Rivermen Signed Garrett Devine for 2026-27 Season
The Peoria Rivermen added forward Garrett Devine to the roster as the team prepares for training camp.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Hockey
Live Poll
Do you prefer when veteran athletes return to play for your local professional team?
The Peoria Rivermen have signed forward Garrett Devine for the 2026-27 season. Devine first joined the team during the 2024-25 season and recorded 10 goals and 18 assists in 33 games last year.
Why it matters
The signing comes as the Rivermen adjust their roster following the departure of defenseman Kylar Fenton, who recently signed with the ECHL Norfolk.
Garrett Devine, a 28-year-old forward measuring 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, produced 10 goals and 18 assists in 33 games last season. The team also released Joowon Kim and Bohdan Zinchenko, both of whom were subsequently signed by SPHL Macon.
The players
Garrett Devine
He is a 28-year-old forward who has been with the Peoria Rivermen since the 2024-25 season.
Kylar Fenton
He is a defenseman who played 56 games for the Rivermen last season before signing with ECHL Norfolk.
Peoria Rivermen
This is a professional hockey team based in Peoria that competes in the Southern Professional Hockey League.
The details
The addition of Devine fills a roster void left by Kylar Fenton, who appeared in 56 games for Peoria last season with a +19 rating. Peoria also confirmed the departure of Joowon Kim and Bohdan Zinchenko as the team reshapes its lineup.
Timeline
Garrett Devine officially signed with the Rivermen on Saturday, Oct 3, 2026.
The Rivermen open training camp on Tuesday, Oct 6, 2026.
The season opener is scheduled for Oct 17, 2026, at Quad City.
The home opener against Pee Dee is set for Oct 24, 2026.
Season Trajectory
These roster changes reflect the high turnover inherent in the Southern Professional Hockey League as teams prepare for the upcoming campaign. The acquisition of an experienced player like Devine provides stability to the lineup while younger or displaced players move to other organizations.
The signing of Garrett Devine establishes a veteran scoring presence for the team's opening stretch against Quad City. Fans can look for his production to bolster the offensive rotation as the team aims to improve upon last season's results.
The takeaway
The team's ability to retain productive veterans is a key indicator of its readiness for the competitive SPHL season. Building a cohesive unit through early signings helps establish team chemistry ahead of the high-stakes games in October.
What happens next
The Rivermen begin training camp on Tuesday, Oct 6, 2026, followed by their season opener on Oct 17, 2026, and their home opener on Oct 24, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on the upcoming schedule and team roster, visit the Peoria Hockey section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Indianapolis Star.
Live Poll
Do you prefer when veteran athletes return to play for your local professional team?
