Evansville Thunderbolts
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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 Re-Sign Forward Derek Contessa 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 Derek Contessa 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.
Contessa returns to Evansville for his third season as a Thunderbolt and fourth season overall in the SPHL. In 2025-26, Contessa scored a career-high 15 goals and 27 points, ranking 3rd amongst all Thunderbolts in goal scoring, as one of three Evansville skaters to play in all 58 regular season games and one of only 11 players to ever accomplish the feat in Thunderbolts franchise history. In the playoffs, Contessa played in all 12 games and added two goals along with 3 points, with one goal in each of games four and five of the President’s Cup Final against the Peoria Rivermen, as Contessa became one of the nine members of both President’s Cup-winning Thunderbolts teams of 2025 and 2026. In 151 regular season SPHL games with Evansville since 2024-25 and the Macon Mayhem in 2023-24, the Freehold, New Jersey native has scored 28 goals and 32 assists for 60 total points.
“I always love being in Evansville; between the team, fans, and city, it really makes my time there a pleasure,” commented Contessa on his experience through two years in Evansville. “Last year was a great season, the team really connected and it showed with how the season ended. I consider (my teammates) brothers for life.” Looking ahead to 2026-27, Contessa continued: “I feel my game has evolved in the way of me becoming more confident with the puck and with shooting. This year, I think I can become even more of an impactful player; my goal is to score at least 20 goals while leading our team not only to another championship but also finish in the top two regular season spots going into the playoffs. I feel that I have one more year left in the tank, and I want to leave it all in Evansville and achieve something that has never been done in the SPHL before, becoming a back-to-back-to-back champion. I am extremely excited to get back to Evansville and see the fans and my teammates, they have been such a big part of my life the past two years, and I am excited to see them again in October!”
On re-signing Contessa, Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes commented: “Derek's game has definitely evolved over the two years he's been here. He is versatile and can play center and wing, and his confidence has grown with the last two playoffs. He's worked on his consistency and he's ready to go for this upcoming season. With a little bit more experience and with the confidence that he's gained over the past two years, I feel Derek's going to be a huge asset to our team. I know I can put him out there for penalty killing, for defensive zone faceoffs, he's big, he's strong, he goes to the net, and he scores timely goals. He's going to be a leader for us this season, and I think with a little bit more added responsibility, his game's going to grow to the next level.”
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 Defenseman Antonio Baldassarre 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 forwards Manny Cabral and Shane Prifrel as well as defenseman Antonio Baldassarre 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.
Baldassarre joins the Thunderbolts after spending a season overseas with KHL Sisak in the AlpsHL and Croatia. During his time overseas, he added 4 points to the stat sheet in 25 games played. Between his time in the KHL, he signed with Nipissing University and played 3 games for the team. The Toronto, Ontario native spent the three seasons prior to 2025-26 between the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) and the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL).
As Antonio Baldassarre begins his time in Evansville, he is excited to become part of the Thunderbolts organization and community. “I’m most excited about getting down to Evansville, meeting the guys, coaching staff, and becoming a part of the Thunderbolts organization and community. I’ve heard great things about the fans and the atmosphere there, so I’m really looking forward to playing in front of them and doing everything I can to help the team win this season”. Baldassarre also believes his skating, compete level, and puck-moving ability will be key strengths as he joins the Thunderbolts. “I’d say some of my biggest strengths are my skating, compete level, and ability to move the puck. I like to play a fast, responsible game, be hard to play against defensively, and help create offense when the opportunity is there. Thunderbolts fans can expect a lot of energy, physicality, and someone who competes every night and does whatever it takes to help the team win.”
On signing Baldassarre, Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes commented: “Antonio is a great skater who brings a lot of energy to the game. He has the ability to move the puck well and uses his skating to create plays and keep the game moving at a high pace. He plays a fast, responsible game and can be relied on to make smart decisions in all areas of the ice. We’re excited to have him join 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 Forward Shane Prifrel 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 forwards Manny Cabral and Shane Prifrel as well as defenseman Antonio Baldassarre 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.
Prifrel joins the Thunderbolts following four seasons in NCAA DIII collegiate hockey with Worcester State University. During his time with the Lancers, he produced 32 goals and 66 points in 103 games played. Before his collegiate career, the Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota native spent a season with the Islanders Hockey Club in the NCDC and USPHL Premier.
As Shane Prifrel prepares to join the Thunderbolts, he wants fans to know they can expect a team-first approach every time he steps onto the ice. “I want Thunderbolts fans to see a player that will execute whatever is necessary for the team to win on any given night.” Prifrel also knew Evansville was the right fit for him after his initial conversation with Head Coach Jeff Bes. “I knew Evansville was the fit for me after my call with Coach Bes. Right from the start, we were on the same page with our expectations and priorities going hand in hand for the season. The unbelievable fan base and community that came with the Thunderbolts organization is all just gravy and made the decision a no-brainer! Counting down the days till October 16th!”
On signing Prifrel, Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes commented: “Shane is a big forward who brings a hard working attitude every time he is on the ice. He’s committed to the game, plays with a lot of purpose, and understands what it takes to be successful at both ends of the ice. He’s a strong 200-foot player who can be relied on in all areas of the game, and we’re excited to have him join 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 Forward Manny Cabral 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 forwards Manny Cabral and Shane Prifrel as well as defenseman Antonio Baldassarre 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.
Cabral joins the Thunderbolts after spending three seasons with NCAA DIII Curry College from 2023-2026 and one season with NCAA DIII New England College in 2022-23. The Providence, Rhode Island native tallied 22 goals and 51 points in 73 games played during his time with Curry College. Before his time with the Colonels, he recorded 5 goals and 10 assists with New England College in 25 games.
When asked what part of his game he is most excited to showcase in Evansville, Manny Cabral said, “I’m excited to get out there and work and compete. I want to be a reliable player who brings a lot of energy and can be counted on in all situations. I want to contribute offensively, make plays, and create opportunities for my teammates.” Cabral was also drawn to Evansville because of the Thunderbolts’ winning culture and recent championship success. “What made Evansville and the Thunderbolts the right fit for me was the winning culture they have. Going back-to-back is not an easy accomplishment. It takes a great coach and a great group of guys who all have the same goal. That’s exactly the kind of team I want to be a part of.”
On signing Cabral, Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes commented: “Manny is a player who brings a high compete level every time he steps on the ice. He’s reliable, plays with a team-first mentality, and does a lot of the little things that help a team be successful. He also has the ability to contribute offensively and create plays by working well with his teammates. We’re excited to have him in 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 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
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Team roster
Fan
Experiences
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Fan Experiences