FISHERS- The Fuel announced today that Christian Horn has been named interim head coach of the Indy Fuel while Jesse Messier awaits approval from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) following an unexpected processing delay.
Horn will oversee the team’s coaching responsibilities until Messier receives the necessary authorization to assume his duties.
Messier will not be behind the bench for Saturday's preseason game against the Bloomington Bison, and it remains uncertain whether the necessary approval will be received in time for the Fuel’s regular season home opener next Friday, October 16.
“The unexpected departure of our previous head coach, Duncan Dalmao, late in the offseason meant we submitted our immigration application later than we typically would,” said Fuel President Sean Hallett. “While that timing did not cause the processing delay in and of itself, it has left us with less flexibility to accommodate this unforeseen development. We are doing everything possible to expedite the matter, including reaching out to Senator Todd Young’s office, whose staff has been extremely responsive in their efforts to assist us.”
“We have confidence in Coach Horn’s ability to lead the team during this interim period and look forward to Jesse assuming his responsibilities as soon as necessary authorization is received,” Hallett added.
The Fuel will provide additional updates as appropriate.
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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--
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