DAVID DELL & JON KLIMENT, FPHL FOUNDERS AWARD

Binghamton, NY – The Federal Prospects Hockey League today announces its selections for the FPHL Founders Award.  This is an annual award to a person(s) or group for their outstanding service and commitment to the FPHL.  

The FPHL Congratulates David Dell & John Kliment as the recipients for 2025-26 FPHL Founders Award.  

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David Dell, owner and proprietor of Delta Imaging Photography, is entering his ninth season as the team’s head photographer. He founded Delta Imaging following an eight-year career in the United States Air Force, where he served as a graphic artist and still photography specialist. Since then, he has dedicated countless weekend nights to capturing the intensity of Prowlers hockey and the atmosphere at McMorran Place.

Throughout his time in the FPHL, Dell has established himself as a consistent presence and a respected collaborator. His work reflects not only technical skill but a deep connection to both the sport and its community. While photographers are often seen as interchangeable, Dell distinguishes himself by blending his passion for hockey with a distinctive artistic vision producing images that span sport, lifestyle, and storytelling, both on and off the ice.

With nearly five decades behind the camera, Dell’s experience ranges from high school athletics to professional hockey, including coverage of the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs. Beyond sports, his work has also appeared in fashion publications, earning recognition within the runway and editorial photography world.

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Jon Kliment has been a figure head of Topeka hockey since its inception, contributing far beyond his role as a broadcaster. His impact across the front office, in the broadcast booth, and throughout the community has played a key role in shaping the team’s culture over the past year. 

Kliment began his career in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) in 2018 as the Director of Broadcasting for the Elmira Enforcers, a role he held through 2021. In addition to leading all broadcast operations, he contributed across multiple departments, including corporate sales, community engagement, and even operating the Zamboni during the COVID-impacted season. Following the Enforcers’ shutdown, Jon played a key role in launching a new franchise in Baton Rouge, Louisiana—now known as the Baton Rouge Zydeco. There, he successfully managed and executed large-scale events, including two sold-out neutral-site games and a third that drew over 6,200 fans. His responsibilities spanned sales, marketing, merchandising, and group ticket initiatives. 

Building on that success, Jon returned to New York to help establish the Elmira River Sharks in the FPHL. He oversaw all front office operations while continuing his work as the team’s broadcaster for both home and away games. He later relocated to Biloxi, Mississippi, where he was part of a three-person front office tasked with revitalizing the franchise. In that role, he managed player operations, sales and marketing, community relations, and broadcasting duties.

Most recently, Jon moved to Topeka, Kansas, where he initially operated as a one-person front office to launch a new franchise over a six-month period. He later reunited with former colleague Robbie Nichols to further develop the organization. In Topeka, Jon oversees sales, marketing, and community relations, while also assisting with player operations and administrative responsibilities alongside the coaching staff. He is currently preparing for his second season with the team following a successful inaugural year that welcomed over 100,000 fans.

The FPHL is a Single-A Minor Professional hockey league operating in its 16th season during 2025-26.