Union Re-Names Award in Honor of Scott Richardson

SCHENECTADY, NY - The Union College men's hockey team will rename its Unsung Hero Award to the "Scott Richardson Unsung Hero Award," during the first intermission of the Dutchmen's game against Yale on November 3, 2007, in honor of Scott Richardson '86, who suddenly passed away this summer. Richardson was a four-year letterwinner for the Dutchmen.

"Scotty was not only a valuable member of the Union College hockey program, but an outstanding person, a great friend and a wonderful husband, father and son," said former teammate Craig Blum ‘86.

During the first period intermission, there will be a ceremony dedicating the award to Richardson, who, according to those who knew him, exemplified the true meaning of an unsung hero.

"Although I did not have the opportunity to coach Scott, after his passing the response from his teammates, his professors and the community was absolutely overwhelming in the type of person he was and what he represented while playing here at Union College - the team always before himself," said Head Coach Nate Leaman. "Our program is very proud to rename the Unsung Hero Award in his honor."

As part of the evening's festivities, there will be a silent auction to raise money for the college funds of Richardson's two young daughters, Sydney and Hallie. Auction items include signed jerseys by Dany Heatley, Steve Yzerman, Ilya Kovalchuk and Alexander Radulov; signed pucks by Johnny Bower, Bobby Hull and Ilya Kovalchuk; and custom-made jewelry by iDazz.

During the second period intermission, Union will recognize Steve Baker ‘85, who will be inducted into the Union Athletics Hall of Fame that afternoon. Baker was the first Union hockey player to play in the NHL and also the first to have his name engraved on the Stanley Cup. Baker is the second hockey player to be inducted into the Union Athletics Hall of Fame; Wayne McDougall '86 was inducted in 2005.

The Dutchmen open the season at home on October 12 and 13 in 7 p.m. games against Ferris State. Tickets may be ordered by calling the Messa Rink Box Office at 518.388.6020.

Information about the Union Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Weekend events is available at http://www.unionathletics.com/.