River Kings Hockey

Celebrating 10 years of Building Hockey Up and Down the River!

WHO ARE THE RIVERKINGS?

The Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings, a Junior Hockey team with the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL), began operations on May 1, 2014. 

Led by Head Coach/GM Paul Pechmann, a man with drive, determination and dedication, the Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings look forward to many successful season while focusing on the development and advancement of our players to the next level.

The Riverkings home ice is at the South Wood County Recreation Center in Wisconsin Rapids.

Riverkings Announce 2024-25 Captains

Head Coach Paul Pechmann and the Rapids Riverkings proudly announce their captains for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Defensemen Lucas Whitehead (Barrie, ON, CA) and Foward Bryce Cooper (Boise, ID) will wear the ‘C’, while Foward Hogan McNeish (Fuquay Varina, NC) and Foward Emil Obstfelder (Lørenskog, NOR) will serve as assistant captains, donning the ‘A’.

Whitehead, Cooper, and McNeish are all entering their third year with the Riverkings, while Obstfelder is stepping into his first season with both the Riverkings and the USPHL. Each player brings a unique dynamic to the team.

“My approach is to consider the various strengths and qualities each player contributes,” said Coach Pechmann. “Derek and I believe in diverse leadership styles, and it’s beneficial to have a group that embodies different qualities. Lucas Whitehead, as our seasoned captain, commands respect from day one. Bryce Cooper has earned his leadership role through experience and maturity, instilling the team’s culture from the start. Our assistant captains, Hogan McNeish and Emil Obstfelder, have also garnered respect through their unique paths. Hogan leads quietly but powerfully with his work ethic, while Emil arrives with a high level of talent and a standout competitive spirit. Together, these four create an exceptional leadership team, and we’re grateful to have them guiding us back to the top of the division with aspirations of returning to the National Championships.”

Player Profiles:

Lucas Whitehead, 20 (4/14/2004), is set to skate in his third season with the Riverkings. Known for his reliable defensive play and high hockey IQ, Whitehead stated, “Being named captain of the Riverkings means the world to me. Wearing the ‘C’ on my jersey has been a goal of mine since I started playing for the Riverkings. Now being a third-year player within the Riverkings organization, I have had the privilege of learning from several incredible leaders, past and present throughout my time in Wisconsin Rapids. I am honored that I have been trusted with upholding the standards and culture established by past captains and having the opportunity to continue to grow the legacy of the Riverkings in Wisconsin Rapids and our surrounding communities as we strive for a national championship.”

Bryce Cooper, 20 (4/19/2004), will share the captaincy with Whitehead. Cooper has demonstrated remarkable growth over the past two years. “Being named captain within the Riverkings organization is a huge honor and also a great opportunity to continue the legacy the Riverkings have built here in the city of Wisconsin Rapids. Having the A or C on our jerseys doesn’t change who we are, but rather represents who we are in the rink and the community. I am immensely honored to be entrusted with the C on my jersey not just from Coach Paul and Coach Derick but also from the rest of the team. I couldn’t ask for a better way to age out than being named captain in an organization that I have spent most of my Jr career with.”

Hogan McNeish, 20 (8/19/2004), joins as an alternate captain in his third year. A quiet leader, McNeish makes his presence known through gritty play. “Being named an assistant captain of the Riverkings is a great honor and privilege that goes beyond just the title; it symbolizes a commitment to my teammates and the relationships we’ve built through countless hours of practice as well as through the wins and losses. I see it as an opportunity to build on a lasting legacy from the amazing captains and teammates who came before me—not just in terms of wins, but in how we support one another and inspire others in this great community. Having a letter on your jersey doesn’t change who you are as we have many guys on the team who are leaders beyond those who were chosen. It is an honor to have been selected to wear the A in my final junior season not only by the coaches but also by my teammates. I look forward to defending the reign and having a hand in the many wins we expect on our road back to nationals.”

Emil Obstfelder, 18 (2/8/2006), rounds out the leadership team as an alternate captain in his rookie season. Known for his offensive threat, Obstfelder is ready to make an impact. “Being an assistant captain in my first year is a true honor. I’m committed to upholding the high expectations set for us and leading by example. I’m grateful for the trust placed in me and will give my all for the team.”

The Riverkings will make their home debut in Rapids City on October 27-28 against Hudson, with puck drop scheduled for 7 PM CT on the 27th and 12 PM CT on the 28th.

For season tickets or more information, please email gm@riverkingshockey.com.

2023-2024 Midwest West Divison Champions

In the competitive world of the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL), achieving division champion status is no small feat. This year, the Riverkings set a new standard of excellence with an impressive record of 30 wins and just 7 losses, marking a season of remarkable consistency and skill.

From the opening faceoff to the final buzzer, the Riverkings demonstrated a blend of strategic prowess and sheer determination. The Riverkings 30-win tally was a testament to their hard work, chemistry, and unwavering commitment. Each victory was a step towards their ultimate goal, showcasing not just individual talent but a team effort that made them a tough matchup to play against. 

The road to division champions was paved with resilience. The Riverkings faced a variety of challenges throughout the season, but their ability to adapt and overcome adversity was crucial to their success. Their 7 losses were not indicative of their capabilities but rather moments that fueled their drive to excel and refine their game.

The coaching staff played a key role in this success, crafting strategies that highlighted the team’s strengths.

I would say that the key to maintaining our success throughout the season and especially at the end was that we stressed the “all in, all the time” mentality. The boys bought in to what we were teaching on and off the ice and no one realizes that we went 9-0-1 in the last 10 games to win the division. We had to because we knew we were in a dog fight with Hudson and the Squatch to win the championship, and if that was something we wanted then we had to be “all in, all the time”. Well the feeling you get when that buzzer goes off is obviously exciting and relief, and man I love just watching these guys explode off the bench to mob each other knowing their hard work paid off. There is no better way for them to see the fruits of their labor than with a divisional championship banner,” said GM/Head Coach Paul Pechmann on being asked what was what was the key to success and how rewarding did it feel once the team accomplished the division title

Their leadership helped gather a group of talented players into a well-oiled machine capable of dominating the ice.

As division champions, the team not only earns bragging rights but also sets the stage for future success. This achievement is a showing of countless hours of practice, dedication, and a shared passion for the sport. The players, coaches, and support staff have all contributed to this momentous victory, and their collective effort is deserving of celebration.

Looking ahead, the division championship is a significant milestone but also a stepping stone to greater aspirations. With the foundation of this successful season, the team will be looking to build on their achievements as they prepare for the next season. 

In summary, the achievement of being division champions with a record of 30 wins and 7 losses is a remarkable accomplishment. It reflects the Riverkings exceptional skill, hard work, and determination, setting a high bar for excellence in the USPHL. As the Riverkings continue to push the boundaries of their potential, one thing is certain: this team has proven they are a force to be reckoned with in the USPHL.

Coach Paul and Bora Yildirim named to the 2023-24 All Dan K Third Team Selection

2024 All Dan K Show Premier Teams announced on May 8.

Making the third team is goaltender Bora Yildirim and Coach Paul Pechmann.

Watch the full video of their team selections below.

UPCOMING GAMES

November 15 2024

at Minnesota Squatch

Furniture and Things Event Center

7:15 PM

7:15 PM

November 16 2024

at minnesota squatch

Furniture and Things Event Center

7:15 PM

7:15 PM

2024-2025 TEAM LEADERS

Emil O

POINTS

Emil Obstfelder

#22 · Position: Forward

31

POINTS

1. Emil Obstfelder

31

2. Cayden Sweitzer

26

3. Felix Ahlstrand

25

4. Owen Tutich

22

5. Jake Bryceland

20

ASSISTS

Cayden Sweitzer

#12 · Position: Forward

18

ASSISTS

1Cayden Sweitzer

18

2. Emil Obstfelder

18

3. Owen Tutich

17

4. Lucas Whitehead

13

5. Jake Bryceland

13

PIM

Xavier Beauchamp

#5 · Position: Defense

73

PIM

1. Xavier Beauchamp

73

2. Owen Atkins

50

3. Emil Obstfelder

47

4. Hunter Raffert

34

5. Franco Carlo Denti

24

SV%

Deaken Shaw

#1 · Position: Goalie

.926

SV%

1. Deaken Shaw

.926

2. Guillaume Turcot

.907

3. Kevin Podgurny

.888

4. Ruari McGibbon

1.00

NORTH DIVISION STANDINGS

PosTeamGPWLOTLPTS
1Minnesota Squatch20164032
2Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings23156132
3Northwest Express23148129
4Minnesota Mullets20136127
5Dells Ducks20128024
6Minnesota Blue Ox231211024
7Steele County Blades22912119
8Hudson Havoc20515010
9Isanti Outlaws2131618
PosTeamWL
2Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings134
4Minnesota Mullets125
1Minnesota Squatch144
6Minnesota Blue Ox118
8Hudson Havoc413
3Northwest Express137
5Dells Ducks126
7Steele County Blades812
9Isanti Outlaws215

2023-2024 ALL STARS

Midwest West Division

COACH PECHMANN'S LATEST INTERVIEWS

December 11, 2023

November 13, 2023

July 31, 2023

April 24, 2023

March 20, 2023

March 6, 2023

February 27, 2023

February 20, 2023

February 13, 2023

LATEST NEWS

RIVERKINGS USPHL PREMIER HOCKEY TEAM RECEIVES 2023 BEST OF WISCONSIN RAPIDS AWARD

August 30, 2023 — Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings – USPHL Premier Hockey has been selected for the 2023 Best of Wisconsin Rapids Award in the Ice hockey club category by the Wisconsin Rapids Award Program…

COACH PECHMANN NOMINATED FOR 2023 SPORTS COMMISSION MVP AWARD

Each year, the Wisconsin Rapids Area Sports Commission MVP Award acknowledges an individual that demonstrates commitment, creativity, and dynamic energy toward the growth of sports tourism in our community…

WISCONSIN RAPIDS RIVERKINGS USPHL PREMIER HOCKEY TEAM RECEIVES 2023 BEST OF WISCONSIN RAPIDS AWARD

August 30, 2023 — Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings – USPHL Premier Hockey has been selected for the 2023 Best of Wisconsin Rapids Award in the Ice hockey club category by the Wisconsin Rapids Award Program.

Each year, the Wisconsin Rapids Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Wisconsin Rapids area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2023 Wisconsin Rapids Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Wisconsin Rapids Award Program and data provided by third parties.

 

About Wisconsin Rapids Award Program

The Wisconsin Rapids Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Wisconsin Rapids area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Wisconsin Rapids Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.

COACH PECHMANN NOMINATED FOR 2023 SPORTS COMMISSION MVP AWARD

Each year, the Wisconsin Rapids Area Sports Commission MVP Award acknowledges an individual that demonstrates commitment, creativity, and dynamic energy toward the growth of sports tourism in our community. A committee of previous MVP Award winners selects the next recipient. Past recipients of the MVP Award were chosen because they are the movers and shakers in our sports community. For more information about the Sports Commission and the MVP Award, visit http://www.VisitWisRapids.com/sportscommission.

 

The purpose of the award presentation is to increase awareness of local athletic / sport resources and highlight the impact of sports on our community and economy.

Reasons for Coach Paul Pechmann’s Nomination

Paul Pechmann has been and continues to be an advocate for both youth and men’s hockey, as well as the Wisconsin Rapids Area community overall. He works relentlessly to advocate for both local sports and the people in our community.

Through Paul’s leadership, the Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings, a Junior Hockey team with the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL). have been engaged with several local charities and events. Some of these initiatives include taking part in United Way Day of Caring, supporting the Downtown Grand Affair Festival, visiting local schools, hosting a blood drive, participating in the Nekoosa Giant Pumpkin Fest, serving as mystery readers at Our Lady Queen of Heaven School and other local community and sporting events.

Coach Paul actively works with the local teams and the Sports Commission to support the local hockey program. He has contributed by sponsoring mini mite/mite program skates, youth hockey camps and opportunities for local youth to skate with the Riverking players.

Paul continues to seek opportunities to increase local participation, develop new teams, and one day bring larger hockey events, tournaments and showcases to the area. This also requires finding ways to improve and develop new facilities that will make Wisconsin Rapids a premier hockey destination.

While his positions as General Manager and Head Coach of the Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings, Paul’s credentials and results speak for themselves. Perhaps a better testament to his successes are the praise and support he and the team have received from the community. In addition, Riverkings players are actively recruited by college, NCDC, NAHL and various pro hockey leagues; a true testament to his coaching abilities and leadership skills.