HUNTERSVILLE, NC (April 9, 2019) — Today, the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) announced that Joe Kalisz of the Peoria Rivermen was named Warrior Player of the Week for April 1 to April 7.
Kalisz scored four goals during a two-game weekend series against the Macon Mayhem. The left wing scored the first goal of the game on Friday night. In the second period, Peoria was trailing Macon by one. Kalisz then slipped another past the Mayhem’s goaltender to tie the game and start the Rivermen’s comeback. Peoria scored three more goals and defeated Macon 5-2 on Friday.
The following night, the Mayhem scored early and had a 2-0 lead. Toward the end of the period, Kalisz lit the lamp and scored the Rivermen’s first goal of the game on a power play. About halfway into the second period, Kalisz then tied up the score. The momentum then shifted toward Peoria, the Rivermen scored three more goals and the night ended in a 5-3 victory over Macon.
Kalisz helped lead the Peoria Rivermen to victory and help the team create new league records including setting new SPHL marks for most wins (40), most points (89), fewest regulation losses at home (1) and overall (7), fewest goals allowed (123), best win percentage (.795), and tied the league mark for most home wins in a season (23).
Runner ups: Kyle Sharkey of the Huntsville Havoc (2g, 4a) and Dalton Mills of the Quad City Storm (2g, 3a)
Other nominees: Jacob Barber (BHM), Colin Clapton (EVV), Taylor McCloy (FAY), Nick DiNicola (KNX), John Siemer (MAC), Joseph Drapluk (PEN) and Everett Thompson (RNK)