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'That First Shift Was Nerve Wracking': Niven Returns to the Warriors Lineup

March 2, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Moose Jaw Warriors News Release


Riley Niven's normal pre-game routine includes a nap, but that wasn't the case on Wednesday.

"I was pacing around," Niven said.

The Moose Jaw Warriors' 19-year-old forward returned to the lineup for the first time in 36 games after being out with an upper body injury since Nov. 23.

"That first shift was nerve wracking, felt like I was playing my first Western Hockey League game," Niven said after being in the starting lineup for Wednesday's meeting with the Brandon Wheat Kings.

A moment that helped calm the nerves for Niven came from a former teammate lining up across from him.

"Lined up against Calder [Anderson], which was kind of cool, he gave me a good luck out there and a welcome back, which was nice," Niven said.

Warriors head coach Mark O'Leary said Niven looked like himself in his return to game action.

"He brings a lot of energy, he's an important guy on the ice and off the ice, just feels like a different team when he's in the lineup," he said. "He'll be important for us down the stretch here and felt good looking down the bench and seeing 18 for sure."

Niven has battled an upper body injury throughout the season with Wednesday being just his eighth game this season. The Wawota, SK product has remained positive through the ups and downs of his recovery to get back into the lineup.

"There's a lot of uncertainty with it, I've had a couple of hiccups here and there, so it's just sticking with it and battling it out, toughing it out and just keeping going," Niven said.

Niven was originally injured on Oct. 8 against the Winnipeg ICE, but was able to work his back in time for the team's B.C. Division road trip, only to be re-injured in the first game in Prince George.

Since then, Niven chose to stay around the team and do his rehab here in Moose Jaw, which he said was really important to him.

"I didn't miss a road trip and just being around the guys really helped me just be the positive guy that I always am," Niven said.

"[My teammates] have been unreal, they're my best pals, so it was great to go out there last night and work hard and do anything for those guys, they'll do anything for me, keeping me positive and on my toes, I can't thank them enough for that."

O'Leary said having Niven around during his recovery was important for him and for the team.

"The last thing you want going through any type of injury is to feel like you're not a part of things," he said. "I know he hasn't played games in a long time, but there's always a point when you can hear his voice around the dressing room and he's important in terms of our DNA and the energy around the rink."

Niven worked closely with Warriors athletic therapist Brooke Kosolofski over the past few months to make his way back into the lineup.

"We're pretty good pals now," Niven said. "I would come to the rink two hours before everyone and Brooksy is working, helping my shoulder and doing exercises to get it back to 100 percent."

Now that he's back in the lineup, Niven is focused on helping the team in their push towards the WHL Playoffs.

"I'm a different role guy, I play with my heart," he said. "I noticed that we've kind of got off of playing the body a bit and playing a hard, physical game, forecheck game, and that's what my game is, so it's nice to bring that back to the boys and give them that extra boost of energy."

Niven and the Warriors return to the ice coming up on Friday when they travel into Saskatoon for a big matchup with the Blades.

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