Phoenix Thunder Lock In Canadian Defenseman Samuel Loiselle

The Phoenix Thunder have added serious strength to their blue line with the signing of Canadian defenseman Samuel Loiselle, a move that has the club buzzing ahead of the 2026 NZIHL season.

The 25-year-old arrives in Dunedin this April and brings with him an impressive résumé, and the kind of presence that turns heads the moment he steps on the ice. Standing tall and skating smoothly, Loiselle is known for combining physicality with strong vision and a confident shot – exactly the type of player the Thunder coaching group has been targeting.

Born in La Malbaie, Quebec, Loiselle brings size, skating ability, and playmaking instincts to the Thunder lineup. The 6’3”, 220-lb defenseman has built a respected career in competitive North American hockey, most recently playing in Canada’s LNAH where he logged offensive contributions and impactful defensive play. Across his most recent seasons at this level, Loiselle has shown he can contribute at both ends of the ice – recording goals and assists while anchoring the blue line.

For Loiselle, the decision to head south was an easy one.

He says he’s been “really excited” about the opportunity to join the Thunder, especially knowing he’ll be lining up alongside close friend Luke Stegmann once again. After plenty of conversations with Head Coach Guillaume Leclancher and Assistant Coach Jamin Harrex, Loiselle felt Dunedin was the right fit – both on and off the ice.

“I’ve heard incredible things about the staff, the city, and the fans,” Loiselle shared, adding that those early chats with Coach Guillaume gave him confidence in the direction the team is heading. He believes his skating ability, shot, and on-ice vision will allow him to make an immediate impact and help push the Thunder into championship contention.

Thunder management is equally enthusiastic about what Loiselle brings to the group. His experience in high-level Canadian leagues, combined with his composure under pressure, adds depth and reliability to the Thunder defensive unit – while his offensive upside gives the team another weapon from the back end.

With April fast approaching, anticipation is already building. Loiselle is eager to get started, meet the Thunder faithful, and get to work, joining a Thunder lineup that will also welcome back Luke Stegmann alongside fan favourite Cole Beckstead this season.

“See you soon, Dunedin,” says Loiselle – and Thunder fans will be counting down the days.

For more information on the team and the NZIHL schedule, visit the NZIHL website and follow official social channels.