A commercial fishermen in the offseason, Tyler Niven knows the definition of hard work. That’s why the 19- year-old decided to take his talents to the west coast and suit up in a Langley Rivermen jersey this upcoming season.
“It’s a great opportunity,” said Niven. “I met with Coach Henderson last summer. It’s a great organization and a great area. I fell in love with the town and the facility. I’m excited to get out to Langley and play for the Rivermen.”
Born in Brunswick, Niven grew up playing hockey, eventually leading him to the highly prestigious The Governor’s Academy, a private boarding school in Massachusetts.
“I was nominated captain last season by the team,” he said. “It’s a great honor. I like the responsibility and leading by example. I try and keep a positive attitude, work hard and always come ready to play.”
When he finished his senior year at Governor’s, the defenseman had some tough choices to make regarding his hockey future, and despite living on other side of the continent, he was well aware of the BCHL.
“I had some other opportunities to play closer to home, but I played with Ryan Scarfo and Nick Nonis at Governor’s and both went out to Powell River,” said Niven. “They said it was the best experiences of their lives, so it opened my eyes. It sounded like too good of an opportunity to pass up.”
“It’s a fast and physical league and the forwards are quick and big. I’d like to test myself in that category of my game and see how it goes. I’m looking forward to everything.”
“Tyler thinks the game well and has an enhanced skill set to compliment his hockey IQ,” said Associate Head Coach and Assistant General Manager Kurt Astle. “He’s a well-rounded defenseman that has shown an offensive upside.”
With the Rivermen losing some key defenseman including Jake Kearley and Jordan Schneider, who are both off to NCAA Division I schools, Niven will be relied upon to set an example early and often.
“I see myself as a good, strong skating defenseman,” he said. “ I like jumping in the play, running the power play, dishing the puck, and love making that first pass.”
Growing up off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Niven keeps himself busy when he’s not on the ice.
“We have 150 lobster traps in the summer. It keeps me busy. It also teaches me the ropes of hard work. There’s never a shortage of lobster at the house.”
Niven will be at Langley Rivermen training camp next month. For more information, go to www.LangleyRivermen.com.
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less