River Dragons Open 2026-27 Training Camp

COLUMBUS, GA - The Columbus River Dragons will officially begin preparations for the 2026-27 season tomorrow, October 5, with the opening of training camp at the Columbus Civic Center.

The River Dragons enter the new campaign determined to build on last season’s successes and take the next step toward the franchise’s first-ever Commissioner’s Cup. Following an offseason dedicated to preparation, development and roster construction, the Dragons will now turn their attention to the 2026-27 campaign.

The team assembled at the Columbus Civic Center this afternoon for its opening meeting before completing physicals and other required preparations ahead of the first on-ice session of camp.

Five training camp practices will be open to the public this week, running Monday through Friday at 9:45 a.m. inside the Ice Rink adjacent to the Columbus Civic Center.

2026-27 TRAINING CAMP ROSTER

Forwards

  • Austin Daae 

  • Alex Storjohann 

  • Kirk Underwood 

  • Tyler Barrow 

  • Ryan Hunter 

  • Ryan Galvin 

  • Kyle Moore 

  • Jestin Somero 

  • Joel Texmo (Rookie)

  • JJ Franceschetti (Rookie)

  • Ron Jay Peeaychew (Rookie)

  • Michael Kramer (Rookie)

  • Julian Perino (Rookie)

Defensemen

  • Brodie Thornton 

  • Nathan Balkwill 

  • Domenic Della-Civita 

  • Connor Loft (Rookie)

  • Lare Pahtayken (Rookie)

  • Lucas Texmo (Rookie)

  • Nathaniel Mott (Rookie)

  • Santino Cristella (Rookie)

Goaltenders

  • Trevor Babin 

  • Douglas Wakelyn (Rookie)

Five additional players will be listed as not yet reported entering training camp.

Cody Wickline has not yet reported to camp as he continues to address an offseason injury. The organization remains in communication with Cody, and looks forward to welcoming him back to Columbus when appropriate.

Dustin Jesseau has a full time job in Florida and is looking forward to spending some time with his family. The River Dragons will retain Jesseau’s rights, and he will remain available to the club should his circumstances allow him to return later in the season.

Tyler Roy has not yet determined his availability for the upcoming season. The organization will remain in communication with Roy as he makes his decision.

Filip Virgili, selected by Columbus from Athens in the Athens/Biloxi dispersal draft this past summer, also remains uncertain regarding his availability for the 2026-27 season.

Carson Baptiste will complete his educational commitments before joining the River Dragons, with plans to report to Columbus around the midpoint of the season.

With training camp now underway, the River Dragons will begin the final stages of preparation for the 2026-27 campaign. Columbus will open the regular season on the road against the Blue Ridge Bobcats in Wytheville, Virginia, on October 16, with the home opener scheduled for October 23 and 24 against the three-time defending Commissioner’s Cup champion Binghamton Black Bears.

The road to the 2026-27 season begins NOW. Season tickets are still available on our website! Single game tickets go on sale October 8!

Let’s Go Dragons!