2024-25
USPHL Premier North
Player of the week
Guillaume Turcot
Goalie
2024-25
USPHL Premier North
Player of the week
Kevin Podgurny
Goalie
2023-24
Player Advancement
Bora
Yildirim
Goalie
HK Gladiators Trnava
Tipos SHL
Second highest Pro League in Slovakia
2023-24
College commit
William
Chaussé
Defense
Westfield State University
NCAA Div. III
2023-24
College commit
Luke
Grutta
Forward
Western Michigan University
ACHA D1
2023-24
College commit
George
Goodwin
Forward
George Mason University
ACHA Div 1
2023-24
College commit
James
Deubel
Defense
Liberty University
ACHA Div 1
2023-24
College commit
Jude
Ayling
Goalie
Northland College
NCAA Div. III
2023-24
College commit
Anthony Bagnole
Forward
Purdue Northwest
ACHA Div I
2023-24
College commit
SJ LeComte
Forward
St. Michael's College
NCAA Div II
BUILDING HOCKEY UP AND DOWN THE RIVER
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
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
| Pos | Team | GP | W | L | OTL | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minnesota Squatch | 20 | 16 | 4 | 0 | 32 |
| 2 | Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings | 23 | 15 | 6 | 1 | 32 |
| 3 | Northwest Express | 23 | 14 | 8 | 1 | 29 |
| 4 | Minnesota Mullets | 20 | 13 | 6 | 1 | 27 |
| 5 | Dells Ducks | 20 | 12 | 8 | 0 | 24 |
| 6 | Minnesota Blue Ox | 23 | 12 | 11 | 0 | 24 |
| 7 | Steele County Blades | 22 | 9 | 12 | 1 | 19 |
| 8 | Hudson Havoc | 20 | 5 | 15 | 0 | 10 |
| 9 | Isanti Outlaws | 21 | 3 | 16 | 1 | 8 |
| Pos | Team | W | L |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings | 13 | 4 |
| 4 | Minnesota Mullets | 12 | 5 |
| 1 | Minnesota Squatch | 14 | 4 |
| 6 | Minnesota Blue Ox | 11 | 8 |
| 8 | Hudson Havoc | 4 | 13 |
| 3 | Northwest Express | 13 | 7 |
| 5 | Dells Ducks | 12 | 6 |
| 7 | Steele County Blades | 8 | 12 |
| 9 | Isanti Outlaws | 2 | 15 |
2023-2024 ALL STARS
Midwest West Division
COACH PECHMANN'S LATEST INTERVIEWS
January 29, 2024
January 22, 2024
January 15, 2024
January 8, 2024
December 11, 2023
December 4, 2023
November 27, 2023
November 13, 2023
November 6, 2023
October 23, 2023
August 28, 2023
July 31, 2023
May 29, 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…
