Rivermen say thanks to fans as city celebrates SPHL championship

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — It was a bittersweet night for Alec Hagaman.

The retiring Rivermen captain enjoyed celebrating his team’s second SPHL championship in three years with hockey fans in Peoria. But he also knew Friday’s city celebration for the President’s Cup champions would be his final appearance with his team.

“Being able to say goodbye to the fans that supported us all year was great,” Hagaman said. “The community, the mayor coming out, just shows the support around Peoria. It’s all over and it’s great for us.”

Hagaman, the only Peoria-born captain in Rivermen history, drew the loudest applause as he brought the President’s Cup into the Civic Center Exhibition Hall during the rally for the team. Teammates JM Piotrowski and Zach Wilkie took turns praising Hagaman when they came to the microphone.

“Me coming (to Peoria) three years ago and learning from him, this is what we talked about,” said defenseman Zach Wilkie. “We delivered for him and I can’t be any happier for that guy than I am right now.”

The celebration started with the Rivermen parading through downtown Peoria on a firetruck. A 30-minute program that included Peoria Mayor Rita Ali and councilman Denis Cyr, a former Rivermen star, concluded the official celebration.

Fans were able to take pictures with players and the President’s Cup following the rally.

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