Evansville Thunderbolts Win First President's Cup in OT Over Knoxville
Sep, 29 2025
When Aidan Litke lifted his stick and slammed home the overtime winner, the Evansville Thunderbolts secured their first ever President's Cup title, beating the Knoxville Ice Bears 2‑1 in the second game of the series at the Ford Center on Thursday, April 24, 2025. The winning goal came at the 1:30 mark of a sudden‑death overtime, capping a dramatic two‑game sweep that ended Knoxville’s first finals appearance in a decade.
Road to the Finals: A Tale of Upsets
Both clubs entered the playoffs as underdogs. The sixth‑seeded Ice Bears clawed their way past the third‑seeded Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs and the fourth‑seeded Birmingham Bulls, the latter victory coming on a crisp Saturday afternoon at the Pelham Civic Complex. In that semifinal, Anthony Cinato broke a 2‑2 tie at 7:41 of the third period, and Dawson McKinney added insurance with a goal under three minutes left, sealing Knoxville’s berth.
Meanwhile, the seventh‑seeded Thunderbolts rattled higher‑ranked opposition with gusto. After a gritty first‑round win over the second‑seeded Huntsville Havoc, Evansville shocked the regular‑season champions, the Peoria Rivermen, in a series that many pundits called the upset of the season. Their run was highlighted by a clutch power‑play performance from Myles Abbate and a resilient goaltending display by Cole Ceci, who would finish the finals with 29 saves.
The championship matchup was announced on April 19, 2025, from Huntersville, North Carolina, setting up a classic clash: Knoxville hunting its fifth SPHL crown and Evansville chasing a maiden title.
Game 1: Double‑Overtime Drama in Knoxville
The series opened on Wednesday, April 23, at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. Evansville struck first when Tyson Gilmour pounced on a rebound at 6:27 of the first period. The Thunderbolts held a 4‑3 lead after double overtime, when Derek Contessa netted the winner at 7:07 of the second overtime. The goal followed a chaotic rebound off Stephen Mundinger’s glove after an Isaac Chapman slap shot was blocked by Jimmy Soper.
Knoxville’s resilience shone through, with Matt Hobbs feeding the play and Madison McKinney (yes, the same McKinney who helped in the semis) scoring his fourth playoff goal on a power‑play rebound. The duel showcased 55 total shots and set the tone for a series that would be decided by thin margins.
Game 2: The Decisive Overtime
Under the bright lights of the Ford Center, the Thunderbolts opened the scoring at 0:45 of the first period when Logan vande Meerakker slipped a wrist shot from the right circle past a stunned Mundinger.
Knoxville fought back. At 2:25 of the third period, Brendan Dowler tapped in a deflection off Mitch Atkins’ slap that had ricocheted off the right post, tying the game for the first time in the final.
Just 1:30 into overtime, the decisive moment arrived. Matthew Hobbs—who’d already made a name for himself with timely assists—threaded a cross‑ice pass to Aidan Litke. Litke lifted a top‑shelf shooter over Mundinger’s crease, sealing Evansville’s 2‑1 victory and its first President's Cup championship.
The stat line read: Evansville 2 goals, 12 shots on goal; Knoxville 1 goal, 11 shots on goal. Cole Ceci finished with a 29‑save performance, while Mundinger posted 24 saves, keeping his team within striking distance throughout the game.
Reactions and What It Means for Both Franchises
“We fought like a family all the way,” said Aidan Litke in the post‑game press conference. “To have it end in overtime on a go‑ahead goal—everything just clicked for us.”
Knoxville’s captain, Stephen Mundinger, was visibly disappointed but praised his squad: “We gave the fans a night they won’t forget. One more step, and we’ll be back.”
SPHL analyst Riley Henderson noted, “Evansville’s run highlights how depth scoring and goaltending can topple higher‑seeded teams. This will force other clubs to rethink roster construction going forward.”
For the Thunderbolts, the title marks a watershed moment. Owner Mark Whitfield announced plans to invest an additional $1.2 million into arena upgrades and youth outreach programs, hoping to cement Evansville’s status as a hockey market.
Knoxville, meanwhile, will regroup under head coach Derek Rogan, who hinted at roster tweaks ahead of the 2025‑26 season, emphasizing a need for more secondary scoring.
Looking Ahead: Next Season Prospects
Both clubs now turn to the off‑season. The Thunderbolts have already secured a three‑year extension with forward Myles Abbate, ensuring their top‑line continuity. Their front office is also scouting for a veteran defenseman to add stability on the blue line.
Knoxville’s front office is expected to release a modest re‑signing package for Brendan Dowler, whose postseason heroics have sparked a contract extension rumor mill. Additionally, the Ice Bears are exploring a partnership with a local university to develop a pipeline for emerging talent.
Finally, the SPHL announced on May 2 that the 2026 President’s Cup finals will return to a neutral site—rumored to be the Greensboro Coliseum—aiming to boost nationwide exposure for the league.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Evansville's championship affect the SPHL landscape?
Evansville’s first title proves that lower‑seeded clubs can compete for the cup, prompting other teams to prioritize depth scoring and solid goaltending. The win also expands the league’s market reach into Indiana, potentially attracting new sponsors and broadcast deals.
What were the key statistical differences in the final series?
Across two games, Evansville recorded 31 shots on goal versus Knoxville’s 22, and out‑shot their opponent 58‑33 in total. Goaltender Cole Ceci posted a .925 save percentage, while Stephen Mundinger finished with .862. The Thunderbolts also had a higher power‑play conversion rate (33% versus 22%).
Who were the standout performers for each team?
Aidan Litke earned MVP honors for the Thunderbolts with his overtime winner and a solid two‑point night. Cole Ceci’s 29 saves kept Evansville in the game. For Knoxville, Brendan Dowler’s third‑period equalizer and Stephen Mundinger’s 24 saves were bright spots despite the loss.
When is the next President’s Cup scheduled to be contested?
The league announced that the 2026 President’s Cup finals will take place at the Greensboro Coliseum in North Carolina, slated for early May 2026. The neutral‑site format aims to draw fans from across the region and boost television ratings.
What are the Ice Bears planning to change after the loss?
Head coach Derek Rogan said the team will focus on adding a second‑line scorer and bolstering defensive depth. Contract extensions are expected for key players like Brendan Dowler, while the organization is also exploring a new partnership with local colleges to develop future talent.