SPHL Mississippi RiverKings

RiverKings Bring Back Coyne, Sign Rookie Metcalfe

Published on August 17, 2016 under SPHL (SPHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, Miss. -- Mississippi RiverKings Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Derek Landmesser announced today that the team has re-signed defenseman Rich Coyne and signed rookie defenseman Spencer Metcalfe for the 2016-17 season. Terms and conditions were not released.

Coyne, 25, returns to the RiverKings after finishing last year with the team. In seven games, the 6-foot-1, 215-pound blueliner recorded one assist. He notched his first professional goal during the 2016 playoffs after completing a four-year college career split between the University of Alaska-Fairbanks (CCHA, WCHA) and St. Scholastica (NCHA). In his final two collegiate seasons, the Cave Creek, Arizona native appeared in 45 games with St. Scholastica, recording six points (1G, 5A).

"'Coyner' came in last year after his college career ended and stepped right in and was a big addition to our D core," said Landmesser. "He is solid defensively and I look forward to having him right from the start of the season."

"I loved the atmosphere and everything from the short time that I was here last year and I wanted to be a part of it from the get-go," Coyne said. "The taste of last season showed me how important it is to be consistent and give it your all every night and I'm excited to be back and fighting for a win every night."

Metcalfe, 25, joins the RiverKings after completing his college career at the University of Prince Edward Island (AUS). In four seasons, the 6-foot, 196-pound defenseman recorded one goal and four assists, while racking up 131 penalty minutes in his last two years. Prior to joining the Panthers, the Toronto, Ontario played four years of major junior hockey where he collected three goals, six assists and 126 penalty minutes in his final season in Cape Breton in 2010-11.

"Spencer is a solid, gritty, hardnosed player who is very tough to play against," said Landmesser. "He is versatile, playing both forward and defense. He brings a physical style and will do whatever it takes to win."

"I'm looking forward to spending my rookie season with the RiverKings," Metcalfe said. "I'm more of a stay-at-home type of defenseman and I'm going to stick up for my teammates and bring a lot of energy to the team both on and off the ice."

Rich Coyne (pictured) puts a shot on goal during the RiverKings first round playoff game against the Louisiana IceGators in Southaven. Coyne, 25, joined the RiverKings for the final seven games after completing his college career at St. Scholastica. © Mark Mathews

Spencer Metcalfe joins the RiverKings after completing his four-year collegiate career at the University of Prince Edward Island. The 25-year-old defenseman looks to add size and grit to the RiverKings lineup in 2016. © Mike Needham

The RiverKings open their 25th season of hockey in the Mid-South on Friday, October 21 at 7:30 p.m. as they take on the Evansville Thunderbolts. Group and fundraising tickets are available by calling 662-342-1755.

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