Richardson Named Might Ducks Man of the Year

March 27, 2002 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Cincinnati RailRaiders News Release


CINCINNATI, Ohio - The Cincinnati Mighty Ducks are proud to announce that Bruce Richardson has been named the Mighty Ducks 2001-2002 HG Insurance/K&K Insurance/AHL Man of the Year. The award honors the player adjudged to have made the greatest commitment to his community and charitable organizations throughout the course of the season.

A Ville St. Pierre, Quebec native, Richardson was signed by the Detroit Red Wings as a free agent, September 30, 1999. A fourth-year pro, the 5-foot-9, 175-pound right wing has exemplified the qualities of perserverance, sportsmanship, and dedication as a member of the Mighty Ducks organization. Through his contributions in the community and to those who are disadvantaged, Richardson has shown the importance of giving back to those who are less fortunate.

After being assigned to Cincinnati by Detroit in September, Richardson immediately jumped at the opportunity to become a role model, mentor and leader in the Mighty Ducks effort to develop more partnerships and friendships between the players and the Tristate community. He visited numerous schools this season reaching in excess of 10,000 youth ranging from first grade to high school students. His theme during these visits has been to reinforce positive character values such as self-esteem, leadership, honesty, integrity and family.

Richardson was also directly involved in the second annual "Evening with the Mighty Ducks" event in February. The event allows fans to mingle with the players and coaches and includes live and silent auctions. Richardson spent countless hours collecting team signed memorabilia for the event and played an intregal role in the live auction. The event raised in excess of $18,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Richardson also helped organize a team visit to the Corryville Family Resource Center in December. The Corryville Family Resource Center is a creative force for assisting lower income families and at risk youth and the neighboring community to develop their capacity for identifying and addressing their priorities. Richardson and team members distributed toys purchased by the players to the children at the center during the visit.

In addition, Richardson has helped drive the growth of amateur hockey in the Tristate community by making himself available to youth hockey teams for practices and clinics. He also participated in several team sponsor-related events.

In recognition of his efforts, Richardson will be presented with an etched crystal trophy during a on-ice presentation prior to an upcoming home game.

Richardson is now a finalist for the AHL's 2001-2002 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award honoring the overall HG Insurance/K&K Insurance/AHL Man of the Year. One player will be selected from the 27 individual team award winners to be honored during the 2002 Calder Cup finals as the 2001-2002 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award winner.

The Yanick Dupre Memorial Award is named after the late Yanick Dupre, who passed away in August of 1997 at the age of 24, following a 16-month battle with leukemia. Dupre played four seasons with the Heshey Bears (1992-1996), scoring 70 goals and 99 assists for 169 points in 207 AHL games. He also played 35 NHL games with the Philadelphia Flyers.



American Hockey League Stories from March 27, 2002


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