By Joe Bachman
Editor

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — For the second straight year, the Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings will head to Boston for a chance at a USPHL championship.

They took on the Minnesota Blue Ox in playoff action on Thursday and Friday night, and came away with a sweep to send them to nationals. On Thursday night, it was Adam Peterson picking up the first goal of the night, with Cole Creger coming up with the assist to put the Riverkings ahead 1-0. Peterson knocked in his second goal of the night  on the power-play in the second period, with Austyn Quarters and Alexander Mavorgiannis grabbing the helpers to make it 2-0.

Photo: B. Violet Photography.

On the heels of 23 saves by goalie Erik Schuette, the Riverkings would hold the Blue Ox off by a score of 2-1.

On Friday, the Riverkings officially punched their ticket to Boston with a 4-0 win over Minnesota. Over 600 fans witnessed the victory at the South Wood County Recreation Center, and it was Al McPhee who got the party started with a first period goal with Dylan Nurse and Tom Mcmanus grabbing the assists.

Matyas Kacirek would soon follow suit to put the Riverkings up 2-0 with goalie Erik Schuette picking up the assist off the breakaway. With a little under two minutes left in the first, it was Brooks Hatfield making it 3-0, as Kacirek and Ryan Mantz picked up the assists. Peterson would send in an empty-netter near the end of regulation to give the Riverkings a 4-0 win.

The Riverkings penalty-kill was perfect on the night killing all four Blue Ox attempts.

The USPHL National Tournament runs March 7-10 and all Riverking games can be seen on www.fasthockey.com as they continue there quest to becoming USPHL National Champions. You can also catch the action live at Hoozels, located at 4010 Plover Rd.

Playoff Schedule:

Wednesday, March 7 — 1:00 p.m. Riverkings Vs Islanders H.C.

Thursday, March 8 — 9:00 a.m. Riverkings Vs NJ Hitmen

Thursday, March 8 — 6:10 p.m. Riverkings Vs Florida Eels

Friday, March 9 — 12:20 p.m. Semi-finals

Saturday March 10, 2018 12:10 p.m. Finals