Riley Cote

Last updated

Riley Cote
Cote1 bb (40423198112).jpg
Cote with the Calder Cup in 2005.
Height 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight 220 lb (100 kg; 15 st 10 lb)
Position Left wing
Shot Left
Played for Philadelphia Flyers
NHL draft Undrafted
Playing career 20022010

Riley D. Cote is a former Canadian professional ice hockey left winger and formerly an assistant coach with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the American Hockey League (AHL). He played four National Hockey League (NHL) seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers and was mainly known as an enforcer. He currently co-hosts the Nasty Knuckles podcast.

Contents

Career

Playing career

Undrafted after completing juniors, Cote was a walk-on to the Toronto Maple Leafs training camp in the fall of 2002. He impressed the Leafs' staff, signed a one-year contract, and was assigned to the Leafs Central Hockey League affiliate, the Memphis RiverKings. While called up to the St. John's Maple Leafs, Toronto's American Hockey League affiliate, a few times during the 2002–03 season, he spent most of his rookie year with the RiverKings and was with them when they won the CHL championship that season.

Not re-signed by the Leafs, Cote was signed to a two-way contract by the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL and entered the training camp for their NHL affiliate, the Columbus Blue Jackets, in fall 2003. [1] Columbus released him and he returned to the Crunch. An eye injury caused during a pre-season scrimmage resulted in Cote being assigned to the Crunch's ECHL affiliate, the Dayton Bombers, for much of the 2003–04 season. Cote was recruited back to the RiverKings for the 2004–05 season but was offered a try-out contract by the AHL's Philadelphia Phantoms just before the season began. The Phantoms extended his contract twice through the season and Cote eventually spent the entire season with Philadelphia, accumulating a team-leading 280 penalty minutes in the process, and helped the Phantoms win the Calder Cup as league champions. Shortly after the season ended, the Phantoms signed him to a one-year contract. [2]

After participating in the Philadelphia Flyers training camps in the fall of 2005 and 2006, Cote was signed to a two-way contract by the Flyers in 2006–07. Early in the season, he was assigned to the Phantoms and shortly after suffered an ankle injury that kept him from playing for two months. [3] [4] Late in the season, Cote played in his first 8 NHL games with the Flyers, making his NHL debut on March 24, 2007, against the New York Islanders. [5] [6] Cote was recognized for his contributions to the community when the Phantoms named him as the team's 2006–07 Man of the Year. [7] Cote was re-signed by the Flyers to a one-year contract for the 2007–08 season [8] and made the team out of training camp.

Cote was suspended for three games after he delivered a high headshot to Dallas Stars defenceman Matt Niskanen late in the third period on December 1, 2007. [5] He became the fifth Flyers player to receive a suspension during the 2007–08 season after Steve Downie, Jesse Boulerice, Randy Jones and Scott Hartnell.

Cote scored his only NHL goal on February 17, 2008, against rookie goaltender Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens. [5] On July 2, 2008, the Flyers announced they had signed Cote to a three-year contract extension. [9]

After appearing in only 15 games during the 2009–10 season, Cote retired on August 9, 2010, and was named an assistant coach of the Adirondack Phantoms. [10]

Cote played a game for the Danbury Hat Tricks of the Federal Prospects Hockey League on November 28, 2021. [11]

Coaching

Cote was an assistant coach for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms from 2010 to 2017. The Phantoms play in the American Hockey League and serve as the top-level minor league affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers. [12]

Broadcasting

Cote currently co-hosts the Nasty Knuckles podcast along with former Flyers' head equipment manager Derek "Nasty" Settlemyre. [13]

Cannabis and hemp advocacy

During his time in the NHL, Cote used cannabis as a natural pain reliever and alternative to addictive pharmaceutical drugs. [14] [15] After retiring, Cote co-founded Athletes for Care, [16] a group that advocates for athletes on issues of health and safety including the use of cannabis as medicine. [17] [18]

Cote is also an advocate for hemp, founding the Hemp Heals Foundation to educate the public about the nutritional benefits of hemp and its numerous eco-friendly industrial uses. [19] The organization hosts an annual music festival in Philadelphia to raise awareness about the various benefits and applications of the hemp plant. [20] Cote is also a board member of the Pennsylvania Hemp Industry Council. [21]

Cote is co-founder of a company called Bodychek Wellness, which produces organically grown CBD extracts and functional mushroom blends intended as alternatives to traditional pain medications. [22]

Personal life

Cote has two daughters with his ex-wife Ashley, named Kinsley and Kaia. [22] He became an advocate for multiple sclerosis diagnosis and treatment after his older sister, Jamie, was diagnosed with the disease in 2000. [5] His nickname is Riles. [5]

Aside from hockey, Cote has also been involved in real estate, creative production, and mindfulness coaching. [13]

Awards

Career statistics

   Regular season   Playoffs
Season TeamLeagueGP G A Pts PIM GPGAPtsPIM
1998–99 Prince Albert Raiders WHL 373256390009
1999–00 Prince Albert RaidersWHL6767137131012
2000–01 Prince Albert RaidersWHL64173552114
2001–02 Prince Albert RaidersWHL67282351134
2002–03 St. John's Maple Leafs AHL 60005
2002–03 Memphis RiverKings CHL 5186142411410154
2003–04 Dayton Bombers ECHL 5761117258
2003–04 Syracuse Crunch AHL900019
2004–05 Philadelphia Phantoms AHL614711280130006
2005–06 Philadelphia PhantomsAHL70314259
2006–07 Philadelphia Flyers NHL 800016
2006–07 Philadelphia PhantomsAHL37145125
2007–08 Philadelphia FlyersNHL7013420230000
2008–09 Philadelphia FlyersNHL63033174
2009–10 Philadelphia FlyersNHL1500024
2021-22 Danbury Hat Tricks FPHL 10000_____
NHL totals15616741130000
AHL totals18381220688130006
WHL totals23554671213821210111

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jamie Heward</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1971)

James Heward is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman, who currently serves as an associate coach for the Henderson Silver Knights.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Randy Jones (ice hockey)</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1981)

Randy Jones is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played eight seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, Tampa Bay Lightning and Winnipeg Jets. Jones is currently the head coach of the Brockville Braves hockey club.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Craig Berube</span> Canadian ice hockey player and coach

Craig Berube is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player who is the head coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). Nicknamed "Chief", Berube played 17 seasons in the NHL for the Philadelphia Flyers, Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, Washington Capitals and New York Islanders. His role was primarily that of an enforcer. After retirement, Berube served as head coach of the Flyers for two seasons, and the St. Louis Blues for parts of six seasons, winning the Stanley Cup in 2019 as then-interim head coach. Berube additionally served as a national team scout for Canada at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, under Blues general manager Doug Armstrong.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Leighton</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1981)

Michael W. Leighton is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers and Carolina Hurricanes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tim Brent</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1984)

Tim Brent is a Canadian former professional ice hockey forward who played over 200 games in the National Hockey League (NHL), most notably for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Darren Reid</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Darren Reid is a Canadian Métis former professional ice hockey right winger who played 21 National Hockey League (NHL) games for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Philadelphia Flyers. In 2018, he accepted a role as an assistant coach for the Drayton Valley Thunder.

The 2007–08 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Flyers' 41st season in the National Hockey League (NHL). The Flyers went from the worst team in the league during the previous season to the Eastern Conference Finals, losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins in five games.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">T. J. Brennan</span> American ice hockey player (born 1989)

Terrence James Brennan is an American professional ice hockey defenseman who is currently playing for HC Ajoie of the National League (NL). Brennan was originally selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the second round, 31st overall, of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, and has also previously played for the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs at the NHL level. Brennan has been cited as an elite offensive AHL defenseman, scoring at a pace of nearly a point-per-game, a rare feat for a defender.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andrew MacDonald (ice hockey)</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Andrew MacDonald is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman. In the National Hockey League (NHL), he played for the New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers, serving as an alternate captain for both franchises.

Jared Ross is an American former professional ice hockey center. When he debuted with the Philadelphia Flyers at the beginning of the 2008–09 season, he became the first player born and trained in the state of Alabama to play in the NHL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nate Raduns</span> American ice hockey player

Nathan Robert Raduns is an American former professional ice hockey player. He played one game in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Philadelphia Flyers during the 2008–09 season. During his professional career he also played two seasons in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Worcester Sharks and Philadelphia Phantoms, and one season in Italy with SG Pontebba.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nicola Riopel</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Nicolas Riopel is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the American Hockey League (AHL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jay Rosehill</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Jay Rosehill is a Canadian former professional ice hockey left winger who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL), and the Manchester Storm of the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL). Rosehill was mostly known as an enforcer in hockey. He was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Garrett Wilson (ice hockey)</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1991)

Garrett Wilson is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger who is currently playing with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the American Hockey League (AHL). Wilson was selected by the Florida Panthers in the 4th round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zac Rinaldo</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1990)

Zachary Rinaldo is a former Canadian professional ice hockey left winger. He has previously played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, Arizona Coyotes, Nashville Predators and Calgary Flames. He is known for his rough and physical style of play and for being an enforcer. He is currently serving as Head Coach of the Pelham Panthers of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harry Zolnierczyk</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Harrison Zolnierczyk is a Canadian former professional ice hockey left winger. Zolnierczyk was never drafted into the National Hockey League (NHL) but played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Islanders, Anaheim Ducks and Nashville Predators.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mark Alt</span> American ice hockey player (born 1991)

Mark Alt is an American professional ice hockey defenseman who is currently an unrestricted free agent. He is the son of former Kansas City Chiefs player John Alt and older brother of Los Angeles Chargers player Joe Alt.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phil Varone (ice hockey)</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Philip Varone is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward for Düsseldorfer EG of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). He was selected in the fifth round, 147th overall, by the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft and has previously played for the Buffalo Sabres, Ottawa Senators, and Philadelphia Flyers.

Anthony Stolarz is an American professional ice hockey goaltender for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks and Florida Panthers.

Victor Joseph Mete is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently an unrestricted free agent. He most recently played for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the fourth round, 100th overall, by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Mete has also previously played for the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs.

References

  1. Vickers, Aaron (September 15, 2003). "Blue Jackets: Enforcers Fighting for a Chance at Camp". hockeysfuture.com. Retrieved April 24, 2009.
  2. "Phantoms Re-Sign Cote & Cook". Philadelphia Phantoms. July 7, 2005. Archived from the original on July 8, 2005. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  3. "At The Top Of His Game". Philadelphia Phantoms. April 11, 2007. Archived from the original on August 14, 2007. Retrieved April 24, 2009.
  4. Kurz, Kevin (August 2, 2007). "News: Cote Determined to Open Eyes in Training Camp". Philadelphia Flyers. Archived from the original on August 30, 2007. Retrieved April 24, 2009.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 "Riley Cote Official Player Page - Bio/News". Philadelphia Flyers. Archived from the original on October 25, 2015. Retrieved April 24, 2009.
  6. Unkle, David. "Newest Flyer debuts from the Sin Bin". Canoe.ca. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved April 24, 2009.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  7. "Cote named Phantoms 2006-07 Man of the Year". Philadelphia Phantoms. April 3, 2007. Archived from the original on February 4, 2008. Retrieved April 24, 2009.
  8. "News: Flyers Re-Sign Riley Cote and Boyd Kane". Philadelphia Flyers. July 25, 2007. Archived from the original on September 19, 2007. Retrieved April 24, 2009.
  9. "News: Flyers Sign Randy Jones and Riley Cote". Philadelphia Flyers. July 2, 2008. Archived from the original on August 11, 2008. Retrieved April 24, 2009.
  10. "A new chapter". Philadelphia Flyers. August 9, 2010. Retrieved August 9, 2010.
  11. "Former NHL Player Riley Cote To Suit Up For The Hat Tricks On Sunday". danburyhattricks.com. November 28, 2021. Retrieved January 2, 2022.
  12. O'Connor, Charlie (July 11, 2017). "Riley Cote will not return as Phantoms assistant coach". broadstreethockey.com. Retrieved January 2, 2022.
  13. 1 2 "Nasty Knuckles". nastyknuckles.com. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  14. Tomoski, Miroslav (December 1, 2017). "This NHL enforcer says cannabis is an undervalued healing tool for professional athletes". Herb. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  15. Robson, Dan (November 25, 2017). "Why former NHLer Riley Cote wants hockey to embrace cannabis". Sportsnet. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  16. Peake, Gage (August 28, 2017). "How Cannabis Helped NHL Enforcer Riley Cote Survive His Hockey Career". Leafly. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  17. "Cannabis". Athletes for Care. Archived from the original on May 1, 2019. Retrieved April 19, 2019.
  18. "Advocate". Athletes for Care. Archived from the original on April 20, 2018. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  19. "About Us". Hemp Heals Foundation. Archived from the original on September 6, 2019. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
  20. Mullin, Matt (July 19, 2016). "Ex-Flyer Riley Cote hoping Hemp Heals Festival will educate as well as entertain". PhillyVoice. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  21. "Meet the Board". Pennsylvania Hemp Industry Council. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  22. 1 2 "Riley Cote". nastyknuckles.com. Retrieved February 20, 2023.