Mike Richards

(http://photos.upi.com/topics-NHL-Colorado-Avalanche-hosts-Philadelphia-Flyers/2a15bef900c72736c56b2bddbc7777ae/M.jpg)

Mike Richards is a very determined, dedicated, and talented hockey player. Mike plays for the Philadelphia Flyers. He was born on Febuary 11th, 1985 in Kenora, Ontario, my home town! Mike is a very determined & dedicated hockey player because he comes from a small town, and he spent a lot of hours in the rink, playing on different teams and practicing.

(http://www.sportsposterwarehouse.com/catImages/mrichards08cos-1.jpg)

Mike Richards is 5' 11" tall & weights 196 lbs. Mike first Got Drafted to the Philadelphia Flyers in 2003. Mike shoots Left and plays center. Mike Currently lives in Philadelphia, and has a house in Kenora, Ontario.

Richards started out in the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers. The next season he scored a goal in his first game on October 5, 2005, against the New York Rangers. Incredibly, Mike scored his first career NHL hat trick, which included two shorthanded goals, against the New York Islanders.

After an injury made his second season short, Mike had 32 points in 50 games. Mike came out on top in the '07- '08 season with 75 points. He became one of the Flyers' assistant captains at the start of the season and he signed a whopping 12-year contract worth $69 million in 2007. Before the start of the 08–09 hockey season he was named captain of the Philadelphia Flyers, which is the leader of the hockey team. On February 15, 2009, Mike's next accomplishment was when he "became the first player in NHL history to score three career 3-on-5 shorthanded goals" against the New York Rangers, with a 5–2 win. Mike finished the season second in team scoring to Jeff Carter. Mike continued his hat trick magic in the 09-10 season. Unfortunately though, Mike delivered a shoulder hit to David Booth's head. David went unconscious, then he fell in a weird position on his head and neck, and had to be carried off the ice on a stretcher. Mike was given a game misconduct, but was not suspended by the NHL. I think it's because they knew it wasn't intentional, but he was lucky because it was a very inappropriate hit. I learned that players should always keep their head up to avoid being hit from behind or to the head.

(http://www.kenora.net/mikerichards18/worldcup.jpg)

After Mike's first season with the Flyers, he was chosen to his first tournament with Team Canada at the 2006 World Championships. Mike scored 5 points in 9 games, but Canada lost to Finland in the bronze medal game. On December 30, 2009, Mike got the call saying he had been selected to play for Team Canada in the Vancover 2010 Winter Olympics, an announcement that I remember being made. This was very exiting for Mike, his family, and his home town Kenora, Ontario. Mike got various text messages and phone calls from friends and family, congratulating him. In Kenora, many businesses and families have signs made for Mike to show support and encouragement which has created a community of pride.

Mike Richards is my hero because he is very talented and inspirational. Mike has inspired me to play harder hockey, and to try hard every shift because you never know who's watching. Mike is just a normal guy, from a small town in Northwestern Ontario who worked hard every shift, and made it to the NHL. That is why Mike Richards is my hero.