Rivermen Announce Playoff Roster Before First-Round Series
April 10, 2017 - 02:05 pm
Photo Credit: Tim Lester
Rivermen Announce Playoff Roster Before First-Round Series
Dion, Klecha return from IR, Ledy and Leef released before Wednesday’s series-opener
Peoria, IL – The Peoria Rivermen announced their 19-man roster for the 2017 SPHL Presidents Cup Playoffs Monday afternoon before the Rivermen begin their first-round best-of-3 series against the Knoxville Ice Bears Wednesday at Carver Arena. The Rivermen have activated winger Cody Dion and Dakota Klecha from the 14-day and 21-day Injured Reserves, respectively, waived defenseman Rich Ledy, and released rookie center Jackson Leef from his three-game tryout contract, all prior to today’s 1 PM deadline for playoff rosters to be submitted.
Dion returns to the Rivermen leading the team with 24 goals in 48 games this season, adding a +11 rating and 96 penalty minutes. Dion is one of just six players on Peoria’s 19-man playoff roster to be with the team on Opening Night. The Colorado Springs, CO native played in seven of Peoria’s eight playoff games last year, recording a goal and two assists as he helped the Rivermen to the Presidents Cup Finals.
Klecha returns to the active roster after finishing the season with 15 goals and 20 assists in 40 games, adding a team-best +20 rating. The second-year pro spent last season with Orik Opole in Poland’s top professional league, scoring 13 goals and dishing 20 assists in 40 regular-season contests before notching a goal in three postseason games.
“Having Klecha and Dion back healthy for this playoff run is huge for our offense,” said Rivermen head coach Jean-Guy Trudel. “Dion is a big body who can be physical in front of the net and on the power play, and he’s worked hard all season improving his all-around game. Klecha’s been a big piece for us as well, he drives to the net, does all the little things the right way. Getting those two guys back will be key for us.”
To clear space for Klecha and Dion on the 19-man playoff roster, the Rivermen released center Jackson Leef from his three-game tryout contract on Saturday, and waived defenseman Rich Ledy Monday morning. Leef skated in six games for the Rivermen, posting two assists and a -2 rating, while Ledy saw action in 36 games from the Rivermen blueline, notching his first pro goal to go with nine assists after he logged two helpers in eight games with Knoxville to start his second pro season.
The Rivermen and Ice Bears open their best-of-3 Presidents Cup Quarterfinal series at Carver Arena inside the Peoria Civic Center Wednesday night at 7:05. Game 2 is scheduled for 7:30 EDT Friday night in Knoxville, and Game 3, if necessary, would be back in Peoria Saturday night at 7:05. Tickets for Game 1 are currently available through the Rivermen office at (309) 676-1040.
Group, single game, and season tickets for Peoria's 35th season of professional hockey presented by Midwest Orthopaedic Center are on sale at the Toyota Box Office in the Peoria Civic Center, or by phone at the Rivermen office, located at 201 S.W. Jefferson Street, or over the phone at (309) 676-1040. For the latest Rivermen news and notes, follow online at www.rivermen.net or through Facebook (www.facebook.com/PeoriaRivermen) - Twitter(https://twitter.com/Peoria_Rivermen)
