Local Swan River product Riley McKay has spent the last two seasons with the American Hockey League’s Laval Rocket, but now, after entering the free agency process, has opted to move on from the Rocket to head south. Joining the Henderson Silver Knights, AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights.
“Henderson had shown interest in me and the General Manager of Henderson, Tim Speltz, was my GM in Spokane, said McKay.
He actually came to Swan River to meet my family when I signed with Spokane so there was a connection there.”
McKay spent parts of two seasons going up and down from AHL to the ECHL’s Trois-Rivieres Lions and Indy Fuel. Now he tests Henderson, who is the newest franchise to join the AHL, and a team that has hardly any experience in the playoffs, as the team has only made the playoffs twice in their four years of existence.
“Laval played a big part in helping me improve and give me the opportunity to play in the AHL. It was a great organization to play for and the rink and atmosphere are definitely one of the best in the league. I will cheirsh the memories and relationships I made there.”
McKay is headed into his fifth season as a pro, in his 168 games, he has scored 28 goals, 27 assists for 55 points, and he has totaled up to 563 penalty minutes.
“I will be sticking to the style of game that I’ve played my whole career. I hope to have a role on the penalty kill and provide some more offence this year. My goal this year is to help the team make playoffs anyway possible.”
McKay played some of his best hockey in Laval, being a part of their playoff push last season, to being one of the players that brought life to the game for the Rocket to get them back in it. A true momentum shifter who scored big goals, laid big hits, fought for the swing in momentum in this year’s playoff push only to come up just short of the ultimate goal.
“I think I will transition just fine. The Pacific Division suits my style of play and I can’t complain about living in a beautiful state like Nevada. It will definitely be different than I’m used to but it’s going to be a great experience and I’m excited to get down there.”
Henderson opens their season on Oct. 11 when they head down to Texas to face the Texas Stars before heading back to Henderson on Oct. 18 to face the Calgary Wranglers for their home opener.