Veteran goaltender retires from Langley-based Stealth

Langley’s pro lacrosse team is on the hunt for a new goaltender after Tyler Richards announced his retirement on Friday.

After seven seasons with the Vancouver Stealth, goaltender Tyler Richards is walking away from the game.

The 28-year-old finishes an impressive NLL career that was highlighted by three Champions Cup finals in 2010, 2011 and 2013.

During 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,” Stealth president and general manager Doug Locker said. “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 Entry Draft.

His 33 regular season wins is second in franchise history, and 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.

Richards, who was named to the NLL’s all-rookie team in 2009, reached two important milestones this past season.

The Coquitlam native became just the 13th goaltender in league history to record 3,000 career regular season saves and on Feb. 28, scored his first career NLL goal, marking the first time since 2009 that an NLL goaltender has scored a goal.

Overall, Richards compiled a 32-42 record to go along with a 12.09 goals against average, .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.