2016 | Rhode Island | BOYS

Burrillville High School | Broncos | BOYS

This year’s Hobey Baker award recipient for Burrillville High School is Riley Tupper. He exemplifies the true spirit of the awards intention. At times throughout every season in every sport, a coach can reflect and think if we only had a couple more kids like so and so.   Well that name for Burrillville High School is Riley Tupper.  Stricken by injury this season, year ending for most others of us, Riley was determined to overcome this adversity in his life no matter what he had to do.  Riley changed and adapted to his situation so much so that he went from playing forward to defense, not only to fulfill his needs to play, but to fill the needs of something bigger than himself, his team the Burrillville Broncos.  He worked day in and day out to be the best he could be, despite the permanent nagging injuries. He served as a role model for the younger players to be a part of something bigger than themselves.  He gave confidence to his fellow upper classmen by just knowing that he was present and ready for any challenge.  He has received many awards as a three sport varsity athlete, but that has not clouded his goals for team achievement.  He is a well rounded young man that remains a constant youth leader in the community. He truly is a kid and a hockey player that many younger youths could look up to and strive to aspire to be like.