You know you had an impressive season when your team finishes below the .500 mark, yet the conference coaches still recognize you as the best player in the league at your position. Such is the case for Gloucester senior defenseman/midfielder Coltyn Rivas, who was named the Northeastern Conference North Defensive Most Valuable Player this week by the coaches of the conference.
The Fishermen may have finished off the season with a 6-10 record, but that didn't stop Rivas from doing a little bit of everything for the team. Not only is he the team's top defensive player, he helps out on face-offs and can generate offense by moving the ball up the field.
Rivas' versatility was on full display Wednesday in Gloucester's 9-5 season ending win over Manchester Essex. The senior was scooping up ground balls in front of his own goal, running through the Hornets midfield and defense despite the fact that he plays with a long stick. He also had an assist in the contest drawing an extra defender and dishing off to a wide open Winslow Lewis for the score.
"It's impressive for him to be voted in by the coaches and recognized by my piers," Dominick said. "This is a big deal and he's earned it."
The NEC North Defensive MVP are not where the accolades end for Rivas. The Gloucester senior was obviously named to the Northeastern Conference All Star team as well as the Eastern Mass. All Star team, which compiles the top players in Eastern Mass. regardless of division.
"Coltyn is the cream of the crop," Dominick said. "He would be a great player on any team and we are going to miss him next year."
