Rivermen Signed Smekhnov and Grabko

The Peoria Rivermen added two players to the roster for the upcoming 2026-27 SPHL season.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Hockey

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The Peoria Rivermen have officially signed center Arsenii Smekhnov and goaltender Nick Grabko. These additions bolster the team as it prepares to compete in the 2026-27 SPHL season.

Why it matters

Peoria is building its roster with the goal of returning to the President's Cup Finals next spring. The team is integrating new talent to maintain its competitive standing in the league.

Nick Grabko is a 26-year-old goaltender standing 6 feet tall and weighing 190 pounds, while 25-year-old center Arsenii Smekhnov measures 6 feet 2 inches and 195 pounds.

The players

Arsenii Smekhnov

He is a 25-year-old center from Kirov, Russia, who played collegiate hockey at Wisconsin-River Falls.

Nick Grabko

He is a 26-year-old goaltender from Channahon, Illinois, who played professionally in France last season.

Peoria Rivermen

This is a professional hockey franchise based in Peoria, Illinois, that has a 45-year history in the sport.

The details

Arsenii Smekhnov joins the organization after a three-season career at Wisconsin-River Falls, having previously competed in junior leagues. Nick Grabko arrives in Peoria after playing for Mont-Blanc in France, with his rights acquired from Columbus in late August.

Arsenii Smekhnov began his junior hockey career in Colorado in 2015.
Nick Grabko competed for the Chicago Fury during the 2017-18 campaign.
Nick Grabko played at Alaska-Fairbanks throughout the 2024-25 season.
Columbus traded the rights for Nick Grabko to Peoria in late August 2026.
The Peoria Rivermen will compete in the SPHL for the 2026-27 season.

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Season Trajectory

These signings signal the start of roster construction as the Peoria Rivermen pursue a return to the President's Cup Finals. The additions aim to stabilize the team's depth and competitive balance for the upcoming SPHL campaign.

Fans should monitor how these acquisitions impact the team's defensive structure and scoring potential on the ice this season. These roster moves serve as the baseline for determining the team's performance metrics throughout the upcoming SPHL schedule.

The takeaway

Building a balanced roster with both collegiate talent and international experience is essential for long-term consistency in the SPHL. Integrating new players effectively during the preseason remains the primary challenge for the coaching staff.