Evansville, In.: The Evansville Thunderbolts and Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes are pleased to announce the re-signing of defenseman Carter Poulin 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.
Poulin joined the Thunderbolts late in the 2025-26 season following the conclusion of his collegiate career, appearing in 10 regular season games with Evansville. It was the first time Poulin played away from his home state of New Hampshire, where he played high school hockey in his hometown of Berlin for two seasons before attending Rivier University in Nashua for four years between 2022-2026. At Rivier University, Poulin scored 11 goals and 36 points in 88 regular season games and served as team captain in the 2025-26 season.
“I’m extremely excited to get back to Evansville and have the opportunity for a full season with the Thunderbolts,” commented Poulin looking ahead to his first full professional season. “Transitioning from college hockey to the Bolts was great; it was an adjustment, but my teammates, Coach Bes, and the fans made it a great experience. I really enjoyed my time with the team (in 2025-26), with the great people in the organization and the facilities, I feel that it’s a great place for me to continue to develop as a player and as a person.” When asked of his goals for the 2026-27 season, Poulin commented: “I want to continue building my confidence in my offensive game, while becoming more physical and harder to play against. I’m looking forward to getting back to being around the guys, getting to work, and seeing what we can accomplish together this year, because the expectations are clear: to win another championship.”
On re-signing Poulin, Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes commented: “Carter came in at the end of last season and playoffs and gained valuable experience; He learned the professional game and what it takes day in and day out to be successful. He is energetic, coachable, and excited to get better every day, and in turn help our team be successful. Carter is a student of the game, and I know that with a good summer of training and preparing he will have a great season.”
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