Peoria Rivermen

The Peoria Rivermen are a minor pro hockey team that plays in the SPHL (Southern Professional Hockey League). The hockey team is based in Peoria, Illinois.

Peoria Rivermen team logo

TABLE OF CONTENTS

About The Team

The Peoria Rivermen have played in the SPHL since 2013, but the city of Peoria is no stranger to having hockey teams. From the 1980's through the early 1990's, the Peoria Rivermen played in the IHL. From 1996 through 2005, the team played in the ECHL. Then again from 2005-2013 in the AHL (the primary farm league for the NHL). A few former executives and the owner of the team applied for acceptance into the SPHL and began their first season in the SPHL in 2013-2014. Along with a number of other teams in the league, they did not play the 2020-2021 due to the pandemic and resumed normal play the following season.
Peoria Rivermen hockey players

What do players say?

"My partner and I had a good experience in Peoria during my one season in the SP. They accomodated us well and at the rink and they treated us professionally. Your time is consumed by hockey, but the area and people there were welcoming."

Peoria Civic Center

The Rivermen play home games during the season out of the Peoria Civic Center in downtown Peoria. The arena opened back in 1981 and seats just under 10,000 fans for hockey games. The Riverman draw around 3,600+ fans per game on average so it's a nice crowd to play in front of if you're playing there. The fans in Peoria at the Civic Center love their hockey!
peoria civic center hockey

How many championships do the Peoria Rivermen have?

They have won the President's Cup one time, taking home SPHL hardware during the following season(s):

  • 2021-2022

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Notable/Cult Players

The Rivermen have had teams in a number of leagues (IHL, ECHL, AHL) over the years, but a number of notable players in their SPHL history are:

  • Alec Hagaman
  • Alec Baer
  • J.M Piotrowski

Off The Ice in Peoria, Illinois

Peoria, Illinois, sitting along the Illinois River, is a spirited city that blends its industrial heritage with a quality cultural scene. Peoria is also a regional hub that promotes local innovation (technology, health) as well as commerce. Walking around the streets in town, you'll find a variety of entertainment (restaurants), art (galleries, theaters), and a number of annual festivals that make the city special.

peoria illinois photo

Interesting Facts

#1- During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Peoria had a plethora of breweries and distilleries around town, making it the so-called "Whiskey Capital of the World" during the countries Prohibition Era. Due to the cities combination of grain, clean water, and being centrally located, it made for an ideal setting for this sector of industry at the time.

#2- Did you know Peoria is also the global headquarters of Caterpillar Inc? You know those big construction vehicles you see all over. They are one of the world's biggest manufacturers of construction equipment and are based out of Peoria.

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