Rising Stars Chart New Paths
Riley Patterson and Connor Davis recently sat down to discuss the twists and turns that have defined their young hockey careers.
OHL Breakthrough
Patterson, once a centre in the Ontario Hockey League, made the switch to wing with the Niagara IceDogs and posted a career‑high 84 points in 64 games, including 40 goals.
The move back to centre later in the season sharpened his playmaking, especially in the offensive zone, and helped him adapt quickly to the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks, where coaching staff and teammates eased his transition.
From Quebec to the USHL
Connor Davis grew up in Quebec before attending prep school in Connecticut, then spent two seasons with the Cedar Rapids Roughriders of the USHL, recording 55 points in 59 games before committing to the University of North Dakota.
A Commitment to the Fighting Hawks
At the University of North Dakota, Davis will join the Fighting Hawks, a program known for its passionate fan base that consistently fills arenas even on the road.
Both players are now navigating new environments: Patterson is fine‑tuning his role in the AHL while Davis prepares for NCAA competition, all while balancing training regimens and personal interests such as cooking.
The Influence of Team Culture
The support surrounding Patterson, from the IceDogs’ management to the Canucks’ coaching staff, illustrates how organizational stability can accelerate a player’s adaptation to higher levels.
Similarly, Davis cites the Fighting Hawks’ fan culture as a decisive factor in his commitment, noting that the energy in the stands mirrors the intensity he seeks in practice.
Their stories underscore a broader theme in modern hockey: success often hinges as much on the people around a player as on raw talent.