GREENWICH, Conn. One of the most popular players in New York Rangers history looked comfortable out of position on Saturday. Mike Richter, who helped lead the Rangers to a Stanley Cup championship in 1994 as a goalie, was skating and scoring on offense at the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich. The Ranger great, a Greenwich resident, was on hand to help raise money for the clubs annual 3-on-3 Hockey Jamboree.
My boys went through this program and its a great group of people who run it who are very, very dedicated, Richter said. It serves a huge purpose in the community. It takes some funds to run this place and it needs our support. Im more than happy to do it and its a pretty fun way of doing it.
Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich executive director, Bob DeAngelo, said he was thrilled to have Richter on board to draw players and donations. DeAngelo said the organization must raise $4 million per year to run all of its programs.
I think sometimes athletes get two grades one for athletic talent and one for character. Mike Richter gets an A-plus for both, DeAngelo said. Its great to have a guy like him on the ice. Its really motivating and inspiring to everyone who works here that all these guys care enough to come out here.
While Richters ties to Greenwich have grown raising three boys in the town, his heart is still with the New York Rangers. He said he has been following the first-place Rangers all season and particularly the stellar year in net by current goalie, Henrik Lundqvist.
Theyre great from the goal on out. Theyre playing tremendous team defense, Richter said. Everybody has bought into the system. Its a very disciplined team. I like the way they play and love the way theyre coached. Ive always been and continue to be a fan.
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