MOLINE — The Peoria Rivermen rode veteran goaltender Nick Latinovich to a 5-1 victory over Quad City in their 2025-26 SPHL season opener Saturday before 4,864 at Vibrant Arena at The Mark.
Rivermen rookie defenseman Laz Kaebel, a Pekin native and the son of Rivermen Hall of Fame winger Butch Kaebel, notched assists on Peoria’s first three goals in his pro debut.
The Rivermen built a 2-0 lead on goals from Griffen Fox and Mike McChesney.
Fox’s goal came at 14:11 of the first period, and McChesney widened Peoria’s lead on a power play at 13:30 of the second.
Quad City launched 20 shots on goal in the second period to finally get one past Rivermen veteran goaltender Nick Latinovich with under three minutes left in the period.
Rivermen veteran winger Braydon Barker restored the team’s two-goal lead at 10:46 of the third period. Kaebel assisted on that one, as well.
Just 2:06 later, captain Alec Baer notched one for a 4-1 lead. The veteran Rivermen captain added an empty-netter with 51 seconds left for 5-1. It was a repeat performance for Baer, who notched two goals on opening night at Quad City last season.
The Rivermen host Fayetteville in their 2025-26 home opener at 7:15 p.m. Friday in Carver Arena.
River Readings
The Rivermen are 7-3-2 in the SPHL in season openers and 20-18-4-1 (the fourth column is an old-school tie) in their 44-year franchise history in the IHL, ECHL, AHL and SPHL. … Fayetteville won its opener over Knoxville, 2-1, tonight. Former Rivermen winger Cayden Cahill with the GWG. Former Rivermen goaltender Colby Muise had 20 saves and a victory. They are headed Peoria’s way for Rivermen home opener next weekend.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Son of Peoria Rivermen Hall of Famer plays hero in pro debut as Peoria wins opener
Reporting by Dave Eminian, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
