Ice Bears shut out by Rivermen, setting up winner-take-all matchup in Peoria

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - The Knoxville Ice Bears had a chance to close out the SPHL semi-finals at home on Friday, but were shut out by regular season champion Peoria, 5-0.

The Ice Bears were outshot 31-21, finishing with single-digit shot attempts in all three periods.

Knoxville had six power play opportunities, but came up empty on all six. Peoria, however, scored a pair of power-play goals in the win.

Game five of the SPHL semi-finals will take place on Sunday in Peoria, with the winner facing defending league champion Evansville in the 2026 President’s Cup Finals. Puck drop is set for 4:15 ET.