SteelHounds Sign First Player For Their Second Season

Published on June 20, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Youngstown SteelHounds News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO - Youngstown SteelHounds Head Coach Jean Laforest announced today that the team has re-signed center Chris Richards for the 2006-07 season. The SteelHounds second leading scorer during their inaugural season becomes the first player under contract for the SteelHounds second season in the Central Hockey League (CHL).

Richards, 30, had his most productive professional season last year with Youngstown when he finished with 22 goals and 70 assists for 92 points. The six-year CHL veteran made his mark amongst the league leaders ranking second in assists (70) and fourth in points (92). Eight of his 22 goals came on the power play, while two were shorthanded. Richards was also voted the best face-off man in the CHL in the league's "Best-of-the Best" poll.

"I am very happy to have Chris Richards back with the SteelHounds," said Laforest. "He had a great year last season and combined with Jeff Christian, composed one of the top duos in all of the CHL. I am looking for Richey to lead the offensive charge again this season and be accountable for a bulk of the offense. You always know what you are going to get on the ice with his strong work ethic and that also translates to a strong leader and hard worker off the ice. His attributes make him someone we want to have around the organization for a very long time."

Richards ended last season with a league-high streak in two categories, posting a 19-game point streak (4 goals, 26 assists) from February 3rd to March 11th and a league high 15-game assist streak from February 3rd to March 1st. The former Ohio State Buckeye led the team with 17 multiple assist games and had six games with three helpers or more.

The Cornwall, Ontario native has played in 386 career CHL games seeing action with Indianapolis, Macon, New Mexico and Austin along with the Hounds. In his CHL career, Richards has posted 142 goals with 309 assists for 451 points.

The 5-10, 180-pound center will play another year in the state that saw him compile an outstanding collegiate career with the Buckeyes (1995-99). Richards played in 151 career games with the Scarlet and Gray scoring 43 goals with 90 assists.

Richards and the SteelHounds open the 2006-07 season in October at the Chevrolet Centre. For more information call 330-747-PUCK.

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