Another day another signing for the Metropolitan Riveters. Former Maine Black Bear Audra Richards has signed a contract to play in Newark for the 2018-2019 season.

The soon to be 24-year-old played all four seasons at the university, and had some very solid numbers. She finished her college career with 45 goals and 70 points from 2012-2016. She is one of the top scorers in the university’s history, so it will be exciting to see what she can bring to the Riveters.

It certainly is interesting to have seen her sign with the Riveters over Minnesota, considering how Richards is originally from Maplewood, Minnesota. Having said that, she will get to play in front of her friends and family right away as the Riveters open the season against the Whitecaps in Minnesota on October 6 and 7.

“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’m incredibly excited and honored to join the Riveters,” said Richards in the league press release.

She certainly has some nifty stick handling skills as you may see from her stats alone. However, if the Riveters ever end up in a shootout, Richards would be a great choice for them to utilize in that particular scenario. Check out this goal she scored in a shootout from freshman year.

(Courtesy of Todd Parisian)

Check out this incredible game-winning goal from Richards. (Courtesy of UVMAthletics. 1:10-1:15 the goal)

She has a lot of great awareness on the ice. Overall, this is an incredible signing for the Riveters and she is going to have a big impact this season.