Youngstown’s N.J. enforcer loves Philadelphia Flyers, fixing food

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The Vindicator/Lisa-Ann Ishihara--- Richard Young (88) of the Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Profile | Richard Young

By TOM WILLIAMS

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

BOARDMAN — To Pittsburgh Penguins fans, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the United States Hockey League leader in penalty minutes is a big Philadelphia Flyers fan.

“Huge Flyers fan,” said Phantoms forward Richard Young who hails from Atco, N.J., and spent time growing up in the City of Brotherly Love.

He wears uniform 88, the same number his favorite player (Eric Lindros) wore for the Flyers.

Last season, Young played for the Philadelphia Little Flyers of the AJHL, a tier three junior team and he was able to live at home.

This season, Young has earned attention at Covelli Centre games as one of the Phantoms’ enforcers. So far, he’s racked up 89 minutes in penalties, two minutes more than Waterloo’s Tony Turgeon. (Trailing quite a bit behind in third place is Omaha’s C.J. Ludwig with 63 points.)

“I didn’t think I’d have this many minutes this early,” admitted Young before a practice at the Ice Zone. “It’s just the way it fell.”

Young is 6-foot-3 and weighs 210 pounds.

“Rich is a big strong guy who works really hard,” Phantoms coach Bob Mainhardt said. “We demand that of him and we have to see that out of him every day.

“When he stays focused and keeps spinning positive energy on things he has control over, good things have been happening,” Mainhardt said. “He still has a long way to go but so far we’ve been very pleased with the physicality that he brings and the competitiveness.”

Young’s linemates are Andrew Lamont and Stuart Higgins. They have combined for 14 points (Higgins leads with sixh).

“I’ve always played volatile — I love the physical attributes of the game,” said Young who has three points after scoring 28 last fall. “I think fighting is necessary, it’s needed ... because people get chippy and you can’t have that.”

Young is aware that time alone in the penalty box has its drawbacks.

“It’s always a heartbreaker if you take a penalty that’s unnecessary or not needed at that point in time in the game,” Young said. “It gives the other team momentum so it kills you.”

In two of his past four games, Young spent no time in the penalty box.

Off the ice, Young is a senior at Ursuline High. He hasn’t decided on a college to attend but he knows what his major will be.

“Culinary,” Young said. “It’s just something that I like to do.”

His favorite meal to fix? “Chicken parm.”

His least favorite? “Probably meatloaf.”

Young said he decided to try out for the Phantoms after Jason Koehler, the director of player personnel, invited him.

Young played will enough in the Phantoms’ open tryout in June to earn a spot on the roster.

“We know that he’s more than just a fighter,” Mainhardt said. “It’s up to us to make sure he’s convinced of that.”

One of Young’s favorite spots in Philadelphia is the Wachovia Center, the home of the Flyers.

“It’s pretty big, actually,” Young said. “They have restaurants, a lot of bars. I always bump into at least five to 10 people that I know.”

The Phantoms (8-8-2, 18 points) are preparing for two games this weekend at the Covelli Centre against the Chicago Steel (10-7-3, 23 points). The Phantoms have two wins against the Steel.

“We were lucky to come back on them on both games we played,” Mainhardt said. “They are a very gifted offensive team. They’ve been able to get to us early and put up some pretty big scores.

“We were fortunate to be able to battle back and get back in those games,” Mainhardt said. “We definitely can’t allow that to happen this time. “Just as we hope we’re getting wiser and becoming better and so are they,” Mainhardt said. “And I don’t think they’ll be allowing a team to creep back into a game they way they did the last two times.”

Mainhardt said goaltender Jordan Tibbett has been cleared to play after suffering a broken bone on his hand.

“It’s a pain issue at this point, what he can deal with,” Mainhardt said. “We’re hoping to have him back at 100 percent this weekend.”

williams@vindy.com