This is certainly a case of Guelph Storm vice-president and general manager Mike Kelly hoping that the kid is a “chip off the old block”.

Kelly drafted 18-year-old Tanner Richard in the Ontario Hockey League Import Draft last week.  He is the son of Mike Richard (French pronunciation), who was a prolific scorer during an 18-year professional career that included time in the American Hockey League and an extended stay in Europe.

As a member of the Toronto Marlboro’s from 1983 to 1987 Richard senior scored 139 goals, including 57 during the 1986-87 season.  He tacked on three 40+ goal seasons in the AHL before moving to Europe where he was the leading scorer for Rapperswil-Jona in Switzerland.  Tanner played four games for that same Swiss A division team last year as a 17-year-old.

“He is a little bigger than his dad” said Kelly, “and like his dad he’s not an exceptional skater but I’d call him a good skater.  He is an offensive type of player with above average hockey sense and skill.  He likes to play a North American style of game that includes hitting and taking the man.”

Kelly expects that Tanner will have a good chance of being a top six forward on the Storm this coming season.

“That is what (I am hoping)” said Kelly.  “That is why we went with an 18-year-old as opposed to a 17-year-old.  He has played against men last season and can play centre or the wing and that flexibility is good for us.”

Kelly sees Richard playing in Guelph for two seasons, but doesn’t expect him to return as an overage.

“He was offered a (professional) contract to play in Switzerland this year but he wants to come to North America to follow his dream of playing in the National Hockey League and feels that junior is his best route.  He is giving up some things in the short-term to benefit himself in the long term.  He likely won’t return as an overage because he’ll have other offers.”

Kelly became aware of Richard through his contacts in Europe and then later through Guelph-based agent Roly Thompson.

At the recent World Under-18 championships, Richard was chosen by his opposing coaches as one of the top three players on the Swiss team, registering four goals and an assist in six games.  Richard was also invited to tryout for the Swiss World Junior team (U20) – one of only five 18-year-olds invited.

In a season when the Storm will in all likelihood struggle to generate offence, Richard will be a welcome addition.  It is hoped that Richard will join New York Islanders third round pick Andrey Pedan and give the Storm two solid European players for the next two seasons.