By Joe Bachman

Riverkings reload with veteran leadership from record setting season.

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Four powerhouses in the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL), and some of the Riverkings’ best have re-signed for the 2017-18 season.

The Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings have re-signed returning players Harrison Kohl, Ryan Mantz, Adam Peterson, and Austyn Quarters. This group put up a total of 291 points in the USPHL, and all four were in the top six in points in the USPHL Midwest Elite Division.

Returning defenseman Harrison Kohl is a Chicago native, who put up 63 points in 52 games last season. According to Riverkings Head Coach Marty Quarters, Kohl is the core the Riverkings’ defense.

“Kohl is a two way defenseman that can play on the blue line and in the defensive zone but also can create plays and scoring opportunities,” said Quarters. “Harrison is a warrior, who is very skilled, plays lots of minutes and can compete at any level he is challenged at.”

Oshkosh native Ryan Mantz made a stake as one of the top forwards in the USPHL last season, putting up 109 points in 51 games.

“Ryan is going into his fourth season of junior hockey and is a skilled two way forward who can play in both zones and creates scoring opportunities every time his team has the puck,” said Quarters. “Ryan is a proven scorer at every level he has played at, he brings a great locker room atmosphere and is a proven leader for our team with his abilities and attitude on and off the ice.”

Adam Peterson, like Kohl, is also a Chicago native, and has risen through the ranks to join Mantz as one of the top forwards in the USPHL Midwest Elite Division. Peterson put up 61 points in 50 games in the 2016-17 season.

“Adam has improved every season he has played for the Riverkings and proved himself to be one of the top Forwards in the USPHL, and knows how to play in both zones,” said Quarters. “When Adam has the puck he is almost unstoppable when he has speed going into the offensive zone — we look for Adam to be a top guy on our team this season.”

Austyn Quarters hails from Bozeman, Mont. and looks to be a leader on and off the ice this year. Quarters put up 58 points in 51 games in a successful run last season.

“Austyn plays a gritty game with lots of heart, passion, and speed,” aid Quarters. “We look for Austyn to be a big part in helping lead the boys to a championship this season.”

The Riverkings won the Midwest Elite Division title last season, finishing with a 42-4-3 record.

“We are very Excited to have signed such great group of  leaders that understand the Riverkings culture,” said Quarters. “These veterans will be counted on to lead our players in the locker room, on the ice, in the weight room and throughout the community.”