SPHL Peoria Rivermen

Rivermen Take over SPHL Lead with Win over Ice Bears

Published on November 9, 2014 under SPHL (SPHL)
Peoria Rivermen News Release


PEORIA - Behind two power play goals, nine successful penalty kills and a hat trick from Josh Harris, the Peoria Rivermen moved into first place in the Southern Professional Hockey League with a 4-1 victory over the Knoxville Ice Bears on Sunday afternoon at Carver Arena.

The Rivermen opened the scoring with 3:55 left in the opening period when Garrett Vermeesch sniped a low wrister from the left circle on a power play, assisted by Matt Summers and Cole Ruwe. Another power play tally put the Rivs ahead 2-0 with only 39.9 seconds before the first intermission on a blast from the deep slot by Josh Harris on feeds from Summers and Ruwe.

After a scoreless second period, Knoxville's Ben Power slashed home a rebound of a Ryan Hill shot 5:11 into the final chapter to cut the Rivermen lead to 2-1. The hosts gained an insurance goal with 6:17 remaining when Harris stole the puck at the center circle and scored on a breakaway. Harris completed his hat trick with a length-of-the-ice empty net goal with 26 seconds left.

Kyle Rank stopped 29 shots for the win while Bryan Hince took the loss with 20 saves. The Ice Bears were 0-for-9 on power plays (0-for-15 over the two weekend games) while the Rivermen were 2-for-4 on the man advantage.

The Rivermen return to home ice this Saturday at 7:05 p.m. and Sunday at 3:05 p.m. to face the Columbus Cottonmouths. Saturday is Chicago Blackhawks Night with a special appearance by mascot Tommy Hawk, and the evening is also Union Night, Boy Scout Night with a sleepover, City Link Stuff-A-Bus Night and Alzheimers Night. Bud Light drafts and hot dogs will be $2 each on Saturday. Sunday is a PJ Star Family Fun Day with inflatables from Fun on the Run, balloon creations from Unique Twist and the Twisting Crew, face painting by Wild Style Design, an appearance by Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, $3 kids meals (hot dog, chips, drink) and $1 upper bowl admission for kids 12 and under.

Single game tickets for Peoria's 33rd season of professional hockey are on sale weekdays at the Peoria Civic Center. Season ticket packages and group ticket options for the 2014-15 campaign are on sale now through the Rivermen office, located at 201 S.W. Jefferson Street, or over the phone at (309) 676-1040. For the latest Rivermen news and notes, follow online at www.rivermen.net or through Facebook (www.facebook.com/PeoriaRivermen ) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/Peoria_Rivermen ).

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