Joe Richardson feels he has found the perfect fit for his last junior hockey season in the USPHL.

After playing the 2022-23 season for the Richmond Generals, the Broomfield native will suit up in 2023-24 for the Fort Wayne Spacemen.

“One of my buddies, Noah Takitani, has played there the past two years and got me and Trevor Evans an opportunity to play out here after getting in contact with the GM Kaleigh Schrock,” said Richardson. “Fort Wayne really stuck out to me considering how much they have improved over the last three seasons. Last year, they made it to the final 8 at nationals after beating the No. 2 seed as the No. 16 seed, which is not an easy task.

“This year is huge for me and the team. I’m an age-out, so this is my last opportunity to prove myself to a college team. As far as the team goes, we want to be better than last year and make it to the final four.”

When it comes to fitting in, knowing Takitani (Thornton) and Evans (Castle Rock) will be a plus for Richardson.

“We are best friends from back home,” said Richardson. “I’ve known Noah since I was 10 or 11 and Trevor since I was 15.”

With the season here, Richardson is ready to go.

“My short-term goals as of right now are to become the best player I can be and help this team make it to nattys,” Richardson said. “My long-term goal is to get into a good college with a solid program.”

During his youth hockey days, Richardson skated for the Hyland Hills Jaguars and Monument Hockey Academy.

Photo/John Bethea

— Matt Mackinder

(September 20, 2023)