Since last week’s post discussed a legend in the Rangers’ history of goaltending, let’s stay on that track and continue with yet another goaltending icon – Mike Richter. Mike Richter was an incredible goaltender (and personal favorite of my family!) who played his entire professional career with the Rangers from 1989-2003. Not only did he play a major role in the Rangers’ 1994 Stanley Cup victory, but he also left an outstanding legacy on the organization and set an example of the talent that each Rangers goaltender should possess.
Born on September 22, 1966, Richter idolized the Philadelphia Flyers, which was only fitting since he grew up in Flourtown, Pennsylvania, a city near Philadelphia. Richter was a stellar goaltender at the Northwood School in Lake Placid, New York. Before graduating, the Rangers selected Richter in the second round of the 1985 NHL Entry Draft. However, he did not join the team immediately. Instead, he attended the University of Wisconsin for two years and later left school to participate in the 1988 Olympic Winter Games. Richter remained with the USA Hockey program until the 1988-1989 season, when he was called up to the Rangers to play in one game during the 1989 Stanley Cup playoffs. Richter began playing full time for the Rangers during the 1990-1991 season.
During his rookie season in 1990 through the 1992-1993 season, Richter split his goaltending time with another goalie on the team, John Vanbiesbrouck. However, in his rookie season Richter still managed to have a record of 12 wins to 5 losses, which is impressive due to the limited time he played. In the 1991 season, he was selected by the USA hockey organization, which he had previously spent many seasons, to play in the Canada Cup. Richter’s status as a backup goaltender was changed to starting goaltender, after the trade of Vanbiesbrouck in the 1993-1994 season. This change was not unwarranted, as his goaltending is credited for helping the Rangers achieve their successes. Richter had an outstanding season as the starting goaltender with a record of 42 wins and only 16 losses. He had a .910 save percentage, which is extremely high for a goalie (if you’re confused, it means he saved 91% of the shots he faced). His most notable achievement occurred during this season as well. Richter led the Rangers to their Stanley Cup victory in 1994. Aside from the most coveted trophy in sports going home with Richter, a new nickname was born as a result – “The Save”. In the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals, the Rangers played against the Vancouver Canucks. In game 4 of the series, Pavel Bure was awarded a penalty shot on Richter, due to a trip by Brian Leech (stay tuned!!). Richter made an incredible save on Bure and the Rangers went on to win the game 4-2. Over the rest of his professional career, injuries and struggles within the Rangers team decreased the team’s success. However, Richter has been cited as one of the world’s best goaltenders on multiple occasions. His career came to an end after suffering a knee to the head.
Check out a few of Richter’s most impressive awards and achievements:
- NHL Allstar Game: 1992, 1994, 2000
- Stanley Cup Champion: 1994
- World Cup Allstar Team and MVP: 1996
- Number retired by Rangers organization: 2004
- Inducted into the US Hockey Hall of Fame: 2008
- Lester Patrick Award: 2009
Mike Richter retired in on September 4, 2003 due to extensive injuries. He had suffered two concussions in just 8 months, yet he desperately wanted to keep playing. However, his body just couldn’t handle the strain the sport causes. His jersey and number 35 was retired by the Rangers organization in 2004. After his retirement, Richter attended Yale University and received his degree in Ethics, Politics and Economics with a concentration in Environmental Policy. In 2007, he cofounded Environmental Capital Partners, which is a private equity firm in New York City. He also cofounded Healthy Planet Partners in 2011, which is a company that aims to renovate commercial buildings to minimize energy consumption and to be aware of their environmental impact. Along with his environmental jobs, Richter occasionally returns to the Rangers organization, whether to comment on current situations or just to make an appearance. His impact on the Rangers organization is one that is truly unmatched. Richter displayed the intensity and love for the game that each player should possess, while also setting a high standard for Rangers goalies. His talents have stood the test of time as he is still considered one of the best goaltenders of the NHL, and certainly one of best in Rangers history.
Growing up playing hockey and being a huge Penguins fan, I have put a lot of time into the game and done a lot of research on the sport in general. While I am able to debate you on what “the save” with Frank Pietrangelo’s game 7 stop against the Devils in the 1991 playoffs, or Marc-Andre Fleury’s last second diving stop to win the Stanley Cup in 2009, this for sure helped the Rangers win the Cup. Continuing, one of my favorite aspects about this sport is how former players are always coming back, and how loyal they are to their teams and cities, and Mike Richter is a great example of this with the rangers organization. I am fortunate enough to have the same, with Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby.