Indiana Sentinels’ JD Anderson, right, scores a goal against Topeka Scarecrows goalkeeper Sammy Bernard during a hockey game at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Columbus’ first night of professional hockey turned out big in almost every way Friday, except the scoreboard.
But the Topeka Scarecrows’ 6-1 victory over the Indiana Sentinels on the ice did not dampen a boisterous crowd that packed Hamilton Community Center and Ice Arena for the first of back-to-back games between the Federal Prospect Hockey League’s two expansion franchises.
“I loved it,” Sentinels rookie JD Anderson said. “The fans were great. Even with the loss, they were still very supportive. You could hear them, especially with the fights. That got the crowd going. This is my first professional game, and I’ve never really had an environment like this. I’d like to keep it up and maybe win some games.”
Anderson will go down in the record books as the first Sentinels player to score a goal. He had the team’s lone score Friday.
“It’s a huge step,” Anderson said. “There were definitely spurts out there. We were playing very well. I think we need to work on the forecheck a little bit. I think they were breaking out a little too easy. We’ll have to look at that (Saturday), and I think we have to be a little more aggressive when we drop the pucks in. We were getting outmanned there for sure.”
Following a scoreless first period, Topeka broke the ice with a short-handed goal with 13:05 left in the second period. Anderson answered with a short-handed goal of his own with 7:04 left in the period to tie the game at 1-1.
The Scarecrows then scored three goals in the final 6 minutes of the second period to take a 4-1 lead, then added two more goals in the third period.
“We have a lot of new guys here, their first games in the league,” defenseman Connor Mullins said. “We got the jitters settled. But I think we did well. It was a good first game. We have a lot to improve on, a lot of things to tighten up for (Saturday). But other than that, I’m happy with the guys’ spirit and their effort. It’s a long season.”
“It’s a team full of rookies, and I’m very proud of them,” player/assistant coach Lester Brown added. “They had some lucky bounces.”
Spectators fill the bleachers for the Indiana Sentinels hockey game against the Topeka Scarecrows to kick off their inaugural season at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Chloe and Austyn Merkle take a selfie in front of an Indiana Sentinels banner before the Sentinels hockey game against the Topeka Scarecrows to kick off their inaugural season at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Fans line up to purchse Indiana Sentinels merchandise before the Sentinels hockey game against the Topeka Scarecrows to kick off their inaugural season at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Indiana Sentinels merchandise is on display before the Sentinels hockey game against the Topeka Scarecrows to kick off their inaugural season at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Fans line up to purchse Indiana Sentinels merchandise before the Sentinels hockey game against the Topeka Scarecrows to kick off their inaugural season at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Kay Martinez, left, purchases Indiana Sentinels hockey merchandise from Brittney Eads before the Sentinels hockey game against the Topeka Scarecrows to kick off their inaugural season at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. Martinez is the grandmother of Sentinels goalkeeper Parker Rutherford. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Indiana Sentinels’ Timothy Delaney warms up before the Sentinels take on the Topeka Scarecrows to kick off their inaugural hockey season at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Indiana Sentinels’ Marquis Grant-Mentis hits a shot during warmups before the Sentinels take on the Topeka Scarecrows to kick off their inaugural hockey season at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Members of the Indiana Sentinels hockey team warm up before they take on the Topeka Scarecrows to kick off their inaugural hockey season at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Mike Wolanin | The Republic Members of the Indiana Sentinels hockey team take the ice to take on the Topeka Scarecrows to kick off their inaugural hockey season at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Members of the Indiana Sentinels hockey team gather at their bench before their game against the Topeka Scarecrows to kick off their inaugural hockey season at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Indiana Sentinels’ Michael Moeeira skates up the ice during a hockey game against the Topeka Scarecrows at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Taylor Schwandt’s face is reflected in the glass around the rink as she watches the Indiana Sentinels hockey team take on the Topeka Scarecrows to kick off their inaugural hockey season at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Indiana Sentinels’ Marquis Grant-Mentis, left, skates past Topeka Scarecrows’ Jacob Gagnon during a hockey game at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Indiana Sentinels’ Danila Belov, left, tries to block a pass by Topeka Scarecrows’ Jacob Gagnon during a hockey game at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Indiana Sentinels’ Marquis Grant-Mentis, left, skates away from Topeka Scarecrows’ Hugo Koch during a hockey game at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Topeka Scarecrows’ Cory Checco, left, shields the puck from Indiana Sentinels’ Alexandre Vigor during a hockey game at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
The shot by Indiana Sentinels’ Danila Belov, left, is saved by Topeka Scarecrows’ Sammy Bernard during a hockey game at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Indiana Sentinels’ Aleksander Jirovsek, left, is upended by Topeka Scarecrows’ Matthew Shulist during a hockey game at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Spectators watch a hockey game between the Indiana Sentinels and the Topeka Scarecrows at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Indiana Sentinels’ JD Anderson, left, and Topeka Scarecrows’ Zach Papapetros skate along the boards during a hockey game at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Indiana Sentinels’ JD Anderson, left, loses the puck to Topeka Scarecrows’ Hugo Koch during a hockey game at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Spectators watch the ice resurfacer prep the ice for the second period of a hockey game between the Indiana Sentinels and the Topeka Scarecrows at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Spectators watch the ice resurfacer prep the ice for the second period of a hockey game between the Indiana Sentinels and the Topeka Scarecrows at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Topeka Scarecrows’ Zach Papapetros, left, takes out Indiana Sentinels’ Marquis Grant-Mentis during a hockey game at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Indiana Sentinels’ Michael Moeeira, right, sets up for a face off against Topeka Scarecrows’ TJ Sneath during a hockey game at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Indiana Sentinels’ Niko Raimann, right, takes out Topeka Scarecrows’ Alex Norwinski during a hockey game at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Topeka Scarecrows’ Doug Blasdell, left, and Indiana Sentinels’ Michael Moeeira go for a lose puck during a hockey game at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Referees move in to break up a fight between players from the Indiana Sentinels and the Topeka Scarecrows during a hockey game at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Referees break up a fight between players from the Indiana Sentinels and the Topeka Scarecrows during a hockey game at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Indiana Sentinels’ JD Anderson, right, scores a goal against Topeka Scarecrows goalkeeper Sammy Bernard during a hockey game at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Indiana Sentinels’ JD Anderson celebrates after scoring a goal during a hockey game between against the Topeka Scarecrows at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
The Indiana Sentinels celebrate after scoring a goal during a hockey game against the Topeka Scarecrows at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Indiana Sentinels’ JD Anderson celebrates with a teamamte after scoring a goal during a hockey game against the Topeka Scarecrows at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Fans celebrate after the Indiana Sentinels goal against the Topeka Scarecrows during a hockey game at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Indiana Sentinels’ JD Anderson, right, skates past Topeka Scarecrows’ Jacob Gagnon during a hockey game at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Spectators faces are reflected in the glass around the rink during a hockey game between the Indiana Sentinels and the Topeka Scarecrows at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Spectators watch a hockey game between the Indiana Sentinels and the Topeka Scarecrows at the Hamilton Center and Ice Arena in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The Sentinels lost to the Scarecrows by a score of 6-1. The game marked the start of the inaugural season for the Sentinels.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
About 1,000 fans turned out to pack the bleachers and stand along the east end of the rink. They were loud, with some heckling the visiting team.
“I think it was a great turnout,” co-captain Marquis Grant-Mentis said. “The fans in Columbus are wonderful. We didn’t expect that. It was loud, and we just have to bring something better (Saturday).”
“I’ve played in Mississippi, Danbury (Connecticut) and Quad Cities (Iowa), who have huge rinks, and a huge crowd as well, but there’s something about a hometown aspect, a hometown vibe in Columbus,” Mullins added. “We have a small, little environment, but we pack it.”
The two teams will meet again at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
“It was great,” Brown added. “The people out here were awesome. We had a full barn. I hope to keep seeing the people coming back here.”
The Sentinels are owned by brothers Gavin and Garrett Campbell of Plainfield.
“I thought the atmosphere was incredible,” said Gavin, who also is the franchise’s CEO. “Columbus is an amazing city. They turned out for us. We had a packed house. I couldn’t ask for much more than this. God is great, and we’re just blessed to be in this position. Hopefully, we can pack the house (Saturday) night and the rest of the season.
“I’m overjoyed right now,” he added. “The scoreboard doesn’t reflect how I feel. I’m so proud of these young men.”
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