HUNTERSVILLE, NC (April 11, 2018) – The Southern Professional Hockey League announced Wednesday that Mark Riepe of the Peoria Rivermen is the recipient of the 2017-2018 SPHL Equipment Manager of the Year Award.

The winner was determined by a vote of the league’s equipment managers and athletic trainers.

Riepe joined the Rivermen last August and served as Director of Operations in addition to handling equipment duties for the Rivermen. Mark comes to Peoria from Fort Worth, Texas, where he worked with the NAHL's Lone Star Brahmas, helping the team to a Roberston Cup title during the 2016-2017 season. Now a native of Fort Worth, TX. Riepe grew up in St. Louis and currently resides in Peoria.