OTTAWA – The Ottawa Senators announced today that Binghamton Senators head coach Luke Richardson will not return next season after coming to a mutual agreement with the organization to vacate the position to pursue a new opportunity.
“I’ve enjoyed my four years of coaching in Binghamton and am proud of the accomplishments of the players and team,” said Richardson. “I’d like to thank the Senators organization for providing me with the opportunity to be a head coach and I am looking forward to the next challenge in my coaching career.”
Richardson, 47, posted a 153-120-17-14 record in 304 games and led the B-Sens to two playoff appearances (2012-13 and 2013-14) in four seasons behind the bench. He was named head coach of the Eastern Conference all-star team in 2012-13 after compiling the conference’s best record ahead of the all-star break.
“One of Luke’s greatest assets is his ability to teach players the nuances of what it takes to be a professional,” said B-Sens general manager Randy Lee. “I’m certain that when many of our young players reflect on their respective development, Luke will be among the first people they consider in realizing the significant impact he’s had on their progress. The fact that 13 players were recalled from Binghamton this season, including seven who made their National Hockey League debut, is a testament to the good work of Luke, Steve (Stirling) and Tim (Marks).”
Prior to joining the B-Sens, Richardson spent three seasons as an assistant coach with Ottawa. He began his coaching career following his retirement as an active player during the 2008-09 campaign and joined the Ottawa coaching staff for the final three months of that season.
“We’d like to thank Luke for his efforts and dedication to the growth and development of the players in our system,” said Ottawa Senators general manager Pierre Dorion. “In addition to the on-ice component, we would be remiss in not acknowledging his enormous contributions in both the Binghamton and Ottawa communities as a leader in mental health advocacy and wellness. We wish the entire Richardson family the best as Luke moves on to a new opportunity.”
A 20-year NHL veteran, Richardson played in 1,417 career games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Tampa Bay Lightning and the Senators, recording 35 goals, 166 assists and 2,055 penalty minutes. He added eight assists and 130 penalty minutes in 69 career NHL playoff games.
After signing with Ottawa in August of 2007, he played 78 games over parts of two seasons with the Senators, recording two goals, nine points and 43 penalty minutes. Richardson was Toronto’s first pick, seventh overall, in the 1987 NHL Draft.
