Jason Richard was named as head coach of the High Point University Intercollegiate Club men’s hockey white team on Monday, April 27, 2026.
Richard brings an impressive hockey background shaped by years of competing at the professional level. His playing career spans multiple leagues and cities, including stops in Johnstown, Madison, Detroit, Charlotte and Winston-Salem, where he earned a reputation as a fierce competitor and dependable teammate.
From 1994–99, along with a return in 2003-04, Richard competed against elite talent in the American Hockey League (AHL) and ECHL, including time with the Portland Pirates, Charlotte Checkers and Johnstown Chiefs. He also made a notable return to the ice with the Winston-Salem Thunderbirds, underscoring his commitment to the sport.
Richard inherits a High Point program that finished off the 2025-26 campaign with a 9-14-0 overall record, highlighted by five home wins, and an appearance in the AAU College National Tournament in Jacksonville, Fla., in March. The Panthers won the opening round of the AAU National Tournament against Columbia (13-7) before falling to eventual champions Liberty (5-1) and Springfield (7-4) in their next two contests.
Richard developed his passion for hockey while competing in junior and amateur hockey. After playing from 1987-92 for Somersworth High School, Richard was selected to represent the state of New Hampshire at the prestigious Chicago Showcase, where he won the National Championship in 1991 and finished as a runner-up at the National Championship in 1992. It was this experience that helped lay the foundation for his competitive mindset and deep understanding of team culture and player development.
He then played for the Granite State Stars, an Eastern Junior Hockey League program, during the 1993-94 season with one of the original six franchises. Richard even earned an invite to compete in the United States National Team tryouts at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., in 1994.
Richard consistently demonstrated leadership, discipline and resilience—qualities forged through years of professional competition. He was equally impactful off the ice, engaging with fans and local communities to strengthen team identity and grow the game at the grassroots level.
Richard’s development was further sharpened through elite training camps in Boston, where he trained alongside top-level players and coaches, refining his hockey IQ and approach to high-performance environments. That experience now translates directly to his coaching philosophy—demanding, detail-oriented, and relentlessly focused on development and accountability.
As the Panthers’ head coach, Richard will oversee all aspects of the program, focusing on competitive excellence, player development and establishing a high standard rooted in teamwork and toughness. His background as a professional athlete brings instant credibility and excitement to a team eager to take the next step.
Richard is married to Kim Richard. The couple have two children, Zach and Maggie. Maggie will be attending High Point University in Fall 2026 and has earned a spot on the Panthers’ Dance Team.
