NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



 Peoria Rivermen

Cole Ruwe Named Inaugural Winner of Bruce Saurs Leadership Award

April 9, 2014 - SPHL (SPHL)
Peoria Rivermen News Release


The Peoria Rivermen are proud to announce that Cole Ruwe has been named the inaugural winner of the Bruce Saurs Leadership Award for his commitment and leadership, both on and off the ice, to growing Rivermen hockey in central Illinois. The award was voted on by members of the Rivermen front office and coaching staff.

"The name Bruce Saurs means everything to Peoria hockey and to be chosen for an award baring his name is a huge honor," Ruwe said. "I'm very grateful."

A Pekin, Illinois native, Ruwe was named the 21 st captain in franchise history on January 25, 2014. Previously, he served as an alternate captain for the first three months of the season. Outside the rink, Ruwe was always a great presence for the Rivermen in the Peoria community. He planned and attended several youth hockey fundraising events, while always showing a smile. Overall, the 28-year-old has been a tremendous ambassador for the Rivermen.

"We're excited to announce this new year-end honor after a man who showed great leadership in the community and always had the strongest commitment to hockey in Peoria and all of central Illinois," Rivermen co-owner Bart Rogers said. "Like Mr. Saurs, Cole Ruwe exemplifies those same attributes and desire to continue building Rivermen hockey in central Illinois back to where it once was again."

"Those two guys are very similar. Cole's commitment and leadership on and off the ice can't be understated and it makes sense that a local guy who once dreamed of wearing a Rivermen Jersey and grew up in Pekin should win this first-year award."

A Peoria native, Saurs owned the Rivermen for almost 20 years, throughout their IHL, ECHL and AHL eras. When the St. Louis Blues abandoned their American Hockey League operation in Peoria last spring, Saurs returned with a new ownership group that put the Rivermen back in business for their 32nd season overall - and first in the Southern Professional Hockey League.

2014-15 season ticket packages are on sale now and can be purchased through the Rivermen office by calling 309-676-1040! This year, fans that pay in full before May 9 have the chance to win some of the most unique prizes in franchise history through the "45 Days of Hockey - Rivermen Season Ticket Renewal Program."


• Discuss this story on the SPHL message board...

SPHL Stories from April 9, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Peoria Rivermen Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central