The Indy Fuel gave their fans plenty to cheer about Friday night, opening the 2026-27 ECHL season with a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory over the Wheeling Nailers at the Fishers Event Center.

Harrison Israels scored the game-winner with 1:43 remaining in the five-minute overtime period, assisted by Aaron Bohlinger and Chase Dafoe, sending the opening-night crowd home happy.

The victory marked the beginning of the Fuel’s 13th season as an ECHL franchise and their third season playing home games at the Fishers Event Center.

Before the puck dropped, team owner Jim Hallett welcomed fans to another season of Fuel hockey. The pregame ceremonies also included a special appearance by recently retired team captain Chris Cameron, who dropped the ceremonial puck and thanked fans for their support during his five seasons with the team.

Cameron, who announced his retirement in September, leaves the Fuel as the franchise’s all-time leader in games played with 309. The defenseman also holds team records for penalty minutes with 552 and a plus-47 career rating. He was named captain before the 2024-25 season.

Friday’s attendance appeared to be a strong opening-night crowd, although somewhat smaller than the crowds for the previous two home openers in Fishers.

Once the game began, the two teams battled through a tightly contested, physical matchup.

There was an unusual sequence early in the first period when a Fuel player inadvertently directed the puck into his own net. However, with a delayed penalty pending against Wheeling, officials disallowed the apparent goal.

Indy eventually broke through late in the opening period when Chase Dafoe found the back of the net, assisted by Tommy Budnick and Mitchell Hoelscher, giving the Fuel a 1-0 advantage.

Wheeling answered in the second period when Tristan Thompson scored, with assists credited to Cam Cook and Matt Crasa, tying the game at 1-1.

The physical nature of the contest was evident as the second period came to a close, with tempers flaring and players exchanging blows. Neither team was able to turn the resulting physical play into an advantage on the scoreboard.

The score remained tied through the third period, forcing overtime and setting the stage for Israels’ game-winning goal.

The Fuel controlled much of the offensive pressure, outshooting the Nailers 31-19.

The win came against a Wheeling team that finished last season with a 46-20-3-3 record, captured first place in the ECHL’s North Division and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals before losing to eventual Kelly Cup champion Florida.

Wheeling has returned to the Central Division this season, making Friday’s matchup an early divisional test for both clubs.

The Fuel also opened the season under unusual circumstances behind the bench. Newly named head coach Jesse Messier has been awaiting immigration authorization to begin his coaching duties, leaving assistant coach Christian Horn to direct the team in the meantime.

Indy will have little time to enjoy its opening-night victory. The Fuel return to the ice Saturday evening, October 17, hosting the Cincinnati Cyclones at the Fishers Event Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Saturday’s game will feature Mossy Oak Camo Night, with the Fuel wearing specialty jerseys that will be auctioned following the contest.

The opening weekend offers Fishers hockey fans an early opportunity to see how the Fuel will compete in a Central Division race that promises to be challenging once again.