By Joe Bachman

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Defense wins championships; and the Riverkings are looking to make an impact this year on the defensive side of the puck with additions to their defensive core.

Tommy McManus. (Contributed)

Four defensemen have been signed for the upcoming year; one of whom is a familiar name. Tommy McManus is the brother of former Riverking John McManus. McManus is a Kansas City native who is coming from a season of high school hockey out of Lakkeville North in Minnesota.

“Tommy not only brings solid size, skating ability and a competitive edge but he is also a high achieving student with outstanding character.” said Riverkings Head Coach Marty Quarters.

Secondly, the Riverkings picked up Raymond Fleming, out of Paloalto, Cali. The 6’4 defenseman spent last season with the Wenatchee U-18 squad out of Washington State. 

“Fleming is a slick skating and passing power play specialist.” said Quarters.

Colin Moore. (Contributed)

Third comes California native Colin Moore, who has made the trip to Wisconsin Rapids from the Orange County U-18 team in California. Moore moved to Wisconsin Rapids last year and practiced with the Riverkings last season to help prepare him for this year.

“Colin plays a smart, steady, defensive game with strong puck skills and uses his long reach to his advantage.” said Quarters.

The fourth and youngest defenseman on this list is Zack Hartley, out of Wisconsin Rapids. Hartley will be a junior at Lincoln High School this season.

“Zack is a free wheeling offensive defenseman with great skating ability who plays a similar style game as former Riverking all-star player, Blake Anderson.” said Quarters. 

For more information, please visit riverkingshockey.com