Fans ecstatic as Thunderbolts secure historic win in SPHL Championship Series

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - While this was bound to be a big night for the Thunderbolts hockey team, it was destined to be just as big a night for the fans.

The Evansville professional hockey team secured the President’s Cup in a championship win over the Knoxville Ice Bears Thursday.

Our crews at the game saw lines of fans wrapped around the Ford Center before doors even opened.

“We’re ready for this championship. We’ve been waiting for nine years and finally we made it to the finals,” says fan Billie Cox.

On Wednesday, the Thunderbolts took on the Ice Bears and secured game one in overtime.

The fans in line brought noisemakers and posters from home to witness the historic game for the Thunderbolts.

“The players really do feed off the fans. I’ve noticed that whenever we have a bigger crowd, they seem to play harder,” Jake Wilberberg says.

In line and in the arena, fans chanting “Let’s go Bolts!”

The Evansville professional hockey team’s games weren’t always this packed. Years ago, fans say the stands were mostly empty.

“I decided they needed a super fan. That’s where the blue beard came out,” says JW Johnston.

Johnston is more widely known by his nickname, “Blue Beard.”

“Right before COVID hit, the team was on a big charge,” he explains. “They could’ve had a monumental season that year, and it got shut down. This year though they’re making history.”

Win or lose, fans thrilled to be getting a front row seat for river city history.

“It’s very awesome just to see how far they’ve come, we’re very proud of them as fans,” says Kenzie Gage.

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