New season, new chapter for the Riverkings

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The puck is about to drop on a new chapter for the Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings Junior Hockey.
The 2026–27 season is a special one as the Riverkings begin their first season in the NCDC junior league. A new league brings new opponents, new challenges and a higher level of competition — but this group is ready to embrace the opportunity and work to exceed expectations.
This year’s team brings together players from seven different countries, creating a unique mix of backgrounds, experiences and hockey styles. While everyone arrived in Wisconsin Rapids with their own journey and goals, the early days of the season have already shown a team coming together quickly.
Training camp began on Aug. 31, and the players have been working hard from day one. The effort on the ice has been matched by something just as important: team chemistry. The group has connected well, creating an exciting atmosphere as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
The Riverkings are led by Head Coach and General Manager Paul Pechmann, entering his fifth season with the organization, alongside Assistant Coach Bora Cem Yildirim.

Of course, junior hockey is about more than what happens between the boards. For many of these players, Wisconsin Rapids is a home away from home, and the support of the community is a big part of that experience. The team’s billet families play an especially important role, opening their homes to the players and helping them settle into life away from their own families and countries.
That combination — players from around the world, local families opening their doors, coaches with experience and a community behind the team — is what makes the upcoming season so exciting.
The Riverkings will begin their regular season on Saturday, Sept. 26 in Hudson, taking the first step into their new NCDC journey.
Then comes the moment everyone in Wisconsin Rapids has been waiting for: the home opener on Saturday, Oct. 10.
There is a lot ahead for this team. There will be tough games, new experiences and challenges that come with playing in a new league. But those challenges are exactly what this group is looking forward to.
The season is here. Come along for the ride.