River Dragons Re-Sign Defenseman Lucas Texmo for 2026-27

COLUMBUS, GA - The Columbus River Dragons are pleased to announce the re-signing of defenseman Lucas Texmo for the 2026-27 season.

Texmo, 21, returns to Columbus following an impressive rookie campaign in which he quickly established himself as a dependable and consistent presence on the River Dragons blue line. Joining his brother Joel in Columbus at the start of the 2025-26 season, the young defenseman made the transition to professional hockey and appeared in 41 games during his first year in the FPHL.

The 5-foot 11-inch blueliner recorded two goals and 11 assists while accumulating 40 penalty minutes, providing the River Dragons with a reliable two-way presence throughout the season. His ability to move the puck, contribute offensively, and handle the physical demands of professional hockey allowed Texmo to become an important member of Columbus' defensive group as the season progressed.

Prior to beginning his professional career, Texmo spent time alongside his brother with the GMHL's Wasaga River Dragons. In 19 games during the 2025 season, he produced five goals and 14 assists while recording 40 penalty minutes. He later returned to Wasaga in 2026 for five contests, making an immediate impact with two goals and six assists as the club continued its playoff push.

Texmo also brings a championship background to Columbus. From 2022 through 2024, he played with the OJHL's Collingwood Blues, where he developed into a productive defenseman and helped the organization capture an OJHL championship in 2024. Across his time with the Blues, Texmo recorded two goals and 19 assists.

During the 2024 season, Texmo also appeared in 22 games with the OJHL's King Rebellion, collecting one goal and two assists.

Before making the jump to the OJHL, Texmo spent the 2022-23 season with the PJCHL's Midland Flyers. He enjoyed a productive offensive campaign, recording 17 goals and 19 assists in 35 games while adding 60 penalty minutes.

The return of Texmo provides the River Dragons with an important piece of continuity on a blue line that has undergone changes during the offseason. After showing considerable promise during his first professional season, the young defenseman will enter his second year with valuable experience under his belt and an opportunity to take another step forward.

Still just 21 years old, Texmo represents both the present and future of the River Dragons defensive corps. Columbus will look for him to continue building upon his rookie campaign and develop into an increasingly prominent presence on the back end as the team pursues a championship during the 2026-27 season.