The Evansville Thunderbolts are riding high after another championship season, and they made sure to share the victory with the fans who helped make it happen. On Tuesday night, the team packed the Ford Center with over a hundred supporters to celebrate their second straight President’s Cup win—a back-to-back feat that’s becoming a tradition in the Southern Professional Hockey League.

The celebration was bigger and better than last year, with fans lining up for discounted team gear, autographs, and photos with their favorite players and the coveted trophy. The energy was electric as the Thunderbolts took the stage, greeted by Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry, before each player stepped up to the mic to reflect on the journey.

Forward Scott Kirton, who has been with the team through its rise, summed up the emotion: “Having help build a program here that didn’t have any championships before, now we have two. It feels really good. It still hasn’t sunk in what we did this last series—it was a war. But it’s pretty special. There are so many people over the last five years that I can thank for their help. It’s a team effort, and it’s been really cool.”

The event wasn’t just about the hardware—it was about the bond between the team and the community. For the Thunderbolts, wearing “Evansville” across their chest means more than just playing a game; it’s about representing a city that has their backs.

President’s Cup MVP Matthew Hobbs echoed that sentiment: “Unbelievably proud to wear this logo and play in Evansville. It’s an awesome city, and I’m just very fortunate to be here. I can’t thank Jeff Bes enough for picking me up off waivers a few years ago. It’s turned out really great—I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

As the Thunderbolts continue to build a dynasty, nights like this remind everyone that in Evansville, hockey is more than a sport—it’s a family affair.