Rivermen, Thunderbolts represent Midwest in new SPHL
The Peoria Rivermen saw a successful 2015-16 season end in sudden and a little controversial fashion this past spring but looks to regain its perch atop the standings in what is now a 10-team loop.
Both the Evansville Thunderbolts, a second Midwest based entry and the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs have entered the league this season and all 10 of the teams will be in action on Friday (Oct. 21) night as the league opens play.
The Rivermen dominated the regular season standings and lost just once in its first two playoff rounds on its way to a Commissioners Cup berth against the defending champion Pensacola Ice Pilots. However, it was the Florida team taking the title with two wins in Peoria and then the clincher with the game winning goal scored before or after the final buzzer — depending on which side of the argument you were on.
The Rivermen start out the 2016-17 season on home ice, entertaining the Hunstville Havoc at the Peoria Civic Center at 7:05 p.m. Friday night while the Thunderbolts start on the road facing the Mississippi Riverkings at the Landers Center in Southaven, MS.
Both the Rivermen and Thunderbolts will play Friday/Saturday twinbills against the same opposition.
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jimmerdenhollander@gmail.com
Born and raised in Ontario, Canada and moved to the state of Wisconsin in my late 30's. I worked at various newspapers and magazines in various sports positions for 25 years before changing careers five years ago. Now I am streamlining my focus on hockey only and in particular, all levels of hockey in the American Midwest.