Metropolitan Riveters Sign University of Maine Forward Audra Richards

Photo Credit: USCHO.com College Hockey Photography

The Metropolitan Riveters announced on Monday that they signed former University of Maine forward Audra Richards for the 2018-2019 National Women’s Hockey League season.

The 24-year-old former two-time leading scorer for the Black Bears, put up 45 goals and 25 assists in 132 games during her collegiate career. Her 15 goals during her Sophomore season and 14 in her Senior year, led the school for both seasons.

Prior to attending Maine, she played for the Minnesota Thoroughbreds and lettered in hockey, soccer and track and field at Tartan High School in Oakdale, Minnesota. After graduating from Maine two years ago, the Maplewood, Minnesota native returned to her home state to teach Physical Education as well as coach varsity girls’ hockey, soccer and track and field while competing in numerous tournaments and leagues throughout the state.

Richards said, “Seeing the NWHL come to my home state of Minnesota made me realize I wasn’t ready for my hockey career to come to an end, so I am incredibly excited and honored to join the Riveters.”

She continued, “The NWHL is truly doing something special for the sport that has defined me as a person my entire life. The Riveters gave me an opportunity of a lifetime and I could not be happier to represent such an amazing program. Signing a contract to be a pro women’s hockey was one of the most exciting moments I’ve ever experienced, and I am excited to throw on the jersey and play!”

Richards joins fellow Black Bear alumni, two-time Isobel Cup Champion, Harrison Browne and Boston Pride netminder, Brittany Ott, as having laced them up in the NWHL. Richards and Browne played together for three seasons at Maine.

Richards added, “Each game and practice reminds me how much I miss meaningful competitive hockey and it gets me more and more excited to be part of a professional league.”