By Matt Server

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings won both games, Nov. 1-2, over heated rivals, Chicago Cougars in dominant fashion to start off the month.

Both teams came in with similar records, 11-3, and in first place in their respective divisions.

The Riverkings enforced their style of play throughout both games, preventing the Cougars from gaining any momentum.

The Riverkings started the weekend by winning the first game, 9-2, outshooting the Cougars 47-18 in the process.

Chicago was on the back foot the entire game, unable to gain any momentum. Jered Stevenson scored a hat trick along with a pair of goals from Anze Prostor and a goal each from Roger Schoenike, Markus Cook, Colton Flammini, and Patrick McCoy. Cole Creger had three assists on the night, and Patrick McCoy and Brayden Uttech each contributed with two assists. Goalie Giuliano Latella picked up the win and improved his record to 7-0 on the season.

It was more of the same the following night with a 7-0 shutout win to finish off the sweep. Out shooting the Cougars, 47-12, the Riverkings dominated all facets of the game.

Anze Prostor scored two goals for the second night, in a row with goals also coming from Cook, Luke Millius, Creger, Colton Flammini, and Harolds Jirgens.

Jordan Stear had a big night setting up goals for his teammates finishing, with three assists on the night, with Flammini and Cook each having a pair of assists to go along with their goals.

Matt Sever picked up his first shutout on the season for the win, by stopping all 12 shots he faced.

The two wins helped the Riverkings improve to a 13-3 win-lose record on the season, good for first place in the USPHL Midwest division.

After Saturday night’s win, Marty Quarters said, “It was great to finally play at home in front of our fans. Our special teams had a big impact in helping lead us in both wins by going 6-for-8 on the man advantage power play.”

The Riverkings play at home against the third place Rum River Mallards Nov. 8-9, before heading on the road once again for the Boston USPHL Showcase. Both games start at 7 p.m. at the South Wood County Recreation Center, 2711 16th St. South, Wisconsin Rapids.