When the Peoria Rivermen come calling, even retirement can wait. That's the story of JM Piotrowski, the latest veteran to trade his street clothes for a shot at another championship.

The Rivermen have a knack for luring players out of retirement for deep playoff runs. Alec Hagaman set the standard in 2023, returning to claim the President's Cup MVP honors as Peoria skated to the 2024 SPHL title. Mitch McPherson followed suit, rejoining the squad that same championship season.

Now, Piotrowski adds his name to that legacy. A two-time champion with the Rivermen—first in 2021-22, when he scored the series-clinching overtime goal in Roanoke, and again in 2023-24—he hung up his skates last spring after five seasons in Peoria.

But when injuries and ECHL call-ups left the Rivermen shorthanded in February, Piotrowski answered the call. "I wouldn't want to come back just to come back," he said. "Being in a situation where it is championship or nothing is a super emotional time. Having an opportunity for another chance at a championship, why else would I be here?"

His return has paid off. The Rivermen lead the best-of-five President's Cup final against Evansville, 2-0, and can clinch the title with a road win Wednesday. For Piotrowski and the Rivermen, it's all about chasing that next banner—and proving that some retirements are meant to be temporary.