Leadership Development Fund

The Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings are pleased to announce that leading scorer Tyler Harkins was recently called up to the Surrey Eagles of the BCHL. Harkins is a proven goal scorer, able to notch 35 goals in just 31 games. With an even more impressive league record 12 game winning goals, it proves that he is able to score under pressure. Tyler comes from a rich tradition of hockey. His father, Don Harkins, played at Miami (Ohio) University, and is now the head scout for the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL. Two of his uncles are former NHL players, and his cousin, Jansen Harkins, is sure to go as a 1st round draft pick in the NHL this year.

Don Harkins explains, “I sent Tyler to play for Coach Quarters. 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’s 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. When asked about Tyler’s accomplishments, Coach Quarters said, “The Riverkings are excited and happy for Tyler’s 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. When 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 both happy and sad.

“Harkins was such a great leader. He never got too high, 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 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, “It’s going to be tough moving forward without our leading goal scorer, but we have a great group of guys and I think this has motivated each of us to become a better player. I mean, this is why we came to the Riverkings, to move on to the next level. 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 helps us reach our goal of striving to provide hockey players an opportunity of a lifetime.

Building Hockey Up and Down the River!