Riverkings leading score Tyler Harkins was recently called up to the Surry Eagles of the BCHL. Harkins has proved to be a goal scorer as he has notched 35 goals in just 31 games. Even more impressive is his league record 12 game winning goals, proving that he is able to score under pressure. Harkins comes from a rich tradition of hockey. His dad, Don Harkins, played at Miami (Ohio) University and is now the head scout for the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL. His two uncles are former NHL players and his cousin, Jansen Harkins, is sure 1st round draft pick in the NHL this year. Don Harkins had this to say about the Riverkings and Coach Quarters “I sent Tyler to play for Coach Quarters as we have been friends for many years and I know he is a great coach. I knew he would develop Tyler both on and off the ice and that was important to me. It has worked out great and has afforded Tyler this new opportunity to further develop as a hockey player and person and we are grateful to Coach Quarters, the Wilkens (host family) and the entire Riverkings organization and family.”
Coach Quarters is extremely proud and excited for Harkins new opportunity. He had this to say about Tyler “The Riverkings are excited and happy for Tylers new opportunity. Having known Tyler for almost all his life we had a good idea of what we needed to work on to get Tyler to the next level. As a coach I always knew Tyler could score goals and find his way to the front of the net. Playing junior hockey is an opportunity, and Tyler has made the most of his by working on his weaknesses, He needed to improve on his skating and his strength. He put in extra time at the gym and on the ice to accomplish his goals. The Riverkings organization wants to wish Tyler the best of luck in the BCHL and in following his family’s footsteps of playing college hockey.”
When we asked some of the players about Harkins moving up they were happy but sad. “Harkins was such a great leader. He never got too high and he never got to low, he was a machine. He was always able to find the back of the net and I could always count on him to make a plays when he had the puck on his stick.” Said assistant captain and defenseman Blake Anderson. When asked about what this meant for the team moving forward he commented “Its going to be tough moving forward without are leading goal scorer but we have a great group of guys and I think this motivated each one of us to become a better player, I mean this is why we came to the Riverkings, to move on to the next level and with Harkins getting this opportunity it really just makes us all excited for the future.”
The Riverkings mission is to promote the personal character and athletic development of those players who wish to excel at the highest level of hockey competition. Harkins moving on to the BCHL has helped us reach our goals as we strive to provide hockey players an opportunity of a lifetime.
Building hockey up and down the river
