FISHERS, Ind. — The Indy Fuel are adding international experience to their blue line ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The Fuel have signed defenseman Jackson Desouza to a standard player contract, bringing the 23-year-old to Indy after spending the past two seasons playing professionally in Europe.
Desouza, a right-handed shot from Erie, Colorado, most recently played for the Dundee Stars of the Elite Ice Hockey League, appearing in 52 games during his season with the Scottish club.
His move to Indy marks a return to North American hockey as the Fuel continue shaping their roster under new head coach Jesse Messier.
From the WHL to European Hockey
Before joining Dundee, Desouza spent the 2024-25 season playing professionally for Lillehammer in Norway.
His experience overseas followed an extensive junior career in the Western Hockey League, where he played parts of six seasons.
Desouza spent the majority of his WHL career with the Kelowna Rockets, appearing in 153 games before finishing his junior career with the Brandon Wheat Kings in 2024.
Now, the 6-foot-5 defenseman joins an Indy defensive group that already includes returning players as the Fuel prepare for their 13th season in the ECHL.
At just 23 years old, Desouza gives Indy another young option on the blue line while bringing professional experience from two European leagues.
The Fuel will begin the 2026-27 regular season on October 16 against the Wheeling Nailers at Fishers Event Center.
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