Playing Before her Students, Audra Richards Stars, and Is VEDA Player of the Week
December 17, 2019 - Premier Hockey Federation (PHF)
Minnesota Whitecaps News Release
Audra Richards had extra motivation to bring her best game on Sunday, as her students from Independent School District 197 were part of the huge crowd that filled TRIA Rink when the Whitecaps hosted the Riveters. The end result was a two-goal game for Richards, a 5-2 victory, and now VEDA NWHL Player of the Week honors.
"It's amazing to get Player of the Week off a game with all of my students in the stands," said Richards, who is a Physical Education teacher for students in kindergarten through fourth grade. "The support was the most amazing part! And they sang the national anthem like rock stars! Player of the Week is super-exciting and awesome to receive."
For the weekend, the popular forward scored three goals and notched a primary assist against her former team. Richards' three-point game on Sunday was her first multi-point and multi-goal game as a Whitecap. Her first goal of the game on Sunday, scored just 64 seconds into the second period, proved to be the game-winning tally. Her other goal came in a hard-fought 3-2 shootout loss on Saturday.
After playing last season for the Riveters and enjoying her time with the team and in the New York area, Richards has made a very welcome return to her home for her second season in pro hockey.
"Being back home is the most amazing thing ever," said Richards. "Living five minutes from the rink, being able to work and teach every day, being with my family and friends and having incredible teammates, all while living the dream and growing the game in the best state!"
Richards, 25, played at Maine from 2012-2016, scoring 45 goals and adding 25 assists for 70 points in 132 games. She scored 15 goals as a sophomore and 14 as a senior - leading the Black Bears in goals and points in both seasons. Before Maine, Richards, earned letters at Tartan High School in hockey, soccer and track and field.
Last season, she tied with Madison Packer for the team-high in goals with 8. When she signed with the Whitecaps this summer, Richards wrote in an email:
"The NWHL is truly something special and I am tremendously happy to be a part of it for another season. Being able to play in my home state for the first time in seven years will be an incredible experience, knowing I will be with so many of my family members, friends, former and current teammates and opponents. It will also be amazing to see some of my students in the stands."
That's what happened on Sunday, and Richards really responded.
Premier Hockey Federation Stories from December 17, 2019
- Riveters to Host Clinic for Junior Rangers and Lady Hawks Programs in Central Park on December 19 - Metropolitan Riveters
- Playing Before her Students, Audra Richards Stars, and Is VEDA Player of the Week - Minnesota Whitecaps
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