Evansville Thunderbolts
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Upcoming Games |
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Knoxville Ice Bears | Knoxville Civic Coliseum Click to watch live | ||
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Knoxville Ice Bears | Ford Center Click to watch live | ||
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Birmingham Bulls | Pelham Civic Complex Click to watch live | ||
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Quad City Storm | Ford Center Click to watch live |
Latest News
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 17th 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
Latest News
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
Latest News
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 17th 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
Latest News
Thunderbolts Sign Defenseman Nikola Murgic 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 defenseman Nikola Murgic 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.
Murgic joins the Thunderbolts following a season overseas with Dunaújvárosi Acélbikák - Erste Liga in Hungary, tallying 3 goals and 3 assists in 15 games played. Before his time overseas, he spent two and a half seasons with the Burlington Cougars of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL). The Windsor, Ontario native recorded 8 goals and 69 assists in 120 games played. During the 2023-24 season, Murgic played 23 games for the Fairbank Ice Dogs in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) where he has 9 points in his duration.
When asked how he would describe his style of play, Murgic said, “I would describe myself as a two-way puck-moving defenseman. I like to make plays with the puck and contribute offensively while also playing a responsible defensive game.” Murgic spent last season playing overseas, an experience he believes will help him as he begins his time in Evansville. “I was fortunate to have a good group of veterans to guide and help me develop throughout the year and show me firsthand how important those traits are at the next level,” Murgic commented. As he prepares to join the Thunderbolts, Murgic is excited to experience the Evansville community and play in front of the fans. “I’m super excited to get down to Evansville. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the team, city, and fan base. I’m honoured to play hockey and represent this amazing community.”
On signing Murgic, Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes commented: “Nikola is a strong puck-moving defenseman who can play both ends of the ice. His skating is his biggest asset which allows him to be sound defensively, generate plays and create offense from the back end. He has the awareness to jump into the play and make things happen offensively, and we’re looking forward to seeing him bring that skill set to our team.”
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
Latest News
Thunderbolts Re-Sign Forward Seth Bernard 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 Seth Bernard 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.
Bernard skated in 10 games with the Thunderbolts in the 2025-26 season, tallying 1 goal and 1 assist. The Braintree, Massachusetts native played four seasons of NCAA Division 3 college hockey at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, scoring 38 goals and 72 points, along with a +14 rating, in 101 regular season games between 2022-2026.
“The biggest thing I learned from last year was the importance of the little details. Showing up every day and being the best version of yourself both on and off the ice puts the team in the best position to win”, comments Bernard when asked what he learned from last year that he will take into the upcoming season. Looking ahead to his first full professional season, Bernard commented: “I am most excited to be back in the room everyday with the guys! I’m really excited to be back at the Ford Center so we can work towards another championship! Go Bolts!”
On re-signing Bernard, Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes commented: “Seth is a big, physical power forward who brings a tremendous amount of energy to the lineup. He’s a great kid that loves hockey and somebody who works hard, competes, and understands what we’re trying to accomplish with our team. His ability to play all three positions gives us a lot of versatility, while his size and physical style can make a big impact throughout the game. We’re expecting a big season from Seth and believe he has the ability to take another step forward and become an important part of our team.”
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
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The
Discover our current team roster and learn interesting information and statistics about each member of the Evansville Thunderbolts! Get involved by following your favorite players and watching their progress over the course of each season.
Team roster
Fan
Experiences
Explore the many exciting and unique experiences we offer to our fans and spectators. Ride on the Zamboni, ring the air raid siren, get photos with the team & more. There is a little something for every fan and visitor out there. Learn more today and get involved with the Evansville Thunderbolts by clicking or tapping the link below.
Fan Experiences