Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - With the first of two selections in the sixth round of the 2022 NHL Draft, the Buffalo Sabres select forward Jake Richard with the 170th overall pick. Richard plays for the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the United States Hockey League.
In his one season with the Lumberjacks as a rookie, the 17-year-old played 56 games, netting 18 goals and adding 30 assists for 48 points. The 6-foot-2 winger also played in nine playoff games, where he added four points for his team.
The native of Jacksonville, Florida is committed to playing college hockey at the University of Connecticut, but he will have some options heading into the 2022-23 season. He could return to the Lumberjacks next season before making the jump to college, or he could also join the Oshawa Generals in the Ontario Hockey League, who own his rights.
Richard's head coach from the Lumberjacks, Mike Hamilton, told Daniel Connolly of The UCONN Blog:
"He’s got unbelievable skills and scoring ability. Now it’s just a matter of him creating separation (from defenders) so he can make those plays, and building his strength so he won’t end up on his butt. It’s just a matter of time for him. He will be a huge point producer in the future."
The Sabres will next select 187th overall in the sixth round.
