Hartley has first win

For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The 2021-22 Riverkings moved to 12-3-2, and proved themselves as “road warriors” having played only two games at home of their first 17 games.

Dante Siciliano moves the puck.

The “Kings of the River” headed to Chicago, Nov. 12-13, to play the Cougars, with sickness holding back multiple players and GM/Head Coach Marty Quarters.

However, the boys rallied behind first-year Riverkings Assistant Coach Zack Hartley to pick up three points as they continue to stay in second place in the Midwest West Division.

The Riverkings lost in OT Friday night at Fifth Third Arena, 3-2, with goals from Hogan Boyle and Ben Pizzimenti.

Saturday’s game showed a different story as the players responded in Riverkings fashion with a 5-1 win, giving first year coach and former three-year defenseman, Zack Hartley his first win.

Ethan Blackburn stopped 18 shots to improve to 3-0 on the season, and the Riverkings had three power-play goals and two shorthand goals in the win.

“Zack is a young dedicated coach who knows our culture as well as anyone being a former player and captain, the players respect him because of how hard he works hard and cares. I am very proud of the tremendous progress Coach Hartley has shown in just a short amount of time behind the bench. He has a very bright future in this game because of his knowledge, passion, and work ethic,” said Coach Quarters.

The Riverkings head out East as they head to Boston for four games in the USPHL Showcase before taking a two-week break for Thanksgiving. The team returns to action on Dec. 9 in the Dells and home Dec. 10-11 at South Wood County Recreation Center versus the Minnesota Mullets. Puck drops at 7 p.m.