When the Tampa Bay Lightning traded Brad Richards, the Bolts’ Stanley Cup MVP in 2004, to the Dallas Stars, the impact was felt beyond those two NHL franchises. Richards was more than a good guy; he was a go-to guy for the Children’s Cancer Center and the Pediatric Cancer Foundation.
Notably, there was “Richy’s Rascals.” Richards, 27, paid the annual lease on colorfully customized, luxury suite 521 at the St. Pete Times Forum that is reserved exclusively for cancer kids and their families.
After each game, Richards would meet with all the families and linger late.
“If things didn’t go well,” reasoned Richards, “I can redeem myself the next game. They may not have a next day.”
Richards is that kind of guy. Much more than most, he will be missed.