Rivermen Report 3-20-11: Holding Tight & Help Coming
Can’t make it a few hours north to see the Peoria Rivermen play? That’s okay, BlueNoteZone has you covered. Linking you to game recaps and news stories involving the Blues American Hockey League affiliate. Check back every Sunday for a weekly roundup.
How They Fared
Tuesday, March 15th: Rivermen top Barons 2-1 in a shootout.
Saturday, March 19th: Rockford beats Rivs 4-3 in regulation.
The Week Ahead
After taking on the Lake Erie Monsters (Colorado) Sunday the Rivermen are off until Friday, March 25th. They will play host for a back to back series against the San Antonio Rampage (Phoenix).
So far this season the Rivs have won all three games against the Monsters and are 2-2-0-0 against San Antonio.
Standings Watch
The Rivermen hold 3rd place in the West Division of the Western Conference. Currently tied with the Oklahoma City Barons (Edmonton) with 81 points. They also still hold on to 4th in the Conference as well.
According to Sunday’s Playoff Primer, the playoff match-up hasn’t changed. The Rivermen are still on pace to take on the Houston Aeros in Round 1.
Returning Players
The Rivermen got some good news this week as a few players have returned to Peoria.
With Tyson Strachan’s activation from IR, Nathan Oystrick was returned Friday. He will not play until he has served his 6 game suspension though.
Following Saturday’s game in San Jose and the apparent return of Phil McRae to the Blues lineup, it appears Strachan as well as the Rivs leading scorer, TJ Hensick, will both be heading down Sunday.
Don’t expect to see McRae, Adam Cracknell or Ian Cole return to Peoria till the Blues season is over. Nikita Nikitin is not eligible to return since he was not on the Clear Day roster.
Charitable Efforts
The Blues are well known for their contributions to the community and charities. The Peoria Rivermen are just the same. Hosting another “Tip-A-Riv” Dinner this week.
Wednesday’s Tip-A-Riv Dinner raised $6,000 to be donated to the “Cherish Every Moment – The Dax Locke Foundation.” In its first two years of existence, the Tip-A-Riv Dinners have raised $11,478 for local charities.
Julie and Austin Locke formed the “Cherish Every Moment – The Dax Locke Foundation” in honor of their son, Dax. It is a non-profit organization whose goal is to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. So far Dax has raised over a quarter of a million dollars.
For more information on the Dax Locke Foundation or to donate to the cause visit www.daxlocke.com.
Kudos and good work Rivermen!
Peoria Taking Notice of the For Sale Sign
The Rivermen are a sizable piece of the pie being sold by Blues Principal Owner Dave Checketts. As Dave Eminian of the Peoria Journal Star writes, the team and fans have nothing to fear. He makes a couple very good points. Worth reading Blues fans.
Ice Time Online
Here is this week’s link to this week’s Ice Time Online. Not so much about hockey, but about Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders.
Check out Scott Enn’s Gallery from their in game performance here on BlueNoteZone.
