FISHERS- The Fuel have announced on Wednesday that head coach Duncan Dalmao will not return to the Fuel organization for the 2026-27 season.

“I would like to sincerely thank Duncan for his contributions to our team over the past five seasons,” Fuel Owner and Chairman Jim Hallett said. “During his time with Indy, Duncs has been a strong presence both behind the bench and in our community. He has helped establish great success with our team on the ice and gracious connections to our entire Fuel family at every game, event, and beyond. The Fuel organization has great continued respect for Duncan. We are immensely proud to see him make this move to further his coaching career and we wish him the best in his endeavors." 

Dalmao became the Fuel’s interim head coach at the end of the 2021-22 season and signed on officially as head coach prior to the 2022-23 season, where he became the fourth head coach in franchise history. Since then, Dalmao claimed 159 regular season wins, the most of any coach in Indianapolis hockey history, and led the Fuel to four consecutive Kelly Cup Playoff appearances. 

Under Dalmao, the Fuel had their franchise best season with a record 43 wins and a playoff berth in the 2022-23 season. In addition to those stats, the Fuel reached a franchise record for goals scored with 244 and a franchise record of 23 road wins.

“I want to thank the cities of Indianapolis & Fishers, and specifically our phenomenal fans. I will never forget your unwavering support through the good and bad. After arriving 5 years ago, I never imagined Indiana would come to feel so much like home,” Dalmao said. “I have a special appreciation for Mark Bernard and our affiliates, the Rockford IceHogs and Chicago Blackhawks, who entrusted us with their prospects and their development. To our hockey ops staff, and every player who walked through the doors of our locker room. Some of my best memories as a coach were made during practices, games, road trips, and the time we spent together. I’ve also made some lifelong friends along the way.”

“Finally I’d like to thank the Hallett family for allowing me to be a part of an organization that’s allowed me to develop as a coach and person. The front office staff was instrumental in allowing us to be the best we could with their constant support and dedication,” he continued. “It’s been the honour of my life to be able to operate within such an amazing franchise. A piece of me will always remain here in Indy.” 

ABOUT THE INDY FUEL:

The Indy Fuel are the proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks and the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs. The Fuel will return to Fishers Event Center in October 2026 for their 13th season. Information and tickets can be found HERE.

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--INDYFUELHOCKEY.COM--