The NIVO Community Champions program celebrates individuals who go above and beyond to make a difference in their communities. From dedicated volunteers and local athletes to everyday residents showing passion and commitment, the program recognizes those whose efforts strengthen connections and inspire others. By shining a spotlight on these champions, NIVO aims to foster local pride and encourage a culture of recognition and support.
Celebrating Dedication and Community: Riley Reed’s Journey in Women’s Hockey
Riley Reed, a rising athlete from Desbarats, Ontario, embodies the spirit of dedication, passion, and commitment that defines the NIVO Community Champions program. From an early age, Riley’s journey on the ice began with a determination to match the skill of her older brother before joining organized hockey. Growing up in Desbarats, a small and tight-knit community, offered a unique experience, colder arenas, fewer residents, and a strong emphasis on community involvement. These conditions fostered both resilience and camaraderie, allowing athletes like Riley to play alongside friends while building meaningful connections.
Women’s hockey has seen significant growth over recent years. While there remains potential for further expansion, the increasing participation and heightened competition demonstrate the positive trajectory of women’s hockey at both local and regional levels. In today’s game, speed and agility have become essential, often outweighing physicality, particularly as contact is limited at certain levels. Players must navigate the ice efficiently, with and without the puck, executing plays with precision and speed.
The life of a committed athlete involves rigorous scheduling and considerable travel. Riley’s team practices three times a week, with sessions lasting approximately an hour and a half, plus travel time to and from the rink, often exceeding an hour each way. Weekend tournaments and showcases require travel to cities such as Detroit, Chicago, and Toronto to compete against high-caliber teams. Despite these demands, the experience cultivates close bonds among teammates, creating a sense of community both on and off the ice.
“It feels amazing just to have the community support. It gets posted all over Facebook and Instagram, like those different platforms and just everyone is just happy for you and supportive of you. And it’s really nice to have that. I know not everybody does, but it’s really nice to have all those different support systems. And everyone is just very happy for everyone else’s accomplishments.” – Riley Reed on being chosen as the Desbarats Community Champion.
Looking ahead, Riley will continue her athletic journey at Purdue Northwest, joining their ACHA D1 hockey team while also competing in NCAA D2 cross-country and track.
The NIVO Community Champions program celebrates stories like Riley Reed’s, demonstrating how passion and community support can come together to shape inspiring paths for individuals, and ultimately, strengthen the fabric of local communities.