Rivermen to mark 25th anniversary

President/CEO Bart Rogers of the Peoria Rivermen, the proud primary affiliate of the St. Louis Blues, unveiled today the silver-anniversary logo that will commemorate professional hockey’s 25th season in Peoria and Central Illinois throughout the 2006-07 Peoria Rivermen campaign.

“We feel the melding of the 25, the puck and the Peoria skyline captures the essence of Rivermen hockey over the past quarter century,” Rogers said. “This entire occasion is a true testament to the loyalty and long-standing support from our dedicated fans in Peoria, Bloomington-Normal and the surrounding areas. We want this to be as much a celebration about them as it is about hockey.”

During the 2006-07 season, a 25th anniversary logo patch will be affixed to the right shoulder of all Rivermen jerseys, while the St. Louis Blues’ BlueNote will adorn the left shoulder. Select Rivermen merchandise emblazoned with the 25th anniversary logo will be available for purchase in the fall of 2006.

The history of professional hockey in Peoria and Central Illinois began in 1982 with the establishment of the Peoria Prancers, which played for two seasons in the International Hockey League (IHL). Professional hockey will be played under the “Rivermen” moniker for a 23rd consecutive season in 2006-07. During the Rivermen tenure, Peoria and Central Illinois have enjoyed three league championships – two (2) IHL Turner Cups in 1985 and 1991 and one ECHL Kelly Cup in 2000.

The Rivermen are in their first season of competition in the AHL, and currently sit third in the West Division, with sights set on a berth in the 2006 Calder Cup Playoffs this spring.