Stealth’S Richards Announces Retirement

May 22, 2015

After seven seasons, Vancouver Stealth goaltender Tyler Richards announced his retirement from the game of lacrosse. All of his seven seasons in the National Lacrosse League were spent with the Stealth organization.

The 28-year-old finishes an impressive NLL career, which includes three Champion’s Cup finals in 2010, 2011 and 2013. In the 2010 run, Richards was instrumental in helping the team capture its first-ever championship by going 3-0 in the playoffs and posting a 10.66 goals against average.

Commenting on his career and playoff history, Richards said, “I feel very blessed to play with so many great players. Thank you to all who have been a part of my career both as teammates, coaches or management. I’m looking forward to starting a new chapter.”

“Tyler has had a tremendous career,” said Stealth President and General Manager Doug Locker. “While it is very difficult to see him retire, we respect and support his decision, and are thankful for all that he has done for the Stealth organization over his extremely successful career.”

‘T-Rich’ was drafted in the fourth round (46th overall) by the Stealth in the 2007 NLL Draft. His 33 regular season wins is second in franchise history. In 2014, he surpassed Rob Blasdell for most saves in franchise history (2,576). He’s also the franchise leader in playoff wins with eight. He was named to the All-Rookie Team in 2009. Richards reached two important milestones this past season. The Coquitlam, BC native became just the 13th goaltender in league history to record 3,000 career regular season saves. On February 28, 2015, Richards scored his first career NLL goal, marking the first time since 2009 that a goaltender scored a goal.

Overall, Richards compiled a 32-42 record to go along with a 12.09 goals against average, a .771 save percentage and 3,065 saves. He’s also the franchise leader amongst goaltenders in games played (100) and minutes played (4,511).

Richards won a Gold Medal with Team Canada in the 2011 FIL World Indoor Lacrosse Championships.