Had a blast catching up with and getting to know Adirondack Thunder Forward Conor Riley as we gear up for another couple of home games this weekend. Read on to learn more about his small town beginnings, a unique experience on the ice at Fenway, some great advice from his father, and his thoughts on who's shaping up to be the big competition this year.
On the Past
What inspired you to play hockey? How’d you get started?
Growing up it was pretty much my father. He had played college hockey actually in Plattsburgh. He went overseas for a little bit, and he played over there. So growing up it was kind of a family thing.
Also, I’m from a small town up north [Massena, NY] where there were a bunch of rinks, so it was a community thing, too. People would always go skating, and it was easy to get on the ice. My dad would take me and my two sisters skating all the time. Actually, it all started as my sisters were in figure skating. My dad put me in that too and said it would be good for hockey down the road. It’s really good for your edge-work.
You played at the University of Maine at Oreno - how was that for you?
I was playing junior hockey in Boston, and I got recruited by a few universities and when I went up to the University of Maine, I just fell in love with it up there. It just had that small community feel and it was a strong hockey team as far as being nationally ranked. So I did an official visit there, left the visit, and called the coach right away to say that I would commit there. It was nice because it’s a good sized university, but it still has that small town feel.
How about the seafood?
Even in our dining halls, every now and then they’d bring in lobster - that was nice!
Did you have a favorite team growing up?
Growing up I was always a Devils fan. My Dad was a Devils fan, so I just stuck with that. Zack Parise was definitely one of my favorite players growing up.
How about a favorite hockey memory?
I would say one of the coolest moments was my sophomore year at Maine, we played one of those outdoor games at Fenway Park. We used the Red Sox locker room and all. It was a unique experience to play in a stadium like that. And mid-way through the second period we had to stop for a lightning delay. We had to get off the ice in a hurry!
On the Ice
What do you love most about being on the ice?
I think the biggest thing is just being able to go out and compete. You can go out there and it’s just you vs. that other guy. The physicality of it, the speed of the game, I think that’s always something that really drove me to play hockey - it’s just a fast paced game with a lot of contact.
Also, the camaraderie with the guys. It’s easy to get along with the hockey guys. The whole team aspect. It’s a big team game and you never feel like you’re secluded, so that’s what makes hockey pretty fun.
Do you have any superstitions or pre-game routines?
Not really. More just a basic routine. Get to the rink. Cup of coffee. Meeting. Warm up. Play a little soccer with the guys before which is always fun. I say talk to a goalie, they definitely have their superstitions!
On the Season
Thoughts on this season so far?
Record wise, a good start - we’re tied for first. We’re lucky to have two really good goaltenders that have stolen us a couple of wins. I think we’re still trying to figure out our team identity a little bit - it’s always tough to get into that team chemistry right away. It takes time, and right now we’re in a good spot. It’s always good to have a really good start to the season. To be racking up those wins is huge, but I think we still have room to grow as a team.
Any rivalries this year?
Looks like Worcester is going to be that team this year. With Manchester out of the league, you end up playing your divisional rivals at least four or five more games per year, which adds up. It seems like Worcseter is going to be a team that’s pretty physical and could be a big rivalry.
On the Next Generation
Any advice you’d like to share for up and coming players?
I think people spend time worrying about what team they’re on, what line they’re on, who they’re playing with, how much ice time they get. But I’d say the biggest thing to worry about as a player would be - at the end of the year, if you think you got better, then that was a successful season. Too many people worry about all the ins and outs, but if you’re getting better every year, then you’re going to find yourself where you want to be at the end of the day.
That and the other thing that my dad taught me growing up is that it’s hard for coaches and scouts to cut you if you’re the hardest working guy on the ice. So always work to be the hardest working guy on the ice and make it tough for teams to release you. Everyone recognizes the guy going the hardest.
How about words of wisdom for folks just learning to skate?
I’d say right away - you’re going to get frustrated. You’re going to fall a bunch. You might not last long out there, but it’s like riding a bike, you’ve just gotta get back on until sooner or later you start catching on to it. Skating is a unique thing where you’re definitely going to hurt yourself a couple of times, but you’ve just gotta keep getting back up.
On Glens Falls
Favorite place to grab a bite after a game?
There’s really not a bad spot to eat! We bounce around a lot - Mikado, Downtown City Tavern…
How do you unwind on your days off?
I like to read a lot - it doesn’t matter if it’s non-fiction, fiction. Lately I just like to sit down and read, which is kind of new because in school, the last thing you want to do is read those books. I’ve really started to enjoy reading on my own time.
Also, my sister lives down in Kinderhook, and she has a daughter and newborn son. It’s great because on my days off I can go down there, and that’s a big reason I love playing here. Traveling with hockey, it can be tough to find time to see family, but with my sister and brother in law and two kids nearby, it’s nice to go down there and see them and relax, so that’s a huge bonus of playing here. My whole family is really important to me. I really can’t say enough about them. They’re the reason I’ve been able to play and keep on playing.
Two games this weekend - Friday and Sunday! Grab tickets here.
P.S. Who wouldn't love to meet a superhero? Join the Thunder for great family fun on Sunday, November 10th at 3pm. The one and only Spiderman will be there for a pre-game meet and greet! Four pack specials are available and you can grab all the details here.