Pathways Speaker Summit:
Wednesday February 6, 2019
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December: Month in Review
November: Month in Review
Riva ramps up his game
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.
Hart of Queens
By Bill Potrecz - November 8, 2018
Just one look was all it took for Riley Hart to know Queen’s University was right for him.
The 18-year-old, Grade 12B student at Saint Michael Catholic High School realized a dream come true Thursday, signing on the dotted line to play football at Queen’s beginning next season.
Hart, who received a four-year, $18,000 scholarship, officially signed up in the gym at Saint Michael with those closest to him looking on.
“It means the world, especially to have my teammates and family here. Everybody has been helping me out and I wouldn’t be here without any of these guys,” he said. “They put me in positions to succeed and luckily I was able to take that position and run with it.”
Hart said there was interest from other schools, but he kept coming back to Queen’s.
“Queen’s was always somewhere I envisioned myself going,” he said. “I went to Kingston with my friend and ever since then I wanted to go back. It’s a great thing. It’s something I always wanted to do.”
Hart, who plans to major in sociology with the thought of becoming a police officer, is a solid student as well, averaging 82 per cent.