Richter was drafted out of high school (Culver Military Academy) by the Hartford Whalers in the second round, 32nd overall in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft. After being drafted Richter attended college, playing for the University of Wisconsin–Madison for 4 years. While in college he was named to the NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team in 1992, the WCHA first All-Star Team in 1993, and the NCAA West First All-American Team, also in 1993. Richter also made his international team debut, representing the United States in the World Junior Ice Hockey Championship in 1989 and 1990 and the Ice Hockey World Championship in 1992 and 1993.