Robbie S. Nichols (born August 4, 1964) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who competed in the American Hockey League (AHL) and International Hockey League (IHL). He currently serves as the head coach of the Topeka Scarecrows in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) and is also a co-owner of three collegiate summer baseball teams, the Elmira Pioneers, Niagara Falls Americans, and Batavia Muckdogs, in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League.
Career Nichols was chosen by the Philadelphia Flyers in the ninth round of the 1983 NHL entry draft. Although he never appeared in an NHL game, he went on to have a productive playing career that spanned nine seasons in the AHL and IHL. Known for his gritty and hard-nosed style of play, Nichols suited up for several teams, including the Adirondack Red Wings, the AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings. One of the highlights of his career came in 1989 when he helped lead the Adirondack Red Wings to a Calder Cup championship.
After retiring as a player, Nichols transitioned into coaching, spending seven seasons as head coach of the Flint Generals. He also served as general manager of the ECHL's Elmira Jackals from 2007 to 2013. Nichols went on to own the Elmira Enforcers of the Federal Hockey League and is currently a co-owner of three collegiate summer baseball teams in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League: the Elmira Pioneers, Niagara Falls Americans, and Batavia Muckdogs. In 2019, at age 55, he made a rare appearance as an emergency player for the Enforcers. The team ceased operations after the 2020–21 season. On May 5, 2025, Nichols was named head coach of the FPHL's Topeka Scarecrows.
Career statistics Regular season Playoffs Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM 1982–83Dixie BeehivesOJHL1411223360—————1982–83Kitchener RangersOHL5417264320811268581983–84Kitchener RangersOHL12581346—————1983–84North Bay CentennialsOHL46363268984145111984–85North Bay CentennialsOHL41273966728101323141984–85Kalamazoo WingsIHL82130—————1984–85Fredericton ExpressAHL10002—————1985–86Kalamazoo WingsIHL733841794065415281986–87Kalamazoo WingsIHL71292756357—————1987–88Adirondack Red WingsAHL652116372569156381988–89Adirondack Red WingsAHL56871515411033301989–90Phoenix RoadrunnersIHL69252550265—————1990–91San Diego GullsIHL505712216—————1991–92San Diego GullsIHL77303565228411281992–93San Diego GullsIHL7218325026110257341994–95Detroit FalconsCoHL10110—————1997–98Flint GeneralsUHL—————1000122019–20Elmira EnforcersFPHL10002—————IHL totals420147168315173319771470AHL totals1222923524122018968
Awards and honours Award Year Ref IHL Man of the Year 1992–93 UHL Coach of the Year 1996–97
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