Railers Lock in Four Forward Additions for 2026‑27
The Worcester Railers announced this week that they have secured the services of four forwards ahead of the 2026‑27 campaign, reinforcing a roster that reached the playoffs in each of the past three seasons. The moves underscore the club’s intent to blend proven depth with emerging talent as they chase another run at the Kelly Cup.
Matt DeMelis, a 27‑year‑old native of Hingham, Massachusetts, will return for his third professional season with the club. In the 2025‑26 year he posted career‑high totals of 19 goals, 23 assists and 42 points, placing him 11th on the franchise’s all‑time points list. His re‑signing adds a reliable offensive spark that the coaching staff hopes will translate into more consistent scoring.
MacAuley Carson, also 27, is set to begin his second professional season in Worcester after a stint that yielded 19 points in 36 games last year. Beyond his on‑ice contributions, Carson captured the Seven Hills 7th Player Award and earned Player of the Month honors in March, accolades that reflect his impact both in the locker room and on the scoresheet.
Dalton Duhart, 25, brings a different kind of experience, having logged 27 points across 96 ECHL appearances for a variety of teams before joining the Railers. His third professional contract signals the club’s confidence in his development trajectory, as he looks to build on a career that has already seen him compete on multiple coasts.
Rounding out the group, Matthew Hobbs, 27, will make his first full season in the ECHL with Worcester. A two‑time SPHL champion with the Evansville Thunderbolts, Hobbs arrives having posted 96 points in 227 SPHL regular‑season games, bringing a championship pedigree and a knack for finding the net in high‑pressure situations.
General manager Dan Bouchard praised the signings, noting that the quartet provides a blend of youth, experience and winning mentality. “We’re excited to see how these players will fit into our system and contribute to the next chapter of Railers hockey,” he said. The moves also highlight the club’s ongoing commitment to developing talent from across North America, from Michigan to Ontario.