NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Richie is back as player/assistant for Hounds

October 8, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Youngstown SteelHounds News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Kevin Kaminski of The Youngstown SteelHounds announced today that Hounds have re-signed forward Chris Richards as the player/assistant coach for the 2007-08 season. Per team policy terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Richards, 31, is in his ninth professional season and third as a SteelHound. The new captain is coming off a career year last season where he set personal highs in goals (39), points (106) and +/- (+37). During the 2006-07 season the former Ohio State Buckeye appeared in his fourth CHL All Star Game, won player of the month for February, was nominated for league MVP and was awarded team MVP.

He has 634 points coming from 219 goals and 415 assists. His 200th goal was scored against the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees on January 27, 2007 at the Chevrolet Centre with his 400th assist coming against the Wichita Thunder on February 16, 2007. Richards tied a team record for most goals in a game with four as well as setting the team record for points in a game with seven against Rocky Mountain on February 1, 2007.

Kaminski could not be happier about Richards becoming his player/assistant coach this season saying, "Richie brings a lot to the table, his work ethic and leadership are huge in the locker room and on the ice. Also being an MVP candidate means he can do everything. He has great hockey sense and is very skilled offensively. He also brings all the tangibles to the game including grit." Kaminski went onto say, "Chris is a great face off guy and penalty killer, he does it all. His knowledge of the game is invaluable and it's great to have a guy with his credentials as my player assistant coach."

A native of Cornwall, Ontario, this year will mark Richard's eighth season in the Central Hockey League with stints in Indianapolis, Macon, New Mexico and Austin. His career numbers are a staggering 181 goals and 376 assists for 557 points in 448 career CHL games. The 5-10, 180-pound center has played the most games in a SteelHounds sweater at 126 and in those games he has accumulated 61 goals and 137 assists. His 376 assists rank him ninth all time in the Central Hockey League.

The new player/assistant coach was very pleased to be back in Youngstown saying, "I am extremely happy to be back for a third season. My role as assistant coach means more responsibility as a player as well as a leader." Richards went onto say, "I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead for the 2007-08 season and I can't think of another coach I would rather learn under than Kevin (Kaminski). October 19th can't come soon enough."

The preseason is already underway for the Hounds as they will visit the Johnstown Chiefs of the ECHL in a preseason match-up on Wednesday, October 10th before hosting the ECHL's Cincinnati Cyclones in an exhibition game on Friday the 12th at the Chevrolet Centre. Both games are scheduled to start at 7:05 with tickets on sale for the home game against Cincinnati available for $5 by calling the Hounds at (330) 747-PUCK.

• Discuss this story on the Central Hockey League message board...

Central Hockey League Stories from October 8, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Youngstown SteelHounds Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central