Rockets Swiss army knife reflects on five seasons with the team
by Sam Hill

Since those first two games, Stadel’s role on the team has evolved significantly. Landing on the roster as a defenceman in his first few seasons, the coaching staff recognized that Stadel may be successful on the front lines as well. With some coaching and practice, Stadel made the transition to forward and spent time playing all over the ice. Question is, what would happen if he strapped on the goalie pads?

“The transition was easy for me,” explained Stadel. “I was always kind of an offensive guy growing up and when they put me up to forward they put me in with some good players who taught me the way.”

“If the team ever needs me to play defense then I will. Whatever will make the team win, I'll play.”

Another role that Stadel has fully embraced is the role of enforcer. You can always count on Riley to drop the mitts, stand up for his teammates, antagonize the opposing team, and pump up the crowd after a successful matchup. At 5’10”, Stadel may not have the size or reach that most enforcer’s possess, but he certainly has the heart.

“I think it’s part of my nature and who I am,” expressed Stadel. “I like to stick up for my teammates or if things aren't going well in the game and we need a jump, I want to be that guy who they call to, and all the guys are slapping on the bench or the crowd is going nuts. To me that's honestly the best feeling.”

“Stades is one of those guys who always has a smile on his face and does whatever he can for the team,” explained teammate Kyle Topping. “He’s a special character and person both on and off the ice.”

As a 20-year-old this will be Stadel’s final season in the WHL and he is utilizing the time that he has left with the Rockets to help lead and develop some of his younger teammates, like Topping.

When asked what advice he had for the newcomers on the team, Stadel said, “Stick to your game. You're here for a reason, so you don't have to try to do too much or impress all the players. The guys will like you if you just be yourself and you work hard.”

It’s safe to assume that many KelownaNow readers have seen Stadel out and about in the community over the years. Rarely does he miss an opportunity to play floor hockey with kids at school or deliver stuffed animals to children at Kelowna General Hospital.

What a great experience it was visiting Kelowna General to deliver the teddies from the game 🐻🚀

A photo posted by Riley (@rileystadel) on Dec 7, 2015 at 4:55pm PST

“The way that the kids interact with us when we walk into a school, it's like they're going nuts that we're even in the hallways,” described Stadel. “It's something that I've always enjoyed doing. Playing floor hockey with them, answering questions, to me there's nothing better than doing that, and it's really fun for me.”

I'd like to thank the @kelownarocketswhl for a great year. Playing In front of the best fans in the league is something special. Good luck to @jwhis1 @clinaker26 @beetlebaillie24 in there next chapter in life... It was an honor to play with you great guys 🚀

A photo posted by Riley (@rileystadel) on May 4, 2016 at 5:19pm PDT

What’s up next for Riley Stadel? He is looking to get an education to help formulate some of the “crazy business ventures” that he and former teammate Jackson Whistle have dreamt up.

After watching Riley Stadel play for the Kelowna Rockets for nearly five full seasons, fans can be certain that he will take the same drive and passion that he has on the ice into his future endeavours, and that his tough spirit and entertainment value will never waiver.

Fun Fact: Riley Stadel’s dad and Lucas Johansen’s dad are cousins, making the teammates second cousins!