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Canucks prospect Patterson’s mother encouraged writing a journal for reflection and perspective. It’s a pivotal package for preparation and execution
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Published Sep 22, 2025 • 2 minute read
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Canucks prospect Riley Patterson was the 125th pick in the 2024 NHL Draft on June 29 in Las Vegas. Photo by Bruce Bennett /Getty ImagesArticle content
Riley Patterson has a new OHL team and new hope for an NHL career.
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The Vancouver Canucks’ prospect centre, along with right-winger Gabriel Chiarot, was signed to a three-year, entry level deal Monday to continue to grow his game. The incentive is especially high for Patterson, who skipped OHL training camp last month and requested a trade from the Barrie Colts. He will suit up for the Niagara IceDogs this season.
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The teams met in the opening round of the playoffs last spring with the Colts winning the five-game set 4-1, so Patterson is being touted as a key cog for the IceDogs. He piled up 121 points (54-67) over the last two OHL seasons in Barrie, and the Colts received five draft picks in the trade.
Barrie Colts’ Riley Patterson (21) battles Ruslan Karimov (19) of the Sarnia Sting during an OHL game on Nov. 24, 2024.
“Riley is a right-shot centre prospect, who has made strides working with our development group the past couple of years, while Gabriel has good drive, work ethic and tenacity, and also has a nose for the net,” Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said in a news release.
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Patterson, 19, had 59 points (25-34) in 64 games last season and added a dozen more (6-6) in 16 playoff games. He added 62 points (29-33) in 68 games in 2023-24 to lead all OHL rookies in goals and points. A lot of that had to do with his relentless drive.
The mental side of meeting expectations can be more arduous than matching up physically. Getting a leg up to have mind and body in sync can be overwhelming without an outlet to provide perspective. It’s why Patterson is fortunate to have a voice of reason on the home front.
Patterson’s mother was a former athlete, has a background in sports psychology and is a guidance counsellor. Quite the combination to keep her son centred and motivated. She also encouraged Riley to write a journal for reflection and perspective, and it’s a pivotal package for preparation and execution.
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“She has given me a lot and has been great, especially with the mental side, and it’s something that I’ve always needed to improve on,” Patterson, a Burlington, Ont., native, told Postmedia News in July during the annual development camp at the University of B.C. “It’s what separates you from others.
“Everyone has those physical traits, but it’s times when it’s harder, or even good. You need that mental strength. It’s the inner belief that you can make it. I have that self-confidence and belief that I’m putting the right work in every day to achieve that goal.”
Patterson was selected in the fourth round, 125th overall, of the 2024 NHL Draft.
Chiarot, 19, appeared in 66 games with the Brampton Steelheads last season, registering 35 points (21-14-35) and added a goal in six playoff contests. His 35 points were tied for seventh on Brampton, while his 21 goals were fifth.
The Hamilton native made his first appearance in a Canucks’ uniform earlier this month during the team’s 2025 Prospect Showcase in Everett, Wash. and Seattle. Chiarot was selected in the sixth round, 175th overall, of the 2025 NHL Draft.
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