Riley Barber: 2015-16 Season in Review

riley barber season in review-2

Prior to January 14th, Riley Barber only had 15 points with five goals and ten assists, struggling to find a solid place in the line-up, bouncing between all three lines. Then the Bears made a major signing: Scott Gomez. Seven games after Gomez arrived, the 22-year-old found himself to the right of one of the best NHL centers in the past ten seasons and started on a streak where he recorded a point in 14 of 15 games. Barber scored 25 points in that time span, including his first pro hat-trick to kick off the streak, and February Rookie of the Month honors.

I remember attending a practice soon after Gomez arrived and the team was working on the power play. After Barber and Gomez’s line finished their portion of the drill, Gomez held back Barber to give him some pointers on working between the circles and in front of the net. In the coming months, Barber would make that location his home, scoring many of his 26 goals this season from that spot.

How he got here:
Barber heard his name called in him hometown of Pittsburgh at the 2012 NHL Draft in the sixth round. After spending three seasons at Miami University (Ohio), Barber signed his entry-level contract at the end of last season. Tearing his MCL to end his junior year with the RedHawks was a tough way to go out, but the opportunity Barber received in Chocolate Town was huge. He started the season next to 2014 Capitals first-round pick Jakub Vrana and another former RedHawk, Carter Camper. In his first pro game, Barber scored two goals, including what would become the game-winner, en route to a 5-1 season-opening win against Springfield.

As the season progressed, Barber’s play did as well. Improvement in the forward’s play could be seen from month to month. A major part of his game is the north-south skating ability, flying past defenders on the attack, and a scrappiness in front of the net, where he is able to grab puck and fling them into the net with ease.

Linemates:
The right winger found himself spending a lot of time to start the season with two other rookies, Vrana, and Travis Boyd. After Vrana was sidelined with a wrist injury, Barber rejoined Camper, now with a new left winger in Sean Collins. Then a December call-up to the first line, serving as Chandler Stephenson’s right winger alongside Chris Bourque or Dustin Gazley. Barber bounced anywhere between the first and fourth line in early January, playing with virtually everybody. Then the arrival of Gomez gave the rookie a solid spot with him and Nathan Walker. Barber then finished off the season with Walker, where the two were wingers to Carter Camper.

Memorable performance: First pro hat trick, January 30 vs. Syracuse.

Riley Barber on Chocolate Hockey:

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