Riley Cote Left Wing
Born Mar 16 1982 -- Winnipeg, MAN
Height 6.02 -- Weight 216 -- Shoots L
Stats - According to hockeydb
141 NHL GP
61 NHL FIGHTS
387 PIM
THANK YOU RILEY COTE FOR YOUR TIME AND GENEROSITY
Questionaire:
Quote:
Childhood
Q: Growing up, was Hockey always your sport of choice?
Cote: Hockey was always my sport of choice. i played many other sports but hockey was my sport for sure.
Q: Who was your favorite enforcer growing up?
Cote: Tie domi was my favorite enforcer growing up. being from winnipeg i loved what he brought to the game.
Q: You hail from Manitoba, where another player from the past is from. Namely Daryl Stanley, did you ever meet Daryl? If so what are your thoughts?
Cote: I have never had the chance to meet daryl stanley.
Q: What is your favorite number, if you had a choice to wear?
Cote: Growing up my favorite number was 11. but now 32 is. think it suits me better
Q: As a bantam/midget who would you have considered somebody you looked up to or "Modeled your game after" playing at the NHL level?
Cote: Once upon a time i was called on to score goals. i looked up to the likes of mark messier. but boy have things changed.
Q: At what point did you realize your ability with your fists?
Cote: At 16 years old i had my first real hockey fight. i won it even though the guy wasnt tough. i loved the feeling of it, the adrenaline but still in junior i had a different role and really didnt fight much
Q: At what point was was it realized you had a real shot at going pro?
Cote: I think iv always thought i had a shot at going pro. looking at aome of the guys making it i knew it was definatley possible.
Q: As a fighter in hockey you don't really get the opportunity to start dropping the gloves until around midget level. How does one go about being scouted, ex. are you trained to be an enforcer. Does the coach and/or club designate you enforcer? How are you approached by the scouts with respect your your talent?
Cote: After not being drafted in juniors i completely changed my mentality towards hockey. i changed my role and decided i was going to make it as a fighter. i knew i could be a responsible hockey player but i needed to bring more to the table so i just fought anybody and everybody.
WHL - AHL
Q: Were you always considered an enforcer when you entered the professional level at 16?
Cote: I was not considered an enforcer when i started playing junior at 16. i was drafted to the WHL in the second round and was expected to be an all round power forward.
Q: 1998-1999 your first year with Prince Albert, you played on the same team with Todd Fedoruk and Scott Hartnell. What was that like?
Cote: Playing with hartnell and fedoruk was great. 2 awesome guys and 2 very funny dudes. we had lots of fun
Q: You made your 1st AHL professional in 2002-03 and quickly bounced around different levels including the CHL and ECHL. What was it like constantly on the move?
Cote: Moving around my first couple years was definately an experience. i knew its not where i wanted to be but i have some great memories and it made me who i am today.
Q: During those first two years you amassed huge PIM between the Riverkings and Bombers of the lower leagues. Were you making a name for yourself?
Cote: My mentality was to fight anybody and everybody and just get noticed. also i needed to improve as a fighter so i figured the more i fought the quicker id learn.
Q: 2004-05 you were picked up by the Philadelphia Phantoms. You immediately caught on as a Philly favorite. More importantly you won your first Professional level title. What was it like that season?
Cote: My first year with the phantoms couldnt have worked out any better. absolutely great. we won the ahl championship and i managed to stay healthy and earn an nhl contract.
Q: You played on the Phantoms with both Todd Fedoruk (again) and Josh Gratton. Both Todd and Josh put up pretty large PIM. You had some fierce competition for an NHL position at the farm. What was it like fighting for a spot?
Cote: Competing against gratton and fedoruk was great because we all pushed each other. i always felt like i had something to prove. they are both good friends of mine and it was healthy competition
NHL And Related
Q: In the 2007-2008 season the flyers brought you aboard as their quintessential top enforcer. You weren't really known around the league by many and basically took on all comers, heavy and middle weight with no concern. What was it like making the jump from the AHL to the NHL with respect to your new competition?
Cote: My mentality going from the ahl to nhl was the same. fight everybody. make a name for myself. lot of the guys in the nhl i had fought before so it really wasnt that different but it was the difference between a good living and a great living so i tried to forget about my last fight and focus on the next.
Q: The fighters tend to be much larger and quite a bit heavier at the NHL level, at 6' 2" comparatively you're considered on the smaller side of the scale. What do you do to try an create an advantage when matching up against the likes of the Georges Laraque, Mitch Fritz, Steve McIntyre types?
Cote: I'm definatly an average size fighter. actually 6'1 215. when fighting guys that much bigger than me i try to just get in tight and get in some upper cuts and what not. also then when i do take a punch its not a bomb. but for the most part i try not let them string me out. thats their fight not mine.
Q:“member: Blockerpunch” You and Josh Gratton are both toe to toe warriors, do you guys ever give each other tips or seek advice from the other enforcer if he has fought someone before that you have not? Or do you have to keep your cards close due to the pressure to compete for that number 1 enforcer spot?
Cote: gratz and i talk fighting alot. we talk about different guys and what their tendencies are. but when i comes down to it you still got to fight the fight. some many variables in a hockey fight.
Q: Your maiden voyage in 2007-2008 earned you an extended contract with the Flyers. Respectability also began to flow in from your peers around the league. With the accolades you've garnered, you have shown you keep things in perspective. You know your job and you do it well. Is there anything you feel you need to work on to keep up with the ever changing geography that is the NHL?
Cote: i am blessed to be where im at but i still have so much to prove. i need to work on all parts of my game. not just fighting. i will always be a fighter but i do believe i will have the opportunity to bring a little more to the table. ill just keep working on my skating and puck skills and just hope ill fit the mold of where the nhl is headed with all the rule changes even though i dont agree with it
Q: 2008-2009 carried a series of unfortunate events with respect to injury. You still finished in the top five with the most fights. Were you fighting with injuries even after you returned from the chest injury?
Cote: i was feeling my torn oblique for a while after i hurt it but its no excuse. all players play through injuries.
Q: It's very well established in Philadelphia you are a huge locker room, and on ice presence with your teammates. Being vocal is very important and has earned a lot of former enforcers captaincy positions, ie. Terry O'Reilly, Shane Churla, Jeff Odgers etc. What do you do to try and keep up team moral and cohesiveness?
Cote: i love being at the rink and hanging with the boys. i try and keep the guys lose by just having fun and screwing around. i try to be the best player i can be on the ice and the best person i can be off the ice.
Q:“member: Blockerpunch” As an enforcer who fights a more wide open style type of fight (a throwback type of fighter in this day and age) is it frustrating to see a lot of the new age fighters in the NHL fighting a more conservative battle, i.e. fighting to not lose as opposed to fighting to win?
Cote: it frustrates me to watch some of the fights around the league. but its out of my control. i fight the way i do for 2 reasons. i fight to win. it doesnt always work that way but i feel it gets me respect. and im trying to keep hockey as old school as i can within the new rules of the nhl. we are a dying breed so i feel i need to help keep hockey the way its supposed to be
Q:“member: Blockerpunch” Some enforcers are all about giving the fans a show. With your fights being some of the most entertaining in the game today, how important is the entertainment factor of the fighting department in the game to you?
Cote: i like to have good fights all the time. trying to bring back the old school. i understand hockey fights are different than any other fights but i try to be very active and i like earn my 5 minutes in the box. nothing bothers me more than a 2 second fall over fight.
Q: 2008-2009 ended for you prematurely with a broken finger which required surgery. What are your plans for the off season? Will you be prepared for next season after the past injuries from this?
Cote: im currently still rehabing my reconstructed finger but its well on its way to recovery. soon i will be back to my same training program and i will be as good as new when camp comes around.
Q: “member: srehm1” The league has mentioned further restrictions on fighting including a possible helmet rule and a crack down on percieved staged fights. How do you feel this will effect your role as enforcer?
Cote: What ever rules they do change, the players will find a way around it. the league has hit the panic button with all the rule changes for fighting. i really don't think much will change.
Q: “member: srehm1” Do you feel the NHL is trying to regulate the enforcer out of hockey?
Cote: I think the nhl is definately trying to go a different direction with the fighting but all its really going to change is the way guys engage in a fight.
Q: “member: srehm1” Can you tell us if you've been in a "staged fight"? Or is it more a matter of simply challenging another opponent?
Cote: I've been in what "they" call a staged fight. its not staged its 2 guys that know there jobs. one challenges the other and the other obliges. almost all fights happen for a reason. maybe not the average fan knows but the players on both benches do. from sticking up for a teammate to getting a spark for your team.
Q: “member: srehm1” Do you feel the NHL has blown up the "staged fight" talk? Have you ever recieved a call from a fellow enforcer trying to set up a fight in advance? Or is this something the league has exagerrated in an attempt to further curtail fighting in our sport?
Cote: The nhl has definately blown the staged fighting out of control. there was never a problem until a couple of unfortunate events this year with fighting that had the media eating it up and so many people are sheep and just follow and believe the media hype. iv never called up another fighter to set up a fight. its funny how people think fighting is a nice little walk in the park. like its so fun i just want to set up fight dates every chance i get.
Q: “member: srehm1” Do you feel the instigator penalty has led to such "staged fights" or the perception of staged fights taking place?
Cote: The instigator rule is what has created what people call stage fights. as a fighter when you square off you know its 5 mins each for fighting. no extra penalties.
Q: “member: srehm1” It seems that fighting has become very predictable with fighters squaring off the majority of the time. When you think of a possible fight with a fellow tough guy, is "squaring off" always involved?
Cote: Fighting the most respectful part of the game. 2 men policing them selves like big boys. squaring off is where fighting has evolved to but its mostly to have a respectful fair fight.
Q: “member: srehm1” What off ice training do you do to help with your role as enforcer?
Cote: I take mma in the off season. no ground work. mostly striking and grip fighting. alot of balance and conditioning work similar to what a ufc fighter would do.
Q: “member: srehm1” Do you feel the instigator has gotten rid of the quickdraw type strategy employed in the past by noted tough guys like Wendel Clark, Rick Tocchet, and Dave Brown? Those guys loved to get the gloves off and land the first punch.
Cote: With the instigator rule its changed the mentality of fighters. its a gamble if you just drop your gloves and pound away. sure it looks great and all but these days you are almost guaranteed to get a instigator penalty with the fighting major.
Q: “member: srehm1” It seems to me as if fighting today has an aspect of sportsmanship to it not seen in fighting in the past. I can't imagine Bob Probert patting Tie Domi or Kevin Maguire on the head and saying good job at the end of a fight? What are your thoughts on this?
Cote: Fighting is all respect. its a chance to resolve the on ice problems between 2 men. the game and the fighting has changed alot but even back then there was alot of respect. im sure even probert and domi told an opponent good job in the penalty box.
Q: “member: srehm1” What do you think about "the code"? Does it exist or is it almost mandatory to adhere to an imaginary code because of the many restrictions fighters face because of the constant rules against fighting?
Cote: The code is just using common sense and respecting your opponent. if you dont like getting hit when your down and in a bad spot don't do it to others. karma is a bitch
Q: “member: srehm1” In the past I've felt that "the code" was simply a form of fighting etiquette. You drop the gloves, fight, and then go to the box. In the past I've seen tough guys run goalies, jump opposing fighters, go after star players and hit opponents while they were down. I saw no code then or rather fighters who adhered to a code only when it suited them. What are your thoughts on this? Is the code simply a reaction to the new rules in place to curb fighting in the NHL?
Cote: The code in my opinion is directed for 2 guys that are fighting. it has nothing to do with the way the game is played. if someone runs my goalie bad you better believe ill be doing it back. if i have a chance to run someone over you better believe i will no matter who it is. thats hockey. the fighting is a way to police that kind of stuff if in a respectful manor.
Q: “member: srehm1” The Detroit Red Wings have proven that teams don't necassarily need a tough guy to compete at a high level in the NHL. In years past, a team like that would be bullied until the realization set in that an enforcer was needed. Do you feel the league is headed in that direction? Do you feel the new rules to curb fighting have actually protected a team like the red wings more so than an enforcer would?
Cote: Every gm has there opinion on how they want their team setup. yes detroit has proved they dont need an enforcer. anaheim also won with a completely different style of team. i guess if you like seeing your team get pushed around yet still win thats totally up to the gm. i know for me i could never sit back and watch that happen
Q: “member: srehm1” In this day and age it's surprising (and refreshing) to see a team like Philadelphia stick to it's tough hockey philosophy. It seems like the NHL has stacked the deck against teams like this with new rules and constant regulations against fighting and intimidation. What are your thoughts on this?
Cote: I am damn proud to wear a flyers jersey and am greatful to play for an organization that prides themselves on being a hard nosed hard working team. it really is a shame the direction the game is going and it really does seem like the flyers are under the microscope. much more than any other team.
Q: “member: srehm1” What are your thoughts on takedowns during a fight? We've all seen examples of fighters getting slammed to the ice during a fight and hit their heads off the ice. Do you feel the league should intervene and try to stop this from happening by adding even more rules?
Cote: I dont agree with the way some guys take down their opponent to appear like they've won the fight but its tough for a ref to judge something like that. they dont need to add anymore rules. it was never an issue till now.
Q: “member: srehm1” With new rules in place and constant vigilance by the NHL in an attempt to curb fighting, do you feel there is a reason to fight at all in todays game?
Cote: Even know the league is trying to crack down on fighting i definately think that fighting will always have a spot in hockey. its what makes hockey different than any other sport. its accountability
Q: “member: srehm1” It almost seems to me that very few NHLers past and present seem to be very vocal in their opposition to NHL rules and restrictions against fighting in todays game. I've noticed that Mark Messier is trying to introduce a new style of helmet that will help reduce injury to players. Do you feel Messier is trying to profit off the pansification of the "New NHL"? Do you feel it's almost hypocritical of a person like Messier - who played a rough style game during his career - to do so?
Cote: I guess mark messier is a now a business man. he;s made a name for him self along time ago and with all the concussion issues going on i think its a no brainer for him. he puts his name on a new and improved helmet and its sells. thats just the way it is.
Q: “member: srehm1” With so many european players in the NHL today - do you feel this is one reason why more NHLers don't speak out against the restrictions on fighting?
Cote: I'm surprised more guys don't speak out about fighting but i know its not because of the amount of europeans in the league. really not sure why to tell you the truth. they should.
Personal
Q: August 2008 you created Riley Cote's "Cote Carnival to knockout MS" on behalf of the MSAA. Supporting your sister and helping with awareness to this disease has always been at the top of your list. With the success you had with the prior carnival, is there anything in the pipe to continue with the carnival going forward?
Cote: Last year the cote carnival was a huge success. i will be continuing the fight against ms this summer sunday august 23rd from 12 to 3 at swanky bubbles in cherry hill. come help support the cause.
Q: What kind of things do you like to do with your personal time? Do you go home back to Winnepeg in the offseason, or do you stick around the Philly area?
Cote: I'll be going back home to winnipeg for a couple weeks and thats about it. i spend most of my time in the philly area to train.
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Riley Cote vs Brian McGrattan - 1/20/2008
My own Riley Cote Compilation w/Audio (Youtube deleted it, but I found it on another channel)
05-02-2009, 09:38 PM
05-02-2009, 09:38 PM
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