WISCONSIN RAPIDS--It is not a surprise that the River Kings are tied for first place during the 2024-2025 hockey season with the Hudson Havocs holding the rival slot.
Coach Paul Pechmann, leads his team with 19-16-2. Pechmann is accustomed to bringing the team to victory. Last year saw a season of 37-7, with diverse players from Italy, Hungary, the Czech Republic, England and Canada, and finishing off with a National Championship win.
Their regular season runs for 44 days and loyal fans can come support them at River Kings Hockey Club. Fans can cheer and travel all over Wisconsin for their belevolved team win. But, these players have achieved more than wins on the hockey rink.
What drives the teams’ success is not the accumulation of titles or accolades gained. It is how Pechmann is an empathetic, influential, and a parental leader. Pechmann has had players come back as mentors, Pechmann has supported former players at graduations, and even guides them to UHL, USHL, and NCAA.
Keeping Pechmann around for ten years was an easy choice for him, the River Kings had quite the prestigious line of coaches to follow. However, Pechmann has stayed in the Rapids forefront and continues to show up for his players and community.
When asked if he had any Joe Pavelski candidates standing out this season—Pechmann said, “We are a team effort here,” Although, “Lucas Whitehead,”-number 25 defense-“He’s a lighthearted kid. Whitehead leads by example. Bleeds Green and Black.” Pechmann shines though with his leadership qualities—transparently transferring them over to his players. Pechmann continued, “I have everything they got, because I wanted to go where they want to go. For example, a one hour loss in the rink we want to know who we are and what the problem was. My team holds itself accountable.”
Hockey, being one of the most expensive sports in the nation—the fiscal responsibility isn’t a Davy Croket story. But that doesn’t deter Coach Pechmann or the team from reaching out for financial aid when necessary. Especially this time of year. Upon the coming season, Coach Pechmann wants recruits or players to try to feel welcomed, not burdened, but at home. Pechmann’s number one goal is to make a difference in his players’ life. To lead them on to bigger and better things. A shot for Nationals this coming year is second. He greatly understands the goals and achievements this team has to offer are meant for every social class in the community.
Within part of their mission statement, “To seek education opportunities for the student athlete and to aid them in those opportunities. To build interest through fostering community spirit and involvement.” Pechmann holds the great qualities of candor, enthusiasm, and empathy the players need. Finally, when asked who he would have dinner with dead or alive and why? Coach Pechmann responded, ”My sister.” And there was no reason to ask why. Coach Paul Pechmann is a family man.
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