Mike Richards

Canadian-born professional hockey player Mike Richards currently plays for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League.

Richards had a successful junior career playing with the Ontario Hockey League's Kitchener Rangers and was instrumental in their 2003 Memorial Cup win as one of the league's top scorers. In 2005, Richards was the captain of the 2005 Canadian National Junior Team, the first in eight years to win gold at the World Junior Championships.

Fast Facts

1. Born: February 11, 1985
2. Birthplace: Kenora, Ontario
3. Position: Center
4. Shot: Left
5. Jersey number: 18

Professional Career

Richards was drafted 24th overall during the first round of the 2003 NHL entry draft by the Philadelphia Flyers. He joined the Flyers' American Hockey League affilliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms for the 2004-2005 season, during which he led the league in shorthanded scoring and was a contributing factor in the team's Calder Cup win.

Richards scored his first NHL goal during his debut game in October of 2005 and quickly became a valuable component of the Flyers' lineup. Richards was named the Flyers' assistant captain at the outset of the 2007-2008 season and in December of 2007, signed a 12-year contract extension with the Flyers worth $69 million. During the 2007-2008 regular season, Richards led his team in points, earning 75 in 73 games.

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