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Player Spotlight: Matt Richter, 12th grade, Madison Edgewood

By Matt Carey, Contributor, 01/16/25, 11:15AM CST

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Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this article are solely those of Matt Carey and do not reflect the opinions of Wisconsin Prep Hockey or its partners.

Legacy of Success

When Wisconsin Badgers fans hear the name Richter it denotes excellence. Pat Richter played football, basketball, and baseball for the Badgers. Pat led the Badgers to the 1963 Rose Bowl and then played eight seasons in the NFL for the Washington Redskins.

Pat Richter was a special athlete, but his impact as the Badgers athletics director was miraculous. In 1989 Pat was hired to lead a decaying Badgers athletics department that had multi-million-dollar deficits. Pat resurrected the Badgers to national prominence. During Pat’s tenure Wisconsin won multiple Rose Bowl’s and had several Final 4 appearances in basketball.

Pat’s son, Barry, followed in his footsteps and became a Badgers athlete. As a freshman Barry was a key player on the Badgers 1990 NCAA championship hockey team. Barry played four seasons for the Badgers and was named team captain as a senior. Barry Richter then went on to play 15 seasons of professional hockey, including over 150 games in the NHL.

Matt Richter’s family tree has elite athletes. His grandpa played in the NFL, and his dad played in the NHL. Yet, the success Matt has achieved is earned by his hard work, dedication, and commitment to teammates.

Matt is captain of Edgewood, he has been named all-state twice by the WHCA, he led Edgewood in points as an 11th grader, he played in two WIAA state tournaments, he represented Wisconsin in the NIT and played two seasons for Team Wisconsin in the Elite League.

Most importantly, Matt has continued the family legacy of being referred to as a great teammate and outstanding person by his coaches and teammates.

“Matty has been a varsity player for 4 seasons and has helped the team to 3 conference championships and 2 state appearances so far. As a second-year captain and go-to-player in all situations, he is hoping to finish off with a state championship. Matty is an excellent skater and can change a game quickly with his offensive ability. While leading the way offensively with 138 points thru 3 ½ seasons, he is also counted on to shut down other teams’ top lines. Matty is an excellent student and leader and would love nothing more than to finish off an excellent high school hockey career with a gold trophy”. Pete Rothering, head coach, Edgewood HS

“Matt has developed into a 200-foot player who played all three forward positions for us this fall. He scored some key goals, created offensive chances using his speed and his body and is very reliable in the defensive end.” Mike Schwengler, head coach, Team Wisconsin U18

Let’s hear from Matt Richter!

How is your senior season going? It’s going pretty well. We started out slow. We got beat up at the beginning of the season. But it helped us realize it is not going to be easy; you need to work hard to win games.

When did you start playing hockey? When I was about 3 or 4.

Where did you play youth hockey? I started at Polar Caps and then moved to Madison Capitols at peewee.

In April you represented Wisconsin in the HP NIT Tournament…how was that experience? It was an awesome experience playing against the best players from other states. It was fun playing with a bunch of guys that I normally don’t play with. Because I am older for my grade, I got to play with some players I never played with on Team Wisconsin. It was also great exposure to scouts.

What was it like playing in the Elite League in the fall? This was my second season. I was more confident this year. It is the highest competition you can get.

Did anyone in your family play hockey? Yes, my dad played for the Badgers and in the NHL, and my older brother Blake played at Edgewood.

Your dad was an NHL D, did you consider playing D? No, my dad never forced me, and I started playing forward and stayed with it.

What does it feel like when you see a statue of your grandpa at Camp Randall? It is cool. It is something people can remember him for. It is pretty awesome!

What is your favorite hockey memory? Going to the state championship my freshman year. It was at the Coliseum, and my brother went to state there. It was special, it was the last time high school state was at the Coliseum.

What is your pregame ritual? I always tape my stick while watching the JV game. I always stretch before warming up.

What hockey skills do you have that separate you from the competition? I think my main one is my size, using my body to shield the puck and in tight situations to protect the puck.

Is there an NHL player you model your game after? Auston Matthews and Matt Boldy.

Who is the most influential person in your life? My dad. He has always been in the hockey world with me. He is really involved with my hockey career.

What is the plan for hockey after high school? I don’t know yet. I am still waiting it out to see if I want to play juniors or go to school.

If you don’t play juniors, where will you go to school? I am looking at Wisconsin, Minnesota, Penn State, mostly mid-west schools, but I am also thinking about Florida and Arizona State.

What do you want to do for your career? I plan to major in real estate in business school.

Do you play any other sports? I play golf for Edgewood.

What do you enjoy doing in addition to sports? Hanging out with friends. I go fishing a lot.

What type of fish? I fish for Bass. In summer we go to Canada and go Walleye fishing.

What is your favorite food? Steak and Sushi.

Do you have a favorite restaurant? Tornado House for steak. Sushi Red for sushi.

What is your favorite music group or type of music? I listen to a lot of rap, and maybe a little country in the summer when I am up north fishing.

Where is your dream vacation? Greece. I have been to a lot of places in Europe but not Greece and I would like to go there.

You’ve been to a lot of places in Europe? Yeah, I was born in Switzerland when my dad was playing pro there.

Chocolate cake, brownie, or apple pie? Brownie.

Pickup truck or sports car? Sports car. Sports car. McLaren.

Final thoughts? I want to thank my family, coaches, and teammates for helping me along the way.

Best wishes to Matt Richter!

Yours for hockey, Matt Carey

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