Teddy Richards, Head Equipment Manager, Florida Panthers

SPHEM: What got you started in the equipment profession and how did you get your start in Professional Hockey?

TR: I am from Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania and back in 1999 our city was awarded an AHL team (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins). My Father (Tedd) was a local bus driver who was hired to become the team’s full-time bus driver. That was my connection that opened the door to knowing their Head Equipment manager Mark Dumas, who at the time also owned a Hockey pro shop. While I was still in high school Mark hired me to work in his pro shop, which lead to me learning the basics of sharpening and equipment repairs. I kept in close contact with Mark (Dumie) while I was away at college and during that time his assistant equipment position became available. I have always loved the “locker room environment” and knew it’s something I had a lot of interest in doing. My college major was Criminal Justice with a Forensic Science minor so I couldn’t have landed further from my major but I’m very fortunate my crazy choice to leave school paid off, which I do not recommend anyone doing.

SPHEM:  They say once you stop learning, you stop growing.  What is one lesson you learned as an Equipment Manager that gave you the most growth in your career?

TR: The biggest lesson I learned is just as the game continues to grow and evolve, we need to as well. Players’ styles have changed, equipment has improved, profiling and sharpening techniques have changed. We cannot approach the situation thinking that what I used to know is the only way. While on the road I still visit home equipment rooms and while talking with that team’s equipment manager, I watch them work. They are doing it for a reason and maybe I can take something from that and make my job more efficient. Always keep an open mind and do not be afraid to ask questions.

SPHEM:  In an effort to keep the season going amongst a pandemic, training staffs have had to adjust their rolls and take on additional responsibilities.  Can you speak to how your role as a Head EM has changed?   

TR: This season has been like no other, from the basics of wearing a mask and gloves all day to separating players into multiple locker rooms. We started our training camp only allowing five players per locker room using seven different locker rooms and now currently we have players socially distanced into four locker rooms.  That alone creates additional work with clean up, organizing and drying equipment in rooms with no heat. That also goes for the road locker rooms as well.  In most visiting facilities we are spreading out over three locker rooms.

This season we are carrying a “Taxi” squad of up to six players, who will skate either before or after our game lineup.

Our days have started a little earlier as we have our injured/rehab players there first thing in the morning and our days are lasting a little longer with our two groups skating. Those are the biggest changes we have experienced this season.

SPHEM:   In a year full of many challenges, what motivates you and energizes you about being a Pro Hockey Equipment Manager?

TR: I truly enjoy the atmosphere of our locker room and the players have been so appreciative of all our extra work. We have a great Coach and great guys in the locker room so I work hard for them. My girlfriend Wendy is completely supportive and understanding of my long hours especially with a new baby at home.  She allows me to rest after long days which then allows me to bring full energy to my work.

SPHEM:  What personal characteristic would you say helps you most in this profession?

TR: A few needed characteristics come to mind but the one that I will say is my most important is “consistent.”  This can be applied to many areas of my job, such as skate sharpening, organizing the locker room and handling inventory.

Another is “organized.”  It is needed to oversee our budgetary responsibilities, packing for road trips, ordering and inventorying equipment.

“Time management,” for handling the sharpening needs of our team as well as any request our players/coaches/management may have for that day.

“Professionalism.”  You are faced with many situations that you always need to find a way to make it work and always be positive about it.

SPHEM:   Sadly, we won’t be meeting in person once again this year but are looking forward to connecting virtually this July.  Tell us about a favorite Conference memory you have.   

TR: I really enjoy walking thru our Vendor exhibits, I max out the hours both days and always try to stop and talk and thank our vendors and supporters of our meetings. They have now become friends I’ve know for many years. It’s a relaxed setting where we can enjoy a laugh without the stresses of a game day.

I still remember my first meeting I attended (Baltimore) and my first Hall of Fame dinner where I daydreamed about how my own Hall of Fame dinner would be.

SPHEM:  Do you have a professional mentor or Equipment Manager you admire?

TR: Mark Dumas my first boss, he was the first equipment manager I knew in the busines.  I learned so much from him.  He gave me a chance and was not afraid or threatened to teach me what he knew, which allowed me to take over as Head Equipment Manager after his promotion to the NHL.

Steve Latin was the Head Equipment manager with the Pittsburgh Penguins.  He was a celebrity to me, he was the guy I wanted to be, I really looked up to him and still do.  

Dana Heinze Head Equipment Manager for the Pittsburgh Penguins.  He showed me what a locker room could look like and the attention to detail and passion he brings everyday really motivated me to make my then (Wilkes-Barre) AHL locker room the best in the league. I also had the pleasure to work side-by-side with Dana in Pittsburgh.

SPHEM: What is your most memorable professional moment as an equipment manager?

TR: Easy answer: Winning the Stanley Cup in 2016 with the Pittsburgh Penguins.  There’s nothing like that final minute of the game knowing you are about to actually win the Stanley Cup and then raising the Cup over your head,  and the locker room celebration with you team. It still feels like a dream.

Also receiving that phone call telling me I was going to be hired as Head Equipment Manager of the Florida Panthers, that was a second dream come true for me.

SPHEM:  After what will arguably go down as a very trying season, what are you most looking forward to this summer and the upcoming 2021-2022 season?

TR: All players back in the same locker room (haha) and fans back in the crowd.  As for summer plans, just a little time away to enjoy the family before a return to a normal hockey season.

SPHEM:  What is something other members might not know about you?

TR: When I was in my early 20’s I was involved in Professional Wrestling, my brother and I owned and ran our own local independent wrestling federation (Action Unlimited Anthracite wrestling).  I purchased and owned the wrestling ring.  We also opened a training center where student wrestlers would train.

It was pretty lucrative for me.  I needed to make a decision to continue with hockey or focus more on wrestling. I still have no regrets with my decision to continue with Hockey.

I went under the name “Teddy Garvin”

Tell us about yourself, your family and your hobbies.

I currently reside in Coral Springs, Florida with my three children, Teddy (16), Ellie (13), Jackson (8 months) and girlfriend Wendy.

Hobbies include hunting and cooking, but with three children there’s little time for personal hobbies. We are currently in search of a cabin/lake house to be able to enjoy our family and the outdoors.

All photos courtesy of Teddy Richards