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How the Rivermen staved off elimination, proved they wanted Game 4 of semis
TL;DR
The Peoria Rivermen defeated the Knoxville Ice Bears 5-0 to avoid elimination in the SPHL semifinals. With this victory, the series is now tied 2-2, leading to a decisive Game 5 on Sunday in Peoria.
Key points
- Peoria Rivermen won 5-0 against Knoxville Ice Bears
- Rivermen tied the series 2-2
- JM Piotrowski scored two goals
- Game 5 scheduled for Sunday in Peoria
- Rivermen faced elimination before the win
Peoria RivermenKnoxville Ice BearsSPHL semifinalsJM Piotrowski
The Peoria Rivermen stayed alive in the SPHL semifinals Friday, burying the Knoxville Ice Bears with five unanswered goals and driving goaltender Stephen Mundinger out of the game to stave off elimination.
The Rivermen got two goals from veteran center JM Piotrowski, limited Knoxville to 9 shots in the game's first 33 minutes, and rode veteran goaltender Nick Latinovich in his return to the net for a 5-0 victory before 3,959 at Knoxville Civic Coliseum.
Facing elimination, the No. 1 seed Rivermen instead tied No. 7 Knoxville 2-2 in the best-of-5 series. The decisive Game 5, with a trip to the President's Cup Finals on the line, will be in Peoria at Carver Arena at 3:15 p.m. Sunday.
"That's a step in the right direction for us," Piotrowski said. "It's definitely an emotional situation, facing elimination, knowing the game could be your last. I was thinking about our runs in the past. Thinking about what happens if you lose is a hard thing, but it's also a chance to feed your emotions and tonight was a great feeling.
"(Retired former Rivermen captain) Alec Hagaman taught me a lot about how to respond when we're down. I joined the team late this season, and I really want to win. So I can say that all I want, but at the end of the day you have to show it."
Peoria Rivermen center Garrett Devine takes a hit from Knoxville goaltender Stephen Mundinger during Game 4 of the SPHL semifinals at Knoxville Civic Coliseum on April 24, 2026.
The Rivermen got the game's first goal for the first time in the four-game series at 10:18 of the first period, on a drive by defenseman Cory Dennis.
It was a power play goal – the first in 16 attempts by the Rivermen in this postseason.
Dennis, an All-SPHL first-team selection, cranked a shot from 45 feet at the top of the slot and it sailed through traffic at the net and past 6-8, 250-pound Mundinger.
The Rivermen opened a 2-0 lead at 16:25 when Piotrowski snapped a drive from the top of the right circle off a draw and past Mundinger's blocker.
Q&A
What was the score of the Rivermen vs. Ice Bears Game 4?
The Peoria Rivermen won Game 4 against the Knoxville Ice Bears with a score of 5-0.
Who scored the goals for the Rivermen in Game 4?
Veteran center JM Piotrowski scored two goals for the Rivermen in their Game 4 victory.
When and where will Game 5 of the Rivermen vs. Ice Bears series take place?
Game 5 will take place on Sunday at 3:15 p.m. at Carver Arena in Peoria.
What does the win mean for the Rivermen in the SPHL semifinals?
The win allowed the Rivermen to stave off elimination and tie the series 2-2, keeping their hopes alive for a trip to the President's Cup Finals.
