This 2024-2025 hockey season did not start easily for the Indy Fuel.  The first 15 games of the season had them on road ice, waiting for their new venue’s construction to be completed.

The Fuel ended the season at their new home, the Fishers Event Center, Tuesday night, losing to the Toledo Walleye 4-2.  Toledo swept the Fuel 4 games to none in this playoff series.

The Fuel fought valiantly to make the playoffs, but came up short as the 4th seed in the Central Division facing the number one seed, Toledo.

The Fuel struggled in the first two periods, constantly killing off the penalties which just kept coming from this officiating staff.  The Fuel trailed 3-0 in the third period when Ethan Manderville and Kevin Lombardi found the back of the net, putting Indy back into the game, trailing 3-2.

With goaltender Ben Gaudreau pulled with less than 2 minutes remaining, Toledo’s Sam Cragg registered an open net goal to seal the victory for Toledo.

It is sad to see the season end, but the Fuel staff should be proud of the large crowds that filed into the Fishers Event Center this season.  Next time, the Fuel will  not have 15 consecutive road games to start the season.

I have learned one thing covering as many Fuel home games I could attend this season – Fuel fans are a special group.  I will look forward to seeing them again in the fall of 2025.