Rivermen Sign Winger Davis Kirkendall Before Home Opener

The Peoria Rivermen added veteran forward Davis Kirkendall to the roster ahead of this Saturday's home opener.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Hockey

Rivermen Sign Winger Davis Kirkendall Before Home Opener

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The Peoria Rivermen have signed 29-year-old winger Davis Kirkendall as a free agent. To make room for the new acquisition, the team released Brandon Della Paolera.

Why it matters

The team added Kirkendall to bolster their lineup with extra grit and a physical presence in front of the net. This move rounds out the roster just before the team kicks off their regular season schedule at Carver Arena.

Davis Kirkendall stands 6-foot and weighs 210 pounds, bringing a veteran profile from 161 career SPHL appearances. His tenure includes stops in Vermilion County, Knoxville, and Quad City during his sixth professional season.

The players

Davis Kirkendall

He is a 29-year-old professional hockey winger from Hamel, Minnesota, now entering his sixth season in the SPHL.

Peoria Rivermen

They are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in Peoria, Illinois, that competes in the Southern Professional Hockey League.

Brandon Della Paolera

He is a professional hockey player who was released from the Peoria Rivermen roster to create space for new additions.

The details

The Peoria Rivermen secured Kirkendall following his release by the Quad City Storm to add depth to their forward group. The team released Brandon Della Paolera to comply with league roster requirements as they prepare for the upcoming game.

October 20, 2026: The Peoria Rivermen signed Davis Kirkendall.
October 24, 2026: Tickets for the Bruce Saurs Memorial Night home opener are available at the box office.
October 24, 2026: The Rivermen home opener begins at 7:15 p.m. at Carver Arena.

Season Trajectory

This roster move reflects the common SPHL trend of aggressive veteran acquisition to establish physical identity early in the season. The timing ensures the new forward is integrated before the high-profile Bruce Saurs Memorial Night game sets the tone for the campaign.

Fans attending the Saturday opener can see the new roster at 7:15 p.m. at Carver Arena. Upper bowl tickets are available for $10 through the Civic Center box office.

The takeaway

Team management is prioritizing physical durability and net-front presence to improve competitiveness this season. Supporters should note that lineup changes during the opening week are standard as coaching staffs finalize their tactical rotations.