City Times Staff

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — After winning their last nine games of the regular season, and a successful first and second round win in the playoffs, the Riverkings battled their toughest opponent yet at Boston nationals — mother nature.

The Riverkings faced harsh weather elements in Boston over nationals weekend in early March. (Contributed)

After a sweep of the Ironwood Fighting Yoopers, and a close second round win against the Minnesota Blue Ox, the Riverkings punched their ticket to Boston. This meant a quick turnaround in a 20-hour bus ride with only one day off headed into nationals.

In Boston, the Riverkings faced the Islanders Hockey Club, New Jersey Hitmen, and the Florida Eels. If this wasn’t tough enough, Boston was hit by a snow storm which put 900,000 people without power, including the hotel that the Riverkings were staying in which put the team without any electricity for over 24 hours.

With rinks losing power and no back up generators to keep the ice cooling, the Riverkings were forced to hop on the bus and drive to other locations outside of Boston to finish up their last two games. However, the community had an outpouring of support when they returned home, according to Riverkings head coach Marty Quarters.

(Photo: B. Violet Photography)

“Coming up short at nationals, the community helped cushion the blow as we returned home Saturday to a police escort and a “welcome home party” from our great fans,” said Quarters. “Even though the Riverkings did not win nationals, they ended with yet another winning season and are continually building hockey up and down the river.”

The Riverkings finished in second place in the USPHL Premier Midwest West Division with a record of 33-10-1.

“We would like to personally thank our staff, volunteers, community, generous sponsors, and all of the great fans that came to the games and cheered the Riverkings on at the South Wood County Recreation Center,” said Quarters. “The staff would also like to thank our players for all their hard work and dedication on and off the ice.”

With the Riverkings 2017/18 season in the books, please look for Riverkings college commitment announcements and the signing of new players for the upcoming 2018/19 season.