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Chris Richards Fields Questions From Junior Reporter

January 2, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Youngstown SteelHounds News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO - On December 14th the Youngstown SteelHounds hosted their first "Junior Reporter" of the season. Nick DeLucia, a fifth grade student at Springfield Local Intermediate School in New Middletown, Ohio covered the Hounds home game against the Texas Brahmas and interviewed Hounds captain Chris Richards.

Nick's entire column can be read below.

The Youngstown SteelHounds and the Central Hockey League are committed to bringing the entertainment to our children. If you are interested in taking part in the SteelHounds and CHL Junior Reporter Programs please email SteelHounds Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations Tim Sampsell at tsampsell@steelhounds.com or Director of Communications for the Central Hockey League Bob Hoffman at hoffman@centralhockeyleague.com.

My night as a Junior Reporter started off when we got to the press box. It was very nice. It had 2 TVs, a lot of equipment, and the best part, chicken wings. I got to meet John Davis from the CHL; he was running the scoreboard for the game. He took me down to the penalty box where I got to do a sound check, and watch the players warm up. While I was heading back to the box, I met the Columbus Blue Jackets mascot Stinger. When we got back to the press box, I grabbed 3 wings and a Pepsi. They were so good! Then the game started, and I was ready. I had my notebook and pencil ready to take a ton of notes. The puck dropped and the sticks went after that puck like a bear after honey.

The game was very intense. At some points it broke out and turned into a big fight. The 1st period had 2 goals for the Hounds and 1 for the Brahmas. The 1st point scorer for the Hounds was Chris Richards on a power play goal with an assist by Jeff Alcombrack and Jason Baird. The 2nd goal for the Hounds was Eric Przepiorka with 27 sec. left on the clock. He had an assist by Joel Irving and Kevin Jarman. In the 2nd period Kevin "Killer" Kaminski, the Hounds coach, took a puck to the head, and had to get stitches. The Hounds scored once in this period, it was a power play by Przepiorka with an assist by Petr Pohl and Joel Irving. The Brahmas got 1 goal in the 2nd period, making the score 3-2. The 3rd period was terrible. The Hounds were in the lead by 1, and then the Brahmas scored 2 goals! The final score was SteelHounds - 3, Brahmas - 4.

Nick's Moment of the Game: My moment of the game was in the 1st period. It was the fight between Adam Smyth of the Hounds and Robin Big Snake of the Brahmas. Big Snake started the fight, but he lost when Smyth pulled Big Snake's shirt over his head and gave him numerous blows to the body. Smyth received 2 penalties for a total of 7 min. in the P-Box, while Big Snake only got 5 min. in the P-box. Nick's MVP: My MVP for the game is Eric Przepiorka, who had 2 of the 3 goals for the Hounds. Nice job Eric.

After the game I was very nervous before the interview. Once I got in there and started to ask questions; I eased up and relaxed. Here's the interview, read it if you want to find a little bit more about Chris Richards.

Nick DeLucia: What do you think was your best game this year?

Chris Richards: I have a couple of them. I'd say the 1st game against Oklahoma City. I had 3 goals and an assist. We won the game 4-2.

ND: How do you feel about the Hounds being in 1st place?

CR: I feel good about it. Obviously, we need keep skating and working hard and not having nights like tonight.

ND: Do you like video games?

CR: I do. I have a PS2, but I need to move up and get one of those Wiis

ND: Then, what's your favorite video game?

CR: That would be Soldier of Fortune.

ND: If you could play in any other sports league, what would you play in?

CR: I would be in the PGA or the Bass Masters.

ND: Do you have something special you eat before a game?

CR: I always eat pasta and chicken.

ND: What did it feel like being on the road for most of the season?

CR: Well, it gave us time to bond together as a team. We got to know each other pretty quick. I don't know if you've seen that bus, but it's not that big to fit 25 guys in there.

ND: What's your favorite football team?

CR: Do I have to tell you? It's the Miami Dolphins. I'm becoming a Browns fan now since my Dolphins are doing terrible.

ND: How did you learn to play hockey?

CR: My Dad. He had me on skates around about 2 ½. Basically, I was forced to be a hockey player.

ND: Do you have any superstitions before a game?

CR: I do. They're superstitions. I can't tell you those.

ND: Did you play any other sports?

CR: I grew up playing almost every sport; basketball, volleyball, golf, everything.

ND: What made you choose the Ohio State University?

CR: It gave me a full ride scholarship. I couldn't turn that down, plus I like the school spirit at Ohio State.

ND: Do you have a prediction for the national championship?

CR: Buckeyes by 10.

ND: Do you have a message to give to kids my age?

CR: Work hard at everything you do, and keep striving for your goals and you'll reach them.

ND: What is it like to be a player coach and captain?

CR: It's good. It's a bigger role I have this year. Obviously, I get to see different parts of it by learning from Killer, our coach via the coaching side of things.

ND: Did you play on any other teams before the Hounds?

CR: I did, I played on 3 different teams in this league. Ones in New Mexico; ones in Austin, Texas; and Indianapolis.

ND: I heard you just became a father, what's its name, is it a boy or girl, and how big?

CR: It's a boy, his name is Hunter, and he's 4 months about 16 pounds.

ND: Could I get you to sign this, and could I have an autographed hockey stick because my birthday's on Monday?

CR: Yes, and I can get you one.

I would like to thank John and Judy Davis from the CHL, and Tim Sampsell and the entire SteelHounds organization for being so nice to me. I would like to thank my Mom, Dad, and sister, Sarah. I would especially like to thank Chris Richards for taking time to be interviewed, and for getting me the autographed stick. I walked out of the stadium, stick in hand, and had 1 thought in my mind, "Go SteelHounds!"

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