Thunderbolts Re-Sign Forward Isaac Chapman for 2026-27 Season

Evansville, In.: The Evansville Thunderbolts and Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes are pleased to announce the re-signing of forward Isaac Chapman for the 2026-27 season. The Thunderbolts return to Ford Center ice for the 2026-27 season on Saturday, October 17th against the Knoxville Ice Bears.

Chapman turned professional with the Thunderbolts midway through the 2024-25 season, and in his two seasons with Evansville has scored 14 goals and 30 points in 72 regular season games, including 6 goals and 17 points in 48 games during the 2025-26 regular season. Chapman elevated his game by a significant degree in the postseason, scoring four goals and 8 points in Evansville’s 12 playoff games, including the overtime series winning goal against Pensacola in the opening round, as well as two goals in game five of the President’s Cup Final against Peoria including the President’s Cup-winning goal. Prior to joining Evansville, the native of Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia played four seasons of NCAA Division 3 hockey with Norwich University in 2021-22 and Alvernia University between 2022-2025, scoring 27 goals and 58 points in 75 regular season games.

“Being able to win again with such a great group of guys was a really cool feeling,” commented Chapman on repeating as President’s Cup Champions. “I think with having such a close group of guys and having so many core pieces back, made for an easy decision to come back.” Looking ahead to the 2026-27 said, Chapman continued: “I’d like to see my role evolve, I think I can be an any-situation type of player. I believe confidence comes from experience and proof, and so I have a lot of confidence heading into the new year. My expectations are high for myself and for the team, we have proven that we can succeed, so the standard is high.”

On re-signing Chapman, Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes commented: “Isaac was exceptional in the playoffs last year and has used that confidence to springboard into this season. I expect Isaac to play in all situations and use his knowledge and experience to be a consistent top performer for our team and help us be successful both on and off the ice.”

Single game and season tickets for the 2026-27 season are on sale now. Call 812-422-BOLT(2658) or visit our website (www.evansvillethunderbolts.com) for details.

About Evansville Thunderbolts: The Evansville Thunderbolts is the area’s only professional hockey team. The Thunderbolts are a proud member of the SPHL. The team is owned and operated by VW Sports, L.L.C, a subsidiary of VenuWorks, Inc. www.evansvillethunderbolts.com

Thunderbolts Sign Jonathan Rees and Killian Rowlee for 2026-27 Season

Evansville, In.: The Evansville Thunderbolts and Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes are pleased to announce the signings of forward Jonathan Rees and Killian Rowlee for the 2026-27 season.  The Thunderbolts return to Ford Center ice for the 2026-27 season on Saturday, October 17^th against the Knoxville Ice Bears.

Rees joins the Thunderbolts following the conclusion of his collegiate career at Nipissing University. During his five seasons with the Lakers, the Aldergrove, BC native tallied 21 points in 92 games played. Before beginning his collegiate career, Rees played two and a half seasons with the Yarmouth Mariners in the Maritime Junior Hockey League (MJAHL). While with the Mariners, he averaged over a point per game with 89 points in 84 games total.

When asked what made Evansville and the Thunderbolts the right fit for him coming out of college, Rees said, “The winning culture for me was the biggest draw. They have proven success the last few seasons, and I hope to be able to come help be a part of that.” With the Thunderbolts coming off back-to-back championships, Rees understands the expectations that come with joining a championship-caliber team. “I take it as a huge privilege to join a group like that and will hold myself to the high standard set by the team and do whatever I can to help the guys win another championship.”

On signing Rees, Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes commented: “Jonathan is a hard-nosed player who takes a lot of pride in his defensive game. He’s a strong penalty killer, very good in the faceoff circle, and someone we can rely on in all situations. He’s also a great team guy who brings a competitive mindset and does whatever it takes to help the group be successful. We’re excited to have him in our lineup.”

Rowlee rejoins the Thunderbolts for his first full professional season after signing a PTO late in the 2025-26 season. Before joining the Thunderbolts, Rowlee spent four seasons with Curry College where he tallied 35 goals and 52 points in 83 games total.

Looking ahead to his first full professional season, Rowlee is excited to return to the Ford Center and play in front of the Thunderbolts faithful. “I’m most excited to be back in the Ford Center with the booster club and fans cheering us on. I was really amazed to see how caring the boosters and fans were, and it felt like a family away from home. When Coach Bes asked for me to come back, it was a no-brainer.” Reflecting on his time with the Thunderbolts last season, Rowlee said the experience gave him an important perspective heading into the upcoming season. “I learned not to take any moments for granted. Continuing to play the game I love professionally is a dream come true.”

On signing Rowlee, Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes commented: “Killian got a taste of professional hockey last season, which gave him a good understanding of what it takes to compete at this level. He had a great college career, and having the entire summer to prepare for this season will allow him to bring that experience and confidence into the pro game. He understands the game, knows how to contribute, and we’re excited to see him take the next step with us this season.”

Season and single game tickets for the 2026-27 season are on sale now.  Call 812-422-BOLT(2658) or visit our website (www.evansvillethunderbolts.com) for details.

About Evansville Thunderbolts: The Evansville Thunderbolts is the area’s only professional hockey team. The Thunderbolts are a proud member of the SPHL.  The team is owned and operated by VW Sports, L.L.C, a subsidiary of VenuWorks, Inc. www.evansvillethunderbolts.com

Thunderbolts Sign Forward Devyn Orpana for 2026-27 Season

Evansville, In.: The Evansville Thunderbolts and Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes are pleased to announce the signing of forward Devyn Orpana for the 2026-27 season.  The Thunderbolts return to Ford Center ice for the 2026-27 season on Saturday, October 17^th against the Knoxville Ice Bears.

Orpana joins the Thunderbolts following the conclusion of his collegiate career at NCAA DIII Adrian College. During his four seasons with the Bulldogs, the Rockwood, Ontario native tallied 18 points in 34 games played. Before beginning his college career, Orpana played 2 full seasons with the Navan Grads in the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) where he served as team captain for his final season in 2021-2022. While with the Navan Grads, Orpana recorded 47 goals and 48 assists in 104 games played.

When asked what part of his game he is most excited to showcase in Evansville, Orpana said, “I would say I’m most excited to showcase my playmaking and goal scoring ability while also being a reliable 200-foot player.” As he prepares for his first professional season, Orpana is also looking forward to learning from Head Coach Jeff Bes and the team’s veteran players. “I think the biggest thing for me will be learning how to manage a 60-game season. Coming from college, where you’re playing 25 games a year, jumping up to around 60 is a big adjustment. I’m hoping to learn from the veteran guys and Coach Bes about how to manage that workload, while also learning his system and how he wants us to play. From there, I just want to keep learning, improving, and growing throughout the season.” As he gets ready to make the jump to professional hockey, Orpana is excited to meet the fans and become part of the Evansville community. “I’m really excited to get down to Evansville and get started. I’m looking forward to playing in front of the Thunderbolts fans and bringing a lot of energy every night. I’m going to do whatever I can to help this team win. I’m excited to be a part of the community and hopefully give the fans a lot to cheer about this season.”

On signing Orpana, Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes commented: “Devyn is a smart, consistent two-way player who brings a hard-nosed mentality to the game. He’s strong in the faceoff circle, competes hard in all areas of the ice, and can be relied on to make the right play. We really like his consistency and compete level, and we’re looking forward to seeing him continue to develop and contribute to our group.”

Season and single game tickets for the 2026-27 season are on sale now.  Call 812-422-BOLT(2658) or visit our website (www.evansvillethunderbolts.com) for details.

About Evansville Thunderbolts: The Evansville Thunderbolts is the area’s only professional hockey team. The Thunderbolts are a proud member of the SPHL.  The team is owned and operated by VW Sports, L.L.C, a subsidiary of VenuWorks, Inc. www.evansvillethunderbolts.com

Thunderbolts Re-Sign Defenseman Cameron MacPhee for 2026-27 Season

Evansville, In.: The Evansville Thunderbolts and Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes are pleased to announce the re-signing of defenseman Cameron MacPhee for the 2026-27 season. The Thunderbolts return to Ford Center ice for the 2026-27 season on Saturday, October 17th against the Knoxville Ice Bears.

MacPhee returns for his third season with the Thunderbolts, originating from the midway point of the 2024-25 season, when he joined Evansville after starting the year with TuS Harsefeld of the Germany-4 league. In 2025-26, MacPhee scored 1 goal and 6 points while registering a +3 rating as he played in all 58 regular season games for Evansville. MacPhee was one of three Thunderbolts who played in every game of the 2025-26 season, and one of only 11 players to ever achieve the iron-man statistic in a season for Evansville. In the postseason, MacPhee scored 1 goal and 2 points in Evansville’s 12 playoff games, his goal scored in game five of the President’s Cup Final against the Rivermen, as MacPhee became one of the nine players who became part of both President’s Cup-winning Thunderbolts teams of 2025 and 2026. In 76 total regular season games with Evansville, the Edmonton, Alberta native has registered 2 goals and 13 points along with a +7 rating.

“Like the year before, my experience was nothing but positive,” reflected MacPhee on the 2025-26 campaign. “The team culture and the success that came with it, and the support from the community are why I want to continue playing here. I have grown a stronger understanding of the game over the last two years, and I have been able to maintain consistency within my role.” Looking ahead to the coming season, MacPhee commented: “I’m very excited for this upcoming season. My goal for this season is to give my best performance every game, and to win another championship.”

On re-signing MacPhee, Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes commented: “Cameron is a hard-nosed, tough, gritty defenseman for our club. He comes to play each and every night and has been one of our most reliable players over the past 2 seasons. He has matured and grown into a leadership role with our team, which I know will help the new players coming to Evansville and continue our success.”

Single game and season tickets for the 2026-27 season are on sale now. Call 812-422-BOLT(2658) or visit our website (www.evansvillethunderbolts.com) for details.

About Evansville Thunderbolts: The Evansville Thunderbolts is the area’s only professional hockey team. The Thunderbolts are a proud member of the SPHL. The team is owned and operated by VW Sports, L.L.C, a subsidiary of VenuWorks, Inc. www.evansvillethunderbolts.com

Thunderbolts Sign Forward Dustin Hutton for 2026-27 Season

Evansville, In.: The Evansville Thunderbolts and Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes are pleased to announce the signing of forward Dustin Hutton for the 2026-27 season.  The Thunderbolts return to Ford Center ice for the 2026-27 season on Saturday, October 17^th against the Knoxville Ice Bears.

Hutton joins the Thunderbolts following two seasons with Ontario Tech University, tallying 4 goals and 27 points in 38 games played. The Etobicoke, Ontario native began his collegiate career at Toronto Metro University, recording 6 points in 22 games. Before beginning his college career, Hutton played 61 games in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and 82 games in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL).

When asked how he would describe his style of play, Hutton said, “I would say I’m a player that is offensive minded but responsible in the D-zone. I like to be creative in the O-zone and look to set up my teammates. I try to take advantage of my speed and play with pace.” Looking ahead to his first professional season, Hutton is excited for the challenges and opportunities that come with making the jump to pro hockey. “I think what excites me most is embracing being in a new city, the challenge of going from university to pro hockey and as well, traveling across a country I’ve never lived in.” As he gets ready to make his debut with the Thunderbolts, Hutton has a message for the Evansville fans: “I look forward to meeting you all, being a part of this community and team, and let’s try going for the three-peat!”

On signing Hutton, Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes commented: “Dustin is a smart centerman who can be a real disturber on the puck. He does a good job utilizing his teammates and creating opportunities for the players around him, while also being strong in the faceoff circle. He’s a reliable two-way threat who can contribute in all areas of the game, and we’re excited to see what he can bring to our group.”

Season and single game tickets for the 2026-27 season are on sale now.  Call 812-422-BOLT(2658) or visit our website (www.evansvillethunderbolts.com) for details.

About Evansville Thunderbolts: The Evansville Thunderbolts is the area’s only professional hockey team. The Thunderbolts are a proud member of the SPHL.  The team is owned and operated by VW Sports, L.L.C, a subsidiary of VenuWorks, Inc. www.evansvillethunderbolts.com