The Indy Fuel are ensuring stability behind the bench, announcing today that Head Coach Duncan Dalmao has signed a two-year contract extension. Dalmao, already the winningest coach in franchise history, has led the team to three consecutive Kelly Cup Playoff appearances, a first in Fuel history.

“We are thrilled to bring Duncan back for two more years,” said Fuel chairman Jim Hallett. “Duncan has been an integral piece of this team for over three years now, and we could not imagine building on our success with anyone else leading the charge behind the bench.”

Dalmao first took over as interim head coach late in the 2021-22 season before officially earning the role ahead of the 2022-23 campaign. Since then, he has reshaped the team’s trajectory, guiding them to a franchise-best 43 wins in 2022-23, setting records in scoring (244 goals) and road victories (23).

That momentum carried into the following seasons. In 2023-24, the Fuel secured their highest playoff seeding ever, earned their first home playoff win under Dalmao, and broke their attendance record. Then, in 2024-25, the team moved to the Fishers Event Center, where Dalmao once again delivered playoff hockey. On November 29, he cemented his legacy as the winningest coach in Fuel history, securing his 100th victory with the franchise before closing out the season with 125 total wins.

His leadership has also brought a sense of community and excitement to Indy hockey fans, as proven by another attendance record in 2024-25, with 15 sellout home games. Dalmao, who has now coached 232 regular-season games with the Fuel, looks forward to continuing the momentum.

“I’m really looking forward to being behind the bench in Indy and being a part of the community we’ve built,” Dalmao said. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to represent this organization. We will continue to build on our success but also strive for more as we look forward to the upcoming season.”

Before coaching, the Toronto native played 11 professional seasons across North America and Europe. He skated in 391 ECHL games, collecting 49 goals and 152 assists while earning ECHL Defenseman of the Year honors in 2001. Now, he continues to make his mark in the league—this time from behind the bench.