Mississippi RiverKings are having a great season so far, owing to their smothering defense. In some of the recent games that it played, the RiverKings displayed a strong defensive stand, limiting the opposition’s scoring. The head coach, Derek Landmesser is proud of the achievements and feels the players are on the right track, having improved their work ethics and cashing in on the opportunities. As the SPHL season progresses, Mississippi RiverKings will be playing some thrilling games against Columbus Cottonmouths, Fayetteville Fireantz, Huntsville Havoc, Bloomington Thunder and Peoria Rivermen, among others. While some will be away games, others will be played at the team’s home venue, Lander's Center.
Mississippi RiverKings – Overview
Member of the Southern Professional Hockey League, Mississippi RiverKings is a pro Minor League team. Formed in 1992, it is owned by The Maddox Foundation, an investment company started by Dan and Margaret Maddox. Initially the team played in the Central Hockey League and after enjoying eight fruitful seasons, shifted to the SPHL. Mississippi RiverKings has to its name two Ray Miron President's Cup titles, which it won in successive years. Over the years the team has produced many talented players which include Don Parsons and Scott Brower. Parsons remained with the RiverKings for six seasons, during which he led the side to numerous victories. Considered a prolific goalie, he held the Minor League’s scoring record for two years. After the team bid him farewell in 2009, his number 13 was retired.
An eminent goaltender, Scott Brower started his ice hockey career in 1988. Besides playing for Mississippi RiverKings, he was also associated with the Ice Rays and in his honor, the latter retired his number 35. With the RiverKings, Brower held the number 31 and following his tragic death in a car accident, this number was retired as well. To honor the player, Western Professional Hockey League named Scott Brower Memorial Trophy after him that’s given to the top goaltenders.
Lander's Center
Opening its doors in 2000, Lander's Center is a multipurpose arena and home venue of Mississippi RiverKings. Besides hosting ice hockey games, the venue also arranges concerts and since formation, has welcomed many popular artists. More than 10,000 people can attend concerts and other live events at the Center. Over 8000 spectators can be accommodated for ice hockey games, and on game nights when the RiverKings are playing, sold out attendance is witnessed. Mississippi Riverkings tickets always sell in advance and fans are present at the arena to cheer the team to victory. Fans adorning the team colors - green, gold, black and sienna - fill the stands and it’s quite a sight. Dancing in aisles, they cheer loudly at every goal and when the opposition scores, deafening hooting also echoes.
Mississippi RiverKings have started the current season with wins and have so far controlled the games to their advantage. Their defense is top-notch especially near the net and they have managed to kill penalties for the opposition. The upcoming games promise to bring in a lot of thrill and the fans should look forward to have a great time.