River Dragons Re-Sign Physical Forward Joel Texmo for 2026-27

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

The 23-year-old returns to Columbus for his second full season after joining the River Dragons following the conclusion of his junior career in 2025. Through 49 games with Columbus, the 6’1”, 195-pound forward has recorded four goals, nine assists, and 129 penalty minutes. During the 2025-26 season, Texmo's 119 penalty minutes ranked second on the team behind only Skate Skalde (162).

Prior to beginning his professional career, Texmo served as captain of the Wasaga River Dragons during the 2024-25 season. The team is owned by Columbus’ Director of Scouting, Brandon Billie. In 39 games with the GMHL club, he posted an impressive 32 goals and 37 assists while adding 107 penalty minutes. His contributions on and off the ice earned him the GMHL's Most Heart Award for the North Division.

Texmo split the 2023-24 season between the GMHL's Bradford Bulls and the USPHL Premier's Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings. He recorded six goals and eight assists in 17 games with Bradford before adding 11 goals and nine assists in 23 contests with Wisconsin Rapids.

From 2021 through 2023, Texmo spent parts of three seasons with the Midland Flyers of the PJCHL. Over 57 games, he totaled 18 goals, 21 assists, and 201 penalty minutes.

A native of Minesing, Ontario, Texmo is also an MMA fighter and has spent much of the offseason continuing his training. With the departures of Skalde to Fresno and Docherty signing an ECHL contract, Texmo is expected to take on an increased role in bringing physicality and intensity to the River Dragons lineup during the 2026-27 campaign.

Texmo's return provides Columbus with another important piece of its forward group. Known for his aggressive, fearless style of play and willingness to stand up for his teammates, the young forward will look to continue developing in an expanded role as the River Dragons pursue a championship in May.