Richard Signing Announced

The Bucks announced the signing of rookie forward Michael Richard...while I was on a plane.

I will do more with this as soon as I can get to a computer, but for now, here is Bucks Director of Media Relations/Broadcasting Bryan Benway's press release, entitled "Richard Rockets His Way to Laredo":

The Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League announced Tuesday that they have signed rookie forward Michael Richard (pronounced Rih-shard) for the 2008-09 season. Richard comes to the Bucks after shining for the past four seasons at Division III Elmira College (NCAA) in Elmira, NY.

Richard, from LaSalle, Quebec, led the Soaring Eagles in scoring for the second straight season in 2007-08, by scoring 10 goals, with 33 assists for 43 points. Richard was named ECAC West Co-Player of the Year, as well as earning First Team All-Conference honors. At the 2008 Final Four in Lake Placid, NY Richard was named to the RBK All-American First Team, as well as finishing fifth in the nation in assists (1.14 per game).

After his senior season with the Soaring Eagles ended in March, Richard didn’t have to drive far to start his pro career as he played in two games for the ECHL’s Elmira Jackals. In the two games with the Jackals, Richard didn’t register any points while seeing limited ice time.

“Mike is a very skilled and talented player, and he should be exciting to watch”, said Bucks head coach and general manager Terry Ruskowski. “He can play right wing or center, his numbers prove that he’s a gifted hockey player”.

The 5’9, 210 pound Richard finished in the top five in team scoring in each of his four seasons with Elmira, including leading the team in his junior and senior years. In 111 career games with the Soaring Eagles Richard tallied 42 goals, with 84 assists, for 126 points. 17 of Richards 42 career goals came on the power-play. Richard became the 46th Elmira player to eclipse the 100 career college points.

“Mike’s intensity and passion was unmatched on our squad (Elmira)”, said Soaring Eagles head coach Tim Ceglarski. “His leadership as captain with us was crucial with so many new faces on the roster (last season)”.

Richard, was team captain in his senior campaign, led the Soaring Eagles to the NCAA Division III Final Four in two of his four seasons (2006, 2008), including capturing the 2006 ECAC West Championship.

In the 2006 ECAC West playoffs Richard came up big, scoring twice and handing out three assists combined in two tournament games. In Elmira’s 4-3 semi-final win over Hobart Richard tallied two goals with one assist, while in the Soaring Eagles 3-2 championship win over Utica he dished out the game-winning assist late in the third period.

“During training camp we need to find out where he will fit in our system, and see who he will play on a line with”, Ruskowski said. “I know that he will come in here in October ready to go. We are looking forward to see what he can do”.

Prior to his college career Richard played four years of junior hockey in the Central Junior Hockey League (CHJL), where he split time with Ottawa and Gloucester. While in juniors Richard piled up 200 points in 190 games in his four seasons.