Luke Richardson
Encyclopedia
Luke Glen Richardson is a Canadian
professional ice hockey
coach and former professional ice hockey player. Richardson played for 21 seasons in the National Hockey League
(NHL). He is currently an assistant coach with the Ottawa Senators
, the last team for whom he played.
after two successful seasons with the Peterborough Petes
of the OHL
. Midway through his rookie NHL season, on January 6, 1988, Richardson was the victim of an infamous attack from Dino Ciccarelli
of the Minnesota North Stars
, who clubbed him over the head several times with his stick. Ciccarelli was later convicted of assault, serving one day in jail and paying a fine of $1000 (Canadian). However, the assault had no discernible effects on the play of Richardson, who lasted four years in Toronto
, until 1991 when he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers
along with Vincent Damphousse
, Scott Thornton
, Peter Ing
, future considerations, and cash for Grant Fuhr
, Glenn Anderson
and Craig Berube
.
Though not a great point producer, Richardson developed a reputation as an aggressive, stay-at-home blueliner. He would be consistent in that regard during stops with the Oilers, the Philadelphia Flyers
and the Columbus Blue Jackets
. It was with the Flyers that Richardson came the closest to a Stanley Cup
appearance in 2000, when the Flyers lost 4–3 in the Eastern Conference Finals to the New Jersey Devils
.
During the 2005–06 season, his last as captain of the Blue Jackets, Luke was traded back to Toronto on March 8, 2006.
Richardson continued playing in the 2006–07 season when he signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning
, playing in 27 games and registering 3 assists and 16 penalty minutes. Richardson was a healthy scratch by the end of the 2006–07 season and playoffs, and became an unrestricted free agent that summer.
On August 7, 2007, Richardson signed a one year, $500,000 two-way contract with his hometown Ottawa Senators
, amid the speculation that he would soon announce his retirement from the NHL. On February 15, 2008, Richardson was named the Senators nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
, though the award eventually went to Jason Blake of the Toronto Maple Leafs
.
On September 27, 2008, Richardson re-signed with Ottawa to a one year, two-way contract. During the 2008–09
season, and being used primarily as a reserve defenceman, Richardson announced his retirement as a player on November 27, 2008, having played in just two games that season (but 1,417 overall in his career), with the intentions of pursuing a coaching career. He was hired as an assistant coach by the Senators later that season.
On November 13, 2010, his daughter Daron committed suicide at the Richardson family home in Ottawa, Ontario. On November 18, 2010, 5,600 mourners attended a celebration of life ceremony for Daron at Scotiabank Place
. Of note, the Philadelphia Flyers (one of Luke Richardson's former team) held a moment of silence for Daron before their game against the Senators on November 15. During the 2011–12 Canada women's national ice hockey team
season, his daughter Morgan was a member of the Canadian National Under 18 team that participated in a three game series vs. the USA in August 2011.
International statistics
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
professional ice hockey
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
coach and former professional ice hockey player. Richardson played for 21 seasons in the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
(NHL). He is currently an assistant coach with the Ottawa Senators
Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
, the last team for whom he played.
Playing career
Luke Richardson was selected 7th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft1987 NHL Entry Draft
The 1987 NHL Entry Draft was held at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The National Hockey League teams selected 252 players eligible for entry into professional ranks, in the reverse order of the 1986–87 NHL season and playoff standings. This is the list of those players selected.-Selections...
after two successful seasons with the Peterborough Petes
Peterborough Petes
The Peterborough Petes are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. The team has played in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, since 1956, and is the oldest continuously operating team in the league.-History:...
of the OHL
Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada....
. Midway through his rookie NHL season, on January 6, 1988, Richardson was the victim of an infamous attack from Dino Ciccarelli
Dino Ciccarelli
.Dino Ciccarelli is a Canadian former professional hockey player who played 19 seasons in the National Hockey League, primarily with the Minnesota North Stars. He scored 1,200 points in his NHL career. His 608 career NHL goals are also the most goals scored by a draft-eligible player who was not...
of the Minnesota North Stars
Minnesota North Stars
The Minnesota North Stars were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League for 26 seasons, from 1967 to 1993. The North Stars played their home games at the Met Center in Bloomington, and the team's colors for most of its history were green, yellow, gold and white...
, who clubbed him over the head several times with his stick. Ciccarelli was later convicted of assault, serving one day in jail and paying a fine of $1000 (Canadian). However, the assault had no discernible effects on the play of Richardson, who lasted four years in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, until 1991 when he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....
along with Vincent Damphousse
Vincent Damphousse
Vincent Francois Damphousse is a retired Canadian professional hockey who played in the National Hockey League for eighteen seasons. He played centre for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens and San Jose Sharks, winning a Stanley Cup championship with Montreal in 1993...
, Scott Thornton
Scott Thornton (ice hockey player)
Scott C. Thornton is a retired professional ice hockey winger.Thornton was drafted in the first round by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. He played thirty-three games for the team his rookie season, accumulating one goal and three assists...
, Peter Ing
Peter Ing
Peter A. Ing is a former National Hockey League goaltender, who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1989 to 1991. Ing was born in Toronto of mixed ancestry, his father was Chinese....
, future considerations, and cash for Grant Fuhr
Grant Fuhr
Grant Scott Fuhr is a Canadian former ice hockey goaltender in the National Hockey League and currently the goaltending coach for the Phoenix Coyotes. In 2003, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame...
, Glenn Anderson
Glenn Anderson
Glenn Christopher Anderson is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey right winger in the National Hockey League who played for the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, and St. Louis Blues...
and Craig Berube
Craig Berube
Craig "The Chief" Berube is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who played 17 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Philadelphia Flyers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, Washington Capitals and New York Islanders...
.
Though not a great point producer, Richardson developed a reputation as an aggressive, stay-at-home blueliner. He would be consistent in that regard during stops with the Oilers, the Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
and the Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio, United States. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
. It was with the Flyers that Richardson came the closest to a Stanley Cup
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
appearance in 2000, when the Flyers lost 4–3 in the Eastern Conference Finals to the New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
.
During the 2005–06 season, his last as captain of the Blue Jackets, Luke was traded back to Toronto on March 8, 2006.
Richardson continued playing in the 2006–07 season when he signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They have one Stanley Cup championship in their history, in 2003–04. They are often referred to as the...
, playing in 27 games and registering 3 assists and 16 penalty minutes. Richardson was a healthy scratch by the end of the 2006–07 season and playoffs, and became an unrestricted free agent that summer.
On August 7, 2007, Richardson signed a one year, $500,000 two-way contract with his hometown Ottawa Senators
Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
, amid the speculation that he would soon announce his retirement from the NHL. On February 15, 2008, Richardson was named the Senators nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey. The winner is selected by a poll of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association after each team nominates one...
, though the award eventually went to Jason Blake of the Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
.
On September 27, 2008, Richardson re-signed with Ottawa to a one year, two-way contract. During the 2008–09
2008–09 NHL season
The 2008–09 NHL season was the 92nd season of operation of the National Hockey League . It was the first season since prior to the 2004–05 lockout in which every team played each other at least once during the season, following three seasons where teams only played against two divisions in the...
season, and being used primarily as a reserve defenceman, Richardson announced his retirement as a player on November 27, 2008, having played in just two games that season (but 1,417 overall in his career), with the intentions of pursuing a coaching career. He was hired as an assistant coach by the Senators later that season.
On November 13, 2010, his daughter Daron committed suicide at the Richardson family home in Ottawa, Ontario. On November 18, 2010, 5,600 mourners attended a celebration of life ceremony for Daron at Scotiabank Place
Scotiabank Place
Scotiabank Place is a multi-purpose arena, located in Kanata, a suburban district of Ottawa, Ontario. It is home to the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League. It has also hosted the Canadian University Men's Basketball Championship...
. Of note, the Philadelphia Flyers (one of Luke Richardson's former team) held a moment of silence for Daron before their game against the Senators on November 15. During the 2011–12 Canada women's national ice hockey team
2011–12 Canada women's national ice hockey team
The 2011–12 women's national hockey team will represent Canada in various tournaments during the season. The team will attempt to win the gold medal at the Women's World Championships...
season, his daughter Morgan was a member of the Canadian National Under 18 team that participated in a three game series vs. the USA in August 2011.
Awards
- 1999–2000: Pelle Lindbergh Memorial (Philadelphia FlyersPhiladelphia FlyersThe Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
)
Career statistics
| Regular season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season Season (sports) In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an... |
Team | League | GP | G Goal (ice hockey) In ice hockey, a goal is scored when the puck completely crosses the goal line between the two goal posts and below the goal crossbar. A goal awards one point to the team attacking the goal scored upon, regardless of which team the player who actually deflected the puck into the goal belongs to... |
A Assist (ice hockey) In ice hockey, an assist is attributed to up to two players of the scoring team who shot, passed or deflected the puck towards the scoring teammate, or touched it in any other way which enabled the goal, meaning that they were "assisting" in the goal. There can be a maximum of two assists per goal... |
Pts Point (ice hockey) Point in ice hockey has three official meanings:* A point is awarded to a player for each goal scored or assist earned. The total number of goals plus assists equals total points. In some European leagues, a goal counts as two points, and an assist counts as one... |
PIM Penalty (ice hockey) A penalty in ice hockey is a punishment for inappropriate behavior. Most penalties are enforced by detaining the offending player within a penalty box for a set number of minutes, during which, the player can not participate in play. The offending team usually may not replace the player on the ice,... |
GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | ||
| 1985–86 1985–86 OHL season The 1985–86 OHL season was the 6th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Fifteen teams each played 66 games. The Guelph Platers won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Belleville Bulls.-Final standings:-Scoring leaders:-Division Quarterfinals:... |
Peterborough Petes Peterborough Petes The Peterborough Petes are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. The team has played in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, since 1956, and is the oldest continuously operating team in the league.-History:... |
OHL Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada.... |
63 | 6 | 18 | 24 | 57 | 16 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 50 | ||
| 1986–87 | Peterborough Petes | OHL | 59 | 13 | 42 | 55 | 70 | 12 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 24 | ||
| 1987–88 | Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... |
NHL National Hockey League The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States... |
78 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 90 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 1988–89 | Toronto Maple Leafs | NHL | 55 | 2 | 7 | 9 | 106 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1989–90 | Toronto Maple Leafs | NHL | 67 | 4 | 14 | 18 | 122 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 22 | ||
| 1990–91 | Toronto Maple Leafs | NHL | 78 | 1 | 9 | 10 | 238 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1991–92 | Edmonton Oilers Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League .... |
NHL | 75 | 2 | 19 | 21 | 118 | 16 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 45 | ||
| 1992–93 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 82 | 3 | 10 | 13 | 142 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1993–94 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 69 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 131 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1994–95 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 46 | 3 | 10 | 13 | 40 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1995–96 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 82 | 2 | 9 | 11 | 108 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1996–97 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 82 | 1 | 11 | 12 | 91 | 12 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 14 | ||
| 1997–98 | Philadelphia Flyers Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... |
NHL | 81 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 139 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 1998–99 | Philadelphia Flyers | NHL | 78 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 106 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1999–00 | Philadelphia Flyers | NHL | 74 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 140 | 18 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 41 | ||
| 2000–01 | Philadelphia Flyers | NHL | 82 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 131 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | ||
| 2001–02 | Philadelphia Flyers | NHL | 72 | 1 | 8 | 9 | 102 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | ||
| 2002–03 | Columbus Blue Jackets Columbus Blue Jackets The Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio, United States. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League... |
NHL | 82 | 0 | 13 | 13 | 73 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2003–04 | Columbus Blue Jackets | NHL | 64 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 48 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2005–06 | Columbus Blue Jackets | NHL | 44 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 30 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2005–06 | Toronto Maple Leafs | NHL | 21 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 41 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2006–07 | Tampa Bay Lightning Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They have one Stanley Cup championship in their history, in 2003–04. They are often referred to as the... |
NHL | 27 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 16 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2007–08 | Ottawa Senators Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... |
NHL | 76 | 2 | 7 | 9 | 41 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2008–09 2008–09 NHL season The 2008–09 NHL season was the 92nd season of operation of the National Hockey League . It was the first season since prior to the 2004–05 lockout in which every team played each other at least once during the season, following three seasons where teams only played against two divisions in the... |
Ottawa Senators | NHL | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| NHL totals | 1417 | 33 | 159 | 192 | 2014 | 69 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 130 | ||||
| OHL totals | 122 | 19 | 60 | 79 | 127 | 28 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 74 | ||||
International play
- Played for Team Canada in the 1987 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships1987 World Junior Ice Hockey ChampionshipsThe 1987 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships was the 11th edition of the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and was held in Piešťany, Trenčín, Nitra, and Topoľčany, Czechoslovakia . Finland captured its first World Junior gold medal. Czechoslovakia captured the silver, and Sweden the bronze...
. - Played for Team Canada in the 1994 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships1994 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships- Group 2 :- Quarterfinals :- Consolation Round 11-12 Place :- Semifinals :- Match for third place :- Final :-World Championship Group B :...
. - Played for Team Canada in the 1999 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships1999 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships-World Championship Group C:Played at Eindhoven and Tilburg, Netherlands April 5–11. Yugoslavia was supposed to particpate in this tournament, but was prevented by the host Dutch government.-Group 1:-Group 2:-Final Round 25-28 Place:...
.
International statistics
| Year | Team | Event | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Canada | WJC | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1994 | Canada | WC | 8 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
| 1996 | Canada | WC | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 |