A Conversation between Mark Richards & Bryson Parrish (age 8) March, 1997

When did you start playing hockey?

"I started playing hockey when I was 5 years old back home when my father got me on the ice, stuck me in net and I have been playing goalie every since then."

Why did you choose to be a goalie?

"I have no idea - I wish I knew - I don't know why I did, probably because the team needed a goalie and my dad was the coach and he stuck me in there."

Where are you from?

"I am from the suburbs of Philadelphia, I grew up in Bucks County which is about 45 minutes out of philadelphia. I lived there until I was out of high school.

What do you like to do for fun?

"I love to play golf, According to my wife [I play] way to much, but I enjoy it and that's what I like to do away from the rink."

Do you have any pets?

"No, but I would like to. I really love dogs. It's hard for us with the way that we travel to have a pet, I don't think its right for the pet."

What do you want to do when you are finished playing hockey?

"I have no idea - that's a good question - I haven't really thought about it yet because even though I am getting a little older I am still pretty young at heart and I hope I can play a couple more years."

What teams have you played for and how do you like playing in Tallahassee?

"We don't have enough time for how many teams I've played for. I played in a lot of different cities on the east coast. I played in Fort Wayne, Indiana, New Brunswick and I played here in Tallahassee and in several other places, but I like Tallahassee, it's a good city - I have been here for three years now and I enjoy playing here."

What is your favorite NFL team and player?

"Probably the Flyers are my favorite team because I grew up watching them my whole life. My favorite player is probably Mike Richter because he is a pretty good friend of mine and I respect what it took for him to get to the NHL, and he's a very sincere man."

Have you ever scored a goal?

"yah, I used to play forward. Up until high school. I played forward and I scored a few times but never as a goalie."

Does it hurt when you get hit by a puck?

"Sometimes. Sometimes it hurts a lot. Sometimes it doesn't."

I play goalie for my soccer team sometimes, do you have any tips for me?

"Tips for you in soccer - you know what, it's crazy because I have never played goalie in that sport because the net was WAY to big for me. But one tip I can give to you is to have fun and don't take it too seriously because it's just a game. That's what I try to do."

Bryson: I really enjoyed interviewing Mark Richards, he is a really good goalie. 1t was nice of him to sit down, with me and answer my questions. I hope he stays with the Tiger Sharks next year. I wish the team luck in the playoffs. Go Sharks!