Knowledge , as we would all assume , is passed down from generation to generation . From father to son and from brother to brother .
In the case of the Finnson family out of Riverton , Man ., there ’ s been plenty of “ passing stuff down ,” especially hockey stuff . Knowledge from dad to sons , equipment and attitude from brother to brother .
Perhaps the most striking example of that comes right from the mouth of Larry Finnson ’ s youngest son , Nicholas .
“ I ’ m a defenseman ,” he said bluntly . “ Because my dad was a defenseman and my brother is a defenseman .”
Like so many families in Manitoba , the Finnsons live and breathe hockey . Thanks to their grandfather ’ s and father ’ s roots in Riverton , the boys have been regaled with hockey stories all their lives and are proud that they know all the local lore the surrounds Riverton ’ s greatest son – Reggie Leach , The Riverton Rifle .
“ We grew up on stories about Reggie Leach ,” said oldest brother Kristjon “ Especially the fights and the tough brand of hockey the guys from Riverton played .”
While the Rifle is the legend , one of the most important elements of being a Riverton family is your Icelandic heritage . The boys know those stories , too -- the stories about how hard it was for the people who emigrated from Iceland to Manitoba . But they also know about the glory that followed when the Falcons from Manitoba , a hockey team made up almost entirely of players with Icelandic heritage , won the first Olympic hockey gold medal in 1920 .
Not surprisingly , Nick and Kristjon also get fired up with a bit of TV fiction .
“ We both watch Vikings ,” quipped Nick . “ And we both like Ragnar Lothbrok the best .”
We grew up on stories about Reggie Leach , specially the fights and the tough brand of hockey the guys from Riverton played
NICK FINNSON
2016 - 17 ROSTER DEADLINE EDITION GAME ON 63