Latest news with #RileyPatterson
Vancouver Sun
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Canucks Development Camp: How Riley Patterson got a leg up on demands of the game
Riley Patterson knows his path toward making the game a profession includes steep climbs and tricky downward traverses that could send him sprawling. The Vancouver Canucks ' fourth-round selection in the 2024 NHL Draft has ensured a smoother trek by playing centre and right wing for the OHL Barrie Colts. Coaches covet adaptable forwards who move like pieces in a chess game to outmaneuver the opposition. Patterson, who is participating in his second Canucks' annual development camp this week at UBC, is also aware of how the game can eat you up. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The mental side of meeting expectations can be more arduous than matching up physically. Getting a leg up to have mind and body in sync can be overwhelming without an outlet to provide perspective. It's why Patterson is fortunate to have a voice of reason on the homefront. Patterson's mother was a former athlete, has a background in sports psychology, and is a guidance counsellor. Quite the combination to keep her son centred and motivated. She also encouraged Riley to write a journal for reflection and perspective, and it's a pivotal package for preparation and execution. Patterson, 19, had 59 points (25-34) in 64 games this season and added a dozen more (6-6) in 16 playoff games. He collected 62 points (29-33) in 68 games in 2023-24 to lead all OHL rookies in goals and points. A lot of that had to do with his relentless drive. So, mom gets an assist for helping the Burlington, Ont. native pursue his goal. 'She has given me a lot and has been great, especially with the mental side, and it's something that I've always needed to improve on,' Patterson told Postmedia earlier this week at UBC. 'It's what separates you from others. 'Everyone has those physical traits, but it's times when it's harder, or even good. You need that mental strength. It's the inner belief that you can make it. I have that self-confidence and belief that I'm putting the right work in every day to achieve that goal. 'It's been my dream since I was a kid. I believe I can get there (NHL).' The journal helps the 6-foot, 194-pound Patterson stay focused along with brother, Carter, 21, an undrafted 6-foot-4, 201-pound defenceman with Canisius University in Buffalo. 'It's still going,' Patterson said of scribbling journal entries. 'You kind of write out your week, what you do in your workouts, and keep track so you can see results. It's big to look back and it keeps me motivated.' The Colts have a solid core returning next season to take the next postseason step. They were swept in the Eastern Conference final this spring by the Oshawa Generals. 'We had a great culture and were very close,' said Patterson. 'I improved in a lot of areas and got a better stride because the game is super-fast. My 200-foot game has also come a long way because of consistency throughout the season to compete every night. 'I prefer the middle, but I'm adaptable because I'm coachable. It's big. Even in minor hockey, I was playing both. Centre is more responsibility and a lot of it is skating through the neutral zone and making plays. I'm at my best when my stick is on the puck.' Patterson would like to model his game after centre Gabriel Vilardi, 25, of the Winnipeg Jets. The 2017 first-round pick of the Los Angeles Kings is an imposing 6-foot-3, 216-pound presence who hit a career-high 27 goals this season. 'He's a big right-handed shot who's good around the net and can play a 200-foot game,' assessed Patterson. 'Strong player with good vision and playmaking abilities.' One player who won't be back in Barrie this fall is winger Anthony Romani. The Canucks' sixth-round draft pick in 2024 is leaving for the NCAA and joining the Michigan State Spartans. He was limited to 35 regular-season games this season with the North Bay Battalion and the Colts because of injury, and had 35 points (21-14). He then amassed 24 points (12-12) in 16 playoff games. In 2023-24, Romani exploded for 58 goals and 111 points with the Battalion and piqued the Canucks' drafting interest. 'It's huge on personal preference in what you and your family think is best for development,' Patterson reasoned of Romani's decision. 'I've loved my time with the organization.' Said Romani: 'I'm pumped. It's a really great school, and what I'm most excited about is the development they have there. Great facilities. Great coaches. I head there next week for summer training.' As for Patterson's game, Romani summed it up succinctly. 'He can do it all. I learned that playing with him. He works his hardest every game and is a great guy off the ice.' bkuzma@
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Vancouver Canucks Prospects In The 2025 CHL Playoffs
The 2025 CHL Playoffs have arrived, with all six Vancouver Canucks prospects competing for a spot in the Memorial Cup. The playoff starts on Thursday, March 27th, with both Riley Patterson and Anthony Romani in action on Day 1. Here is a look at the matchups for Vancouver's six prospects. Latest From THN's Vancouver Canucks Site: The Weekly Rewind: Vancouver Canucks Recaps From March 17 To 23, 2025 Report: Canucks Thatcher Demko Could Return Monday Against The Devils Canucks Call Up Aatu Räty Ahead Of Game Against The New Jersey Devils Starting in the West, defensemen Sawyer Mynio and Parker Alcos are preparing for what should be an exciting WHL Playoffs. Starting with Alcos, he and the seventh-seeded Edmonton Oil Kings will be taking on the second-seeded Prince Albert Raiders. In 57 games this season, Alcos recorded one goal and 13 points, along with 42 penalty minutes. As for Mynio, he helped the Calgary Hitmen lock down the third seed and will be taking on the sixth-seeded Saskatoon Blades. In 49 games split between Calgary and the Seattle Thunderbirds, Mynio recorded 14 goals and 45 points. The 2023 third-rounder also represented Canada at the 2024 World Juniors, recording one assist in three games. Moving to the OHL, forwards Anthony Romani, Riley Patterson, and Vilmer Alrkisson will face some tough opponents in the playoffs. Altiksson is part of the fifth-seeded Brampton Steelheads, who will face the fourth-seeded Oshawa Generals in the fourth round. Alriksson spent the season split between Brampton and the Guelph Storm, where he recorded 15 goals and 35 points in 43 games. As for Romani and Patterson, they belong to the second-seeded Barrie Colts, who will be taking on the seventh-seeded Niagara IceDogs. Patterson had a strong 2024-25, posting 25 goals and 59 points in 64 games. As for Romani, he spent the year split between Barrie and the North Bay Battalion, where he combined for 21 goals and 25 points in 35 games. Lastly, in the QMJHL, we find defenseman Basile Sansonnens, who is already Memorial Cup-bound as the Rimouski Océanic are this year's host. Rimouski, who is the second seed, will be facing off against the seventh-seeded Charlottetown Islanders in the first round. In his rookie QMJHL season, Sansonnens recorded one goal and 12 points in 54 games while finishing the campaign with a plus/minus of +21. Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"I Want To Win The Memorial Cup": Canucks Prospect Riley Patterson Has Eyes Set On Championship Trophy
Waiting in the stands at Sphere in Las Vegas during the 2024 NHL Draft was a mixed bag of emotions for Riley Patterson. The 18-year-old — who had his family beside him — says he was excited and nervous waiting for a team to call his name. 'You're just hearing all those teams name off names, and every time you want it to be yours,' Patterson said. 'To finally get called after a little bit of waiting was a huge release and just instant excitement to go to such a great organization.' Latest From : Canucks Need Better Performances From Demko If They Have Eyes On A 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Berth Using Previous Deals To Determine What The Canucks Could Get For Boeser At The 2025 Trade Deadline Canucks Rutherford Confirms Pettersson-Miller Rift, Speaks On Hughes' Long-Term Future In Vancouver The Vancouver Canucks were the organization to select Patterson. Coming off their first playoff berth since 2020, the Canucks allotment of picks was far sparser than in recent years. Vancouver shipped off their 2024 first-round selection to the Calgary Flames and other assets for Elias Lindholm last season. And an assortment of other trades left the Canucks with just two picks in the draft's first five rounds. With the 28th selection in the fourth round, Vancouver chose the Barrie Colts forward, who was coming off a 29-goal, 62-point rookie campaign. 'It was a dream come true,' Patterson said. 'Being in Vegas and hearing my name called was something that I dreamt of forever and imagined so many times. But in the moment with my family and friends felt amazing. It's something I will remember for my lifetime.' Patterson admits he didn't catch too many Canucks games growing up. Born in Burlington, Ont., the forward says Vancouver games would always come on when he was going to bed. However, when NHL teams asked him for a player comparison, a Canuck would typically come up. 'I mentioned J.T. Miller,' Patterson said. 'His power forward ability, but also his ability to put the puck in the net. He scored 100-plus points in a season, so I definitely looked up to him. "Brock Boeser, too." Shortly after hearing his name called, Patterson was on a plane to Vancouver. He stayed by Rogers Arena, skated at the University of British Columbia's campus, and got acquainted with the city he hopes to call home at some point in his young career. 'Looking out the window on those drives, I was looking at the scenery and the city," Patterson said. "On our day off, we went around the city. It's beautiful in the summertime.' Back In Barrie This season, Patterson picked up where he left off in Barrie. He's flirting with a point-per-game pace and using the heightened confidence that comes with being a year old to make more creative plays with the puck. Patterson says everything feels familiar now that he's in his second season. 'The hard times have been, I wouldn't say, easier to handle, but I understand how to handle them,' Patterson said. 'You understand what's coming and the work required to be successful in this league.' Riley Patterson with one helluva cross ice dish for his second point of the now leads the Barrie Colts with 40 points and co-leads with 19 goals. He also leads the team as a plus-21. #Canucks — Dave Hall (@davehall1289) January 26, 2025 The Colts sit atop the OHL Eastern Conference and third across the league. Patterson co-leads his time in scoring with 40 points alongside 20-year-old Dalyn Wakely. 'For me, it's just continuing to focus on details of the game and continue to play the way I have been,' Patterson said. 'A lot of physicality, a lot of competitiveness — forechecking, playing right in the defensive zone and capitalizing on my chances — we have a great team and great players. No matter who I'm playing with we can create offence." 'That's where I love to be — the offensive zone and creating offence," Patterson continued. "If I have the puck on my stick and I'm shooting and creating plays for my teammates, that's when I'm playing my best.' So while Canucks development and training camps loom in the not-too-far future, Patterson is focused on taking things one day at a time. 'Being drafted, you always think of it,' Patterson said. 'But right now, I'm focused on the day-to-day and what I can do to be the best person on and off the ice. 'I want to win the Memorial Cup and league championship.' Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through
