CLIFF WATSON AND KEONI TEXEIRA NAMED CO-CAPTAINS

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indy Fuel, proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks and the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs, announced Wednesday that defensemen Cliff Watson and Keoni Texeira will serve as the team’s co-captains for the 2021-22 season. Forwards Brent Gates and Seamus Malone will serve as the team’s alternate captains.

Watson, 27, has spent his last two and a half seasons in Indy after joining the team via trade in 2019-20. The fifth-year pro has skated in 73 games for the Fuel since coming to the Circle City in 2020, tallying nine goals, 30 assists and 56 penalty minutes. The Sheboygan, Wisconsin native has also appeared in 49 games at the AHL level with the Utica Comets, San Jose Barracuda, Stockton Heat, Hershey Bears, Ontario Reign, Chicago Wolves and Rockford IceHogs.

Texeira, 24, signed with the Fuel prior to the 2019-20 season and has played in the ninth-most games in Indy Fuel franchise history (122). The fourth-year pro has skated in 192 ECHL games since turning pro and has earned 18 goals, 86 assists and 151 penalty minutes. Prior to turning pro, Texeira served as the captain of the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks for his final junior season. 

“I am thrilled for Tex and Cliff,” said Head Coach Doug Christiansen. “Both are outstanding leaders and have been a big part of the Indy Fuel since the 2019-20 season. They love Indy and take pride in putting on the Fuel jersey. They are great players but even better people. I am looking forward to working with them this season.”

Various ticket options are now on sale for the Fuel’s 8th season at Indiana Farmers Coliseum! Lock up your seat for every second of the action at Indiana Farmers Coliseum with a Fuel Ticket Plan – grab yours by heading to IndyFuelHockey.com or by calling the Fuel front office at 317-925-FUEL. Don’t forget to follow the Fuel on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (IndyFuel) for news, updates, contests and much more throughout the 2021-22 season. 

--INDYFUELHOCKEY.COM--