The Peoria Rivermen embraced the Halloween spirit with a decisive 3-2 victory over the Pee Dee Ice Cats on Saturday at Carver Arena. Wearing special Halloween-themed jerseys, the Rivermen dominated the opening stretch, scoring the game’s first three goals to establish a commanding lead. Although the Ice Cats mounted a spirited rally in the final minutes, the Rivermen held their nerve to secure the win in front of a crowd of 2,779 fans, marking a strong start to their festive night.
Rookie T.J. Koufis scores first pro goal as Rivermen celebrate spooky season in Carver Arena.
Rookie T.J. Koufis stole the spotlight by recording the game-winning goal, which also stood as his first in professional hockey. The Chicago native credited his family for the emotional milestone, noting that his uncle Kevin and aunt Vas traveled to Peoria to witness the moment. Koufis plans to dedicate the puck to his uncle, reflecting on the surreal nature of the achievement. “There are so many ways you think about how you’re going to score your first pro goal, and then it happens and it’s just so exciting,” Koufis stated, capturing the raw joy of the occasion.
The post-game atmosphere in the Peoria locker room mirrored the on-ice celebration, with players donning costumes including dog masks and chains while reminiscing about childhood Halloween traditions. The team’s collective energy highlighted the unique culture of the organization, blending competitive intensity with community engagement. As the Rivermen handed out accolades to teammates, the event served as a memorable showcase of team bonding and fan appreciation, solidifying the night as a highlight of their early-season schedule.
Source: Yahoo Sports
