Sports stats



CHL Mississippi RiverKings

Chris Richards Becomes a RiverKing

September 13, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, MS --- The latest addition to the Mississippi RiverKings roster is another of the more recognizable names in "The Center of Hockey," as the RiverKings of the Central Hockey League today (September 13th, 2010) announced the signing of forward Chris Richards to the roster for the 2010-11 season.

Considered one of the most consistent offensive threats in the CHL, the Cornwall, Ontario native has scored 20 goals or more in each of his last five CHL seasons, including a 39-goal performance in 2006-07 under current RiverKings Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Kevin "Killer" Kaminski, when the two were paired together in Youngstown with the SteelHounds. Richards has also netted 60 or more points in his last six campaigns, including a 106 point performance the same year with the SteelHounds.

In ten CHL seasons, Richards has scored 770 points (256 goals, 514 assists) in 640 contests, an average of 1.20 points per game.

Kaminski says Richards brings more than just skills and talent, he brings the intangibles that many times are the difference between winning and losing. "He understands the game at every moment," said Kaminski. "He leads by example and has a great work ethic. He's a great two-way player who is great on draws (faceoffs) and will block every shot on the penalty kill. Offensively, Chris will be a great asset on the power play, make the little passes and a great scoring touch. His time in the CHL and what he's done are a great accomplishment. It will be great to have him in a RiverKings' uniform."

Last year with the Corpus Christi IceRays, the 5-foot-10, 180 pound center scored 24 goals for 60 points and 42 penalty minutes. Richards added one goal for two points in two playoff contests with Corpus Christi. He finished second on the IceRays' roster for goals and points. The 24 goal total included six power play goals, one shorthanded tally, and two game-winners.

Richards had 20 multi-point games for the IceRays last season. The number includes five times when he finished with three points in the contest.

In 2008-09, Richards finished the year with 27 goals and 46 assists for 73 points in 64 games, leading the IceRays in goals and points, and tied for the top spot in assists. Chris also led the team in plus-minus (+17) and power play goals (10), while scoring two shorthanded goals and two game-winning red-lighters.

Richards came to Corpus Christi from Youngstown, where he played three seasons for the SteelHounds, 85 goals for 276 points and 334 penalty minutes in 190 Youngstown appearances. In addition to the 39 goal season in 2006-07, Chris netted 24 goals in 2007-08 and 22 goals in 2005-06.

In the 2006-07 Youngstown season, 22 of Richards' 39 goals scored were on the power play, four were shorthanded goals and seven were game-winners. He finished second in the league in assists and points, and was third in goals scored. Richards' 22 power play goals led the CHL in that category and as a result he was named an all-CHL forward at the end of the season.

Chris says the time spent with Kaminski were likely the best years he's had in pro hockey. "Those are probably two of the best years I've had in hockey playing for Killer and as a man himself, he's a great guy and a great coach and I think he gets the best out of his players and that's what I am looking for, Richards said. "I consider myself more of a playmaker than a goal scorer but I will score on the occasion. I find myself a gritty, in your face player and I take a lot of pride on defense; I hate being scored on. I think I'm a well rounded player and I hope I will be able to bring that this year."

Richards' CHL career has also included two seasons with Austin, three in New Mexico, and his first year split between Indianapolis and Macon.

His pro career started in 1999-2000 with a season in Germany before he started in CHL time in Indianapolis and final 16 games of his first CHL year in Macon.

Prior to professional hockey, Richards played four seasons of NCAA Division I hockey at Ohio State, tallying 43 goals for 133 points in 151 appearances with the Buckeyes.

The Mississippi RiverKings will start its 19th season of hometown pro hockey in the Mid-South with the home opener set for Saturday, October 16th against the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs at 7:05 PM. For RiverKings ticket information, call 662-342-1755 or go online to www.riverkings.com today!



Central Hockey League Stories from September 13, 2010


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 Mississippi RiverKings Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central