The Mayne man

While other children his age were choosing between figure skating and hockey, the 12-year-old decided not to choose.

Instead, he participated in both. It is not uncommon for this to happen. Former Canadian Olympian Kurt Browning played both up to the age of 11. He chose to figure skate full time and the results, as they say, are history.

Besides involving skates and ice, the sports of hockey and figure skating are inherently intertwined. The skills used in one are sure to help in the other.

Reilly was quick to point this out during a sit-down interview with The Compass last week.

"It helped with my backwards skating and things like that," he noted.

Certainly, it was an interesting choice at the time, but not one Reilly is regretting at the moment. The young athlete is currently one the bright spots for the Tri Pen Ice peewee AAA squad.

Through 11 games, Reilly has been a force on the ice, collecting 11 goals and eight assists for 19 points. The dynamo leads his team in scoring and has been a focal point for the team's offence.

"I'm really enjoying the league," said Reilly.

What might be more impressive is how the young puck star is getting his points. Reilly is scoring in a variety of ways.

From making the highlight reel rush to digging in the corners and coming out with the puck, he is finding ways to lead his team to victory.

The Ice sit in second place in the five-team league with a record of six wins and five losses.

"The league is so competitive and the players are so good," said Reilly, the son of Vince and Dale Mayne.

Strength up the middle

A centreman by trade, Reilly plays both the power play and penalty kill for his club.

The Grade 7 French immersion student from Crescent Collegiate in Blaketown likes to stay a couple of steps ahead of his opponents.

If it is a big moment in the game, chances are you're going to see Reilly on the ice. Playing more like a power forward than a playmaker, he does whatever is asked of him.

"I like getting into the corners and coming out with the puck," he said.

Reilly is counted on to win the big face off, as well as drop back in his own end to help his defencemen out.

A winner

Despite his young age, Reilly is a proven winner in local circles. He was a member of the Tri Pen peewee AAA team that captured the Atlantic championship last season.

That went along with the provincial peewee D championship Reilly and his teammates with the Trinity-Placentia TeePees secured last spring. He had five goals in the championship.

"I've been very fortunate to be a part of some great hockey teams the past couple of seasons," said Reilly.

Getting along with your teammates make a hockey club stronger. Often times, if you don't get along and work together, the team is doomed to fail.

Many Tri Pen players have shared the ice together at some point in their careers. For example, Reilly can look to his wing and see fellow TeePee product Mark Davis. He can turn around and see Ben Newhook between the pipes.

Familiarity can breed success in this situation.

Article and Photo courtesy of Nicholas Mercer - The Compass