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Richards Expanding Programs

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By CARTER GADDIS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 3, 2007

TAMPA - Lightning center Brad Richards used to want to keep his "Richy's Rascals" program for pediatric oncology patients low-key.

It wasn't publicity he sought when he purchased a suite at the St. Pete Times Forum in 2003 and began inviting young cancer patients and their families to hockey games. What he wanted was a way to give back to his adopted home community.

But now that his foundation has gone non-profit and launched a Web site ( www.bradrichardsfoundation.org), he would like to get the message out to anyone who'd like to join him in trying to make the Tampa Bay area a better place.

Friday, Richards announced two new initiatives, one called Task Force 19 and geared toward honoring members of the military, the other called Richy's Hot Shots and geared toward boosting youth hockey in the area.

"Richy's Rascals Suite Escape," offered to children from the Children's Cancer Center and the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, will continue to be a staple of his foundation.

In two weeks, Richards will host an early Thanksgiving meal for selected soldiers and their families at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club. It's the first of several planned events recognizing the commitment of those in the military.

"Obviously, living here so close to MacDill Air Force Base and seeing what's gone on in the world just since I've been here, I think it's great to build that relationship," Richards said.

Also, Richards' foundation will recognize three area youth hockey players each month between now and the end of the season (the children will be nominated by area coaches). At the end of the season, three players will be chosen to receive a grant to cover the following hockey season's expenses.

Expanding and improving access to youth hockey is a subject near and dear to the native of Prince Edward Island in Canada.

"I think it's crazy there's only two ice surfaces in Hillsborough St. Pete Times Forum, Brandon Ice Sports Forum and two in Pinellas Sunblades Arena, Tampa Bay Skating Academy," Richards said. "There's a lot of kids that would love to get more ice time. They don't build rinks every two blocks like they do in Canada.

"I'd like to think big in these situations. If I'm here long enough, you never know, we could create ice surfaces or build arenas. You don't know how far that could go. But that's the goal."

Reporter Carter Gaddis can be reached at (813) 259-8291 or igaddis@tampatrib.com.

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