Rivermen hammer Evansville in opener of SPHL semifinal series

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WMBD/WYZZ) — Jordan Ernst and Alec Hagaman scored two goals apiece as the Peoria Rivermen rolled past Evansville, 7-2, in the first game of their SPHL semifinal playoff series at the Ford Center on Wednesday.

The Rivermen, playing in their third straight semifinal playoff series, can clinch the best-of-three series with a win at home Friday at 7:15 p.m.

Ernst started the scoring at 7:32 of the first period when he finished off a two-on-one with JM Piotrowski. Ernst also finished the scoring with 23 seconds left in the game when he blasted home a power play goal to make it 7-2.

Hagaman scored twice in 2:24 in the middle of the third period. He also added an assist for a three-point game.

The Rivermen broke the game open with a three-goal second period, then outscored Evansville 3-2 in the third. Nick Latinovich stopped 20 of 22 shots to earn the win in the Peoria goal.

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