Canucks sniper stays home
Matthew Riva didn’t need to leave the Niagara Falls Canucks to realize the grass isn’t always greener somewhere else.
The 18-year-old Niagara Falls native was courted by teams in the Ontario Junior Hockey League over the summer, but felt it was best to stay with the Canucks.
“I had a couple offers from the OJHL and they were promising all these roles,” Riva said. “I wasn’t really sure where I was going to play and how much I was going to play. At this stage in my hockey career, it’s more important I get reps and play a lot of minutes to help me develop as a player.”
Canucks coach Frank Pietrangelo is giving Riva top minutes in all situations this season.
“He could have played in the OJHL this year — he had many options in front of him— but decided to stay back for another year where he could continue his development,” Pietrangelo said. “A lot of times guys jump at the first offer because they see an A in front of a B, and that’s not the bottom line. The bottom line in development and everybody develops at different stages, and Riva is a good example of that.
“As an 18-year-old, for him to take a step back after earning his stripes and progressing and then be put on the fourth line or be a healthy scratch some games, that’s not what he needs. He needs to be an elite player at this level and show everybody what he can do.”
Pietrangelo doesn’t feel playing junior B will hurt Riva’s chances of reaching his goal of playing at the NCAA Division I level.
“He’s a guy who has had interest from NCAA. They were at the Showcase (Tournament) talking to him. It doesn’t matter where you are, if you’re good enough, they will find you.”
Riva collected 19 goals last season as a sophomore, then added 18 points in 21 playoff games. This season, the Saint Michael High School graduate already has 22 points in 14 games playing on the Canucks top unit with Andrew Bruno and Ryan Donovan.
“I get to play that (top) role on a team, be on the power play, and the penalty kill and in key situations, where if I were to move up, I wouldn’t be guaranteed to play,” Riva said. “Frank relies on us a lot to produce and get the boys going and put points on the board to help win games.”
Pietrangelo has seen Riva make significant strides since his rookie season.
“He came in as a 16-year-old and he’s a late bloomer,” Pietrangelo said. “He’s a smaller kid and he could always skate. That’s his biggest asset. If he’s not the best skater in the league, then he’s in the top percentage.
“Last year, he improved on his 16-year-old year — it’s not an easy league to play in as a 16-year-old —and put up 19 goals and was a key part of our championship team. This year, he took another step forward.”
Riva has been a big reason Bruno and Donovan have already combined for 20 goals.
“He’s been tremendous for us,” Pietrangelo said. “He’s a top-10 scorer in the league and a little bit too unselfish at times. He’s got a great shot and looks to pass first all the time.
“I’d like to see him be more of a shooter.”
Riva’s skating is what sets him apart.
“He’s got tremendous speed and when you’re in the top percentage, you’re going to break people down. Speed can open up things for other players on your team because players are focussed on you,” Pietrangelo said. “We saw it and expected a big year out of him, and it’s been a great start for him.”
Riva said another selling point to staying with the Canucks has been the response from local fans.
“It means a lot more playing in your hometown in front of your home crowd. The little kids all look up to you and know you’re a hometown kid, and I appreciate that.”
The defending Golden Horseshoe champions are off to a strong start with a 9-3-2-1 record, including an impressive 2-1 overtime win over the league-leading Caledonia Corvairs last week.
“Our room is fantastic. All the boys get along and we’ve all bonded since the beginning of the year. It’s really showing in the standings and the way we’re playing,” Riva said.
The Canucks are home to Fort Erie Friday, in Caledonia Saturday and St. Catharines next Tuesday.
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