The Worcester Railers Hockey Club announced a flurry of signings ahead of the 2026‑27 season, adding five players who bring a mix of professional experience and collegiate pedigree.
The Players and Their Paths
Defenseman Cam McDonald, who re‑signed with the club for a third professional season, emerged as a defensive anchor last year, posting a team‑best plus‑minus rating of +9.
Forward Jordan Kaplan capped the 2024‑25 campaign with a career‑high 68 games played, setting personal bests in goals, assists and points, underscoring his growing offensive role.
Tyson Fawcett, a forward with a journeyman ECHL résumé spanning ten organizations, brings over 500 ECHL appearances and 184 points to the lineup, adding depth and veteran savvy.
Defenseman Will van der Veen, formerly of the Evansville Thunderbolts in the SPHL, joins after a college stint at Saint Anselm and Bowdoin, bringing a blend of physical play and offensive upside.
Goaltender William Lavallière, who posted a .917 save percentage in the Federal Prospects Hockey League with the Trois‑Rivières Lions and the Athens Rock Lobsters, is expected to provide reliable net‑minding.
A Roster Built for Competition
The additions come as the Railers aim to tighten a defense that struggled in recent playoffs and to bolster an offense that has shown flashes of brilliance. By weaving together fresh talent with returning stalwarts, the club hopes to translate its off‑season moves into a stronger on‑ice presence when the schedule opens next fall.
Fans can look forward to seeing how these new pieces fit into the Railers’ system, as coaching staff integrates them into line combinations and power‑play units. The excitement surrounding the roster reflects a broader ambition to contend for a playoff berth and to showcase the club’s growing stature within the league.