http://www.nhlpa.com/Content/Feature.asp?contentId=3516

You could point to solid work on the blueline or a team-first approach as the reasons behind his success story, but it's something else that has made the pride of North Bay, Ontario an invaluable member of Montreal’s defensive corps.

During his junior hockey career with the Kingston Frontenacs, Rivet, who suited up for three seasons with the Ontario Hockey League team from 1991-94, developed a reputation as a two-way threat, equally strong at both ends of the ice.

But when the Montreal Canadiens drafted Rivet 68th overall in 1992, the aspiring NHLer took one look at the Habs' lineup, more specifically their defensive unit, and decided to put a game plan into place.

"When I was in junior, I was known for my offensive style of play," said Rivet, who put up 74 and 64 points, respectively, in his final two OHL campaigns. "But as a young player, I said to myself, 'How I am going to make this team?' With great offensive defenceman like Mathieu Schneider and Eric Desjardins on the team, I knew I had to alter my game."

And that's just what Rivet did.

Though he didn't grab a full-time spot in the lineup after his junior days, Rivet, who appeared in a total of 69 games with Montreal from 1994-97, performed well in the American Hockey League with their farm affiliate, the Fredericton Canadiens.

It wasn't until 1997-98 that Rivet finally caught on as a Habs' regular. He did so by establishing himself as a true team player, his only concern being the success of the club.

Rivet also received kudos for his stay-at-home style of defence, a perfect complement to his fellow rearguards, who were more offensively inclined.

"I'm definitely a physical guy out there," he noted. “That’s always been part of my game.”

And as one website terms it, Rivet has utilized a "useful mean streak" to his advantage, both past and present.

"Maybe they misspelled that," said the 6'2", 195-pounder with a laugh. "I think that's always been part of my game. I like to see it as a guy that can control his aggression, but still has that fire in him."

The Canadiens certainly aren't complaining.

After a career high 17 points in 1999-00, Rivet battled injuries the following year and was limited to just 26 games, before bettering his offensive totals in 2001-02 with 25 points.

Now, with over 500 games of NHL regular season experience, Rivet has solidified his role as one of the team's leaders, a player who leads both by words and by example.

It's no wonder that Rivet is quite content to be playing in one of hockey's most historic cities, a place where the sport is always a main topic of conversation.

"I've been through great times in Montreal and bad times, too," said the 32-year-old. "It's difficult when things aren't going well, but we have the greatest fans you could ask for. When people wake up in the morning, the two things they have in their hands are a coffee and the sports pages."

And while the Habs are typically headlining in Montreal’s daily newspapers, Rivet isn't concerned with individual recognition.

In fact, Rivet has fairly modest goals when it comes to his own on-ice performance.

"What is a good game for me? I'll take a good game anytime. Sometimes I catch myself watching (Montreal forwards) Alexei Kovalev and Saku Koivu, whether it's in practice or in a game. The skill they have is just amazing. I'm happy to be good. Sometimes I'll be great, but for me, it's remaining consistent that is the key."

Adam Foote, Columbus' rock-steady veteran defenceman, is the perfect example of what Rivet aspires to be.

"You couldn't have picked a better name to mention," said Rivet. "I try to mimic what he does. To me, he was as important to Colorado when they won their Stanley Cups, as Joe Sakic was."

Winning a league championship in the city where he's played all 11 of his NHL seasons is something Rivet would love to accomplish before he calls it a career.

But for Rivet, the sole focus is what he insists matters most – Montreal's next opponent.

"I'm a lucky guy," said the father of two children, a daughter Ella and a son Nate. "I grew up watching Toronto and Montreal and to be able to play on the Canadiens is overwhelming. I am still thrilled to be playing here. There's never a dull moment."

Especially for a player who knows that things can change, self-motivated or otherwise, at any given moment.