10 - A perfect score

August 30, 2021
North Saanich, British Columbia

Riley Braun was popped up on the Panthers radar when he was 15 years old at the time he attended his first Junior Camp in April of 2015.  The youngster came in with wide eyes and Panthers General Manager Pete Zubersky remembered the impact he had over the three-day weekend.  Braun caught Zubersky's eye early on the Saturday morning and by Sunday when the camp had ended, the GM knew exactly who Riley Braun was.  And now five years later, the 20-year-old is going into his final year of Junior eligibility.

"He had average speed but what I remember most was how hard he played the game," said Zubersky matter-of-factly about Braun's first camp.  He never coasted and seemed to give 100% effort each and every second he was out on the ice.  At the end of the camp we interviewed him, I remember his father Loren coming into the interview with Riley.  I like toying with the youngsters a bit and so after pumping his tires, I could see he was feeling good about the way the interview was heading.  I threw a curveball at him and asked him after hearing everything positive if he was feeling cocky.  His eyes went wide and he replied, 'No, I'm feeling confident.'  That is Riley Braun in a nutshell.  He has tremendous confidence and is also one of the most respectful people I know.  He wants to be a Dentist following in the footsteps of both his Mom and Dad.  I have told Loren and Riley that I would like to be Riley's first patient."

Riley was born in Victoria and has lived on the Peninsula for the last 15 years. He played nearly every sport when he was young, from football to basketball to tennis and everything in between. Riley also loved watching sports -  especially Panthers games - when he was young. Eventually, he decided to prioritize hockey, playing at the Panorama for Peninsula Minor Hockey.  A few of his Panthers' teammates this year were on his very first hockey team at age 4. His father Loren coached Riley and his brother Payton when they were young and was a big part of his development as a hockey player and a person. Riley graduated high school with honours and received several entrance scholarships to UVIC to pursue an undergraduate degree.
 
Riley is currently going into his fourth year at UVIC and will obtain an undergraduate degree in Psychology this year. Following this year, he plans to attend Dental school at UBC and join his father (and possibly brother) practicing in the Sidney area.
 
“I think we have a strong team this year with so many returning players", said Braun. "Our goal is the same as it has always been - a VIJHL championship. With so many returning players our dressing room is as strong and close as any I have been a part of.  I believe that will give us an edge that few teams have.”


A young Riley Braun starts his hockey journey in the Peninsula Minor Hockey Association alongside Panthers teammate and younger brother, Payton. The two are pictured here many years ago in the Lobby of the Panorama Recreation Centre.

"Riley plays harder than any kid in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League," explained the Panthers GM.  "He comes to me more than any other player with equipment which is completely worn out.  I can't recall how many pair of pant shells I have given him because his are absolutely shredded.  I believe we have a chance to complete near the top of the League this season and Riley will be an incredibly huge part in success that we find.  He is a person I would go to war with, I absolutely love and respect the player and the person."

Braun will be in the lineup on Wednesday night at 7:00 pm when he and the rest of his Panthers mates travel a bit west to take on the Westshore Wolves at the Q Centre in the back end of their home-and-home exhibition games.  And the Club will be back to the confines of the Panorama Recreation Centre this Friday night when they play host to the Saanich Predators for their 3rd and final pre-season affair.  200 fans will be allowed admittance to the contest.