Hayden Riva still has a few years before he’s ready to begin his Division 1 career at Union College, but the Lakeville, Conn., native is currently grooming his game for the next level in the competitive New England prep school ranks.
The 5-foot-11, 150-pound Riva is in his second season at Berkshire School. He only has five points in 23 games as a sophomore, though both of his goals and three of his points have come in the last three games as the Bears look to close the season on a strong note.
Riva, who is slated to return to Berkshire as an upperclassman next year and join the ECAC’s Dutchmen in 2021, discusses his career path in NEHJ’s latest Commitment Q&A:
How would you describe yourself as a player? Are there NHL players you try to emulate?
I’m hard-working, like to hunt for the puck, and like to have fun.
The NHL players are on a different level, but I just try to compete like they do. For example, Brad Marchand shoots left and is 5-foot-9, but he plays like he’s 6-foot-3. He’s hard-working, quick, and knows how to find the net in any situation.
What made Union the right fit for your college career?
I like the trimester set up. It works well for the student-athlete. I also liked that Union is a Division 1 (hockey) school in a small setting.
What did you take away most from your conversations with Rick Bennett and his Union staff?
Coach Bennett is a high compete kind of coach. He appears to get the most out of all his players and they work hard for him. He and his staff are focused on the student-athlete.
Being a New England native, there is obviously so much college hockey around. When did the college route first becoming something that most interested you?
When I was younger, my parents took me to a Boston University game. From that moment on I thought it was something I wanted to do. I couldn’t believe how fast and talented they were.
What other schools did you consider? Was staying close to home important to you in the college decision-making process?
I talked to a few other D1 schools (including Bentley, Merrimack, and UConn), but Union stood out. Being close to home wasn’t important in the decision-making process. Finding the right fit was. The fact that it is close to home is a bonus.
This is your second season at Berkshire School. How has your time there helped you become a better player?
Having had the opportunity to play against older and more seasoned players has upped my game. It forces me to push myself and develop my game to the next level. I am playing against some really good players.
What is it like playing for Berkshire head coach Dan Driscoll?
Coach Driscoll has a high level of intensity every day. He cares about us not only as an athlete but also a student. He wants the best for us which makes us work hard for him.
As you look towards the college level, what areas of your game are you looking to work on the most?
I want to work on my strength and get stronger in the gym. Like everyone else, I would like to see myself put more points on the board.
What are your main individual goals for the remainder of the season? The college path is still a few years away for you, so where do you hope to be next year?
With only two games remaining (in this season), I would like to see us put two solid efforts in. I will be back at Berkshire for my junior year.
