Graduating Pistons forward Riley Vautour will be moving onto the next level for the 2019-20 season, as he has committed to the Minot State University Beavers of ACHA Division I.
Vautour was acquired by Steinbach in a last-minute trade deadline deal with the Waywayseecappo Wolverines this past season to add more size, depth, and scoring prowess up front for the Pistons. He put up 2 goals and 4 assists in 18 games donning the white and blue during the regular season, and scored 4 goals and 4 assists in nine playoff games.
The Stony Mountain product entered the postseason for the first time in his junior career this season, and got better as the playoffs continued. After struggling with some injuries in the first round against the Blues, Vautour caught fire in the second round versus the Stampeders. He notched a team high four goals in that semi-final series, and was arguably Steinbach’s most consistent performer during the playoffs.
“I am happy to see Riley be rewarded with this opportunity, “ Head Coach/GM Paul Dyck said of Vautour. “He is a gamer and we all saw how he elevated his game in the playoffs.”
“Right when I heard from Minot, I knew I wanted to go there,” Vautour said. “I know quite a few guys on the team and heard nothing but good things about the place.”
Located in Minot, North Dakota, the Beavers come into this next season as the defending ACHA Men’s Division I national champions, after defeating Iowa State 3-1 in the championship game this past March. Vautour will be joining a team that’s looking to defend its crown. “I’ll do anything the coach needs me to do to help make the team win,” he explained. “I’ll bring grit, offense, and my speed.”
“He brings toughness, an ability to score, has a solid 200 foot game, and is a tremendous teammate,” Dyck added of his graduating forward.
He spent four months with the Pistons, and wishes he could still play in Steinbach. “I can’t say enough good things about the Steinbach Pistons organization,” Vautour complimented. “I loved playing there and wish I could go back for one last season. The coaching staff never stopped pushing us everyday to get better. They really helped me grow up.”