Matthew Riva found out the benefits of hard work last summer.

The 17-year-old centre worked out during the off season with former Canucks Mac Hollowell and Kurtis Henry and quickly realized what it takes to get to the next level.

Riva, a 17-year-old, Grade 12 student at Saint Michael Catholic High School, joined Hollowell, who was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Henry, a member of the Erie Otters, and was taken aback at their workout regime. 

“The first time I went I thought I was going to pass out,” Riva said. “We did lot of mixed workout routines that were new to me.

“It helped a lot just them showing me how hard they work to play in the OHL.”

The hard work has paid off big time for the speedy centre who put on about 10 pounds of muscle without sacrificing his blazing speed.

“I feel faster and stronger on the puck and my shot has gotten a lot better.”

Riva, always a solid defensive player and top-notch penalty killer, has moved up the depth chart from fourth-line centre to second-line centre as well as being a member of the Canucks’ second unit on the power play.

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