and a greater ability to overcome challenges. “There’s less thinking and more reacting,” one observer noted.
O’Reilly echoed this sentiment, stating, “When we’re down one, who knows, we could get back in the lead if me and him are out there together.”
A Circuitous Route to Topeka
Inlow’s journey to Topeka wasn’t initially planned. He initially attended training camp with the Wichita Thunder (ECHL), hoping to secure a roster spot. Following his release, his future became uncertain until he received a call from Topeka. For a Kansas native, the opportunity to play professionally in his home state held significant weight.
“Being from Kansas, I never thought that there was never going to be another hockey team in Topeka,” Inlow said. “I’m very glad that they’re back and even more grateful that I’m able to be a part of it.”
O’Reilly’s path to the Scarecrows involved a period of rebuilding. After a couple of inconsistent seasons, he sought a fresh start. That opportunity arrived through the Federal Prospects League dispersal draft, leading him to the team he had been quietly hoping to join.
“In the back of my mind, I was waiting,” O’Reilly told 13 SPORTS. “This was the team I’ve wanted to play for since I found out there was going to be a team in Topeka. I was fortunate enough that Robbie Nichols called me, I was very excited when I heard the news that I was coming to Topeka.”
The return of the Topeka Scarecrows, and the story of Inlow and O’Reilly, represents more than just the revival of a hockey team; it’s a testament to the power of lifelong friendships and the enduring appeal of the sport within the Kansas community.
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