The Trois-Rivières Lions have announced the re-signing of forward Isaac Dufort for the 2026-27 ECHL season, securing a familiar presence in the club's forward corps for a third straight year.
Performance and role with the Lions
Dufort, 23, produced 18 goals and 20 assists for a total of 38 points in 58 games last season. He finished the campaign on a notable run, collecting five points across his final two appearances — including a hat-trick in the final game.
- Two-season totals in Trois-Rivieres: 32 goals, 26 assists, 58 points in 114 games.
- Playoff contributions: seven assists in 21 Kelly Cup Playoffs games during the Lions' championship run in 2025.
- Dufort has been invited to an American Hockey League (AHL) training camp in each of the last three seasons.
Background and development
Before turning pro, Dufort played five seasons in the QMJHL with the Baie-Comeau Drakkar. Across those junior seasons he posted 65 goals and 61 assists for 126 points in 224 games, and added 10 goals and 11 assists in 31 QMJHL playoff games. He also served in leadership roles with Baie-Comeau, wearing an alternate captaincy for one season and the captaincy the next.
| Season | Goals | Assists | Points | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 (ECHL) | 18 | 20 | 38 | 58 |
| Two seasons (Trois-Rivieres) | 32 | 26 | 58 | 114 |
What this means for the club
The signing represents continuity for a club seeking to defend its recent success. Dufort joins the growing list of returnees as the Lions shape the roster for 2026-27; he is the fifth forward and the eighth player confirmed so far for the upcoming season. His repeated AHL camp invitations suggest the player remains on the radar of higher-level clubs while continuing to anchor the Lions' lineup.
Les Lions de Trois-Rivières annoncent le retour d’Isaac Dufort! 🔥 L’un des favoris de la foule sera de retour pour une troisième saison sous l’uniforme des Lions!
For local supporters, retaining a forward who has delivered scoring and playoff experience will be viewed as a positive step as the organisation balances development with the expectation of competing again. The club and its fans will watch pre-season and training camp developments to see how returning players and new additions fit together.
Further roster announcements and camp details are expected as the Lions continue preparations for the 2026-27 ECHL campaign.
