Michael “Mike” Richter (born 22.9.1966) is an American former ice hockey goaltender. He played 15 seasons in NHL with the New York Rangers. Mike Richter won Stanley Cup once (1994).

Early Career

As a junior, Richter plays with Germantown Academy, Philadelphia Jr. Flyers and Northwood School. Richter played for the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 1985-87. New York Rangers drafted Mike Richter 28th overall in the 1985 NHL Draft.

New York Rangers

Mike Richter made his NHL debut in 1989 playoffs – he played only one game. Next season (1989-90), Richter started his rookie season as the Rangers’ backup goalie. Mike Richter took a place as the Rangers’ number-one goaltender after John Vanbiesbrouck was traded 1993. Richter’s first season (1993-94) as a number one was unforgettable – Richter and the Rangers reached the Stanley Cup Finals and won Vancouver Canucks at game seven to win their first Stanley Cup since 1940.

Next few seasons Richter was ranked among the world’s top goaltenders, but injuries plagued much of his career. Team of the Rangers get weaker and Richter’s last appearance in the Stanley Cup playoffs was 1997. In the season 2002-03, Richter suffer skull fracture and concussion and the doctors would not allow him to start season 2003-04 – in September 2003, Richter announced his retirement.

International Play

Mike Richter played two times in World Junior Ice Hockey Championships with USA and won one bronze medal (1986). Richter played three times in the Winter Olympics (1988, 1998 and 2002) – he won silver medal in Salt Lake City, 2002. Richter led USA to victory in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey, he was an MVP of that tournament. Richter played three times (1986,1987 and 1993) in the IIHF World Championships but did not win any medals.

Other interesting stuff

Mike Richter played three times in NHL All-Star Game (1992, 1994 and 2000). His number 35 jersey was retired by the New York Rangers in 2004. Richter was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of fame in 2008. Richter still holds record of the most single season wins (42) with the Rangers (1993-94).