Richard Park (ice hockey)

Richard Park (Korean name: Bak Yong-Su, Hangul: 박용수; born May 27, 1976) is a South Korean-born American former professional ice hockey right winger. He played parts of 14 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Philadelphia Flyers, Minnesota Wild, Vancouver Canucks, and New York Islanders. Outside of the NHL, Park played for HC Ambrì-Piotta and Genève-Servette HC of the National League A (NLA).

He currently works as a pro scout for the Minnesota Wild.

Career
Before playing in the NHL, Park played parts of four seasons with the Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

He was drafted 50th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1994 NHL entry draft. On May 3, 1995, Park made his NHL debut in a 4–3 loss against the Florida Panthers. During the game, Park recorded his first NHL point, assisting on a Rusty Fitzgerald goal. On October 7, 1995, Park scored his first NHL goal against Félix Potvin in a 8–3 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

On March 18, 1997, the Penguins traded Park to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in exchange for Roman Oksiuta. He spent most of his time playing for both Anaheim and their AHL-affiliate Cincinnati Mighty Ducks. He then played 7 games with the Philadelphia Flyers. After his NHL career, Park signed with the Utah Grizzlies of the International Hockey League (IHL). He scored 28 goals and recorded 32 assists for 60 points in his season with the team. He then moved to the Cleveland Lumberjacks and scored 27 goals and recorded 21 assists for 48 points.

On June 2, 2000, Park signed a contract to join the Minnesota Wild and rejoin the NHL. On August 14, 2002, Park signed a contract to stay with the Wild. He helped the Wild during the playoffs. They defeated the St. Louis Blues and Vancouver Canucks before getting swept and losing to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim four games to zero in the conference final game. In Game 6 against the Avalanche, Park scored the overtime winner and his second goal of the game.

On August 9, 2005, Park signed a one-year contract to join the Vancouver Canucks. He scored 8 goals and recorded 10 assists for 18 points in 60 games with the Canucks. 

On October 2, 2006, Park signed a two-year contract to join the New York Islanders. Park had a successful time with the Islanders and was awarded the team's Bob Nystrom Award for being the player who "best exemplifies leadership, hustle and dedication." Park served as an alternate captain during his time with the Islanders.

On September 9, 2010, Park decided to leave the NHL and North America after signing a three-year contract to join Genève-Servette HC of the National League A (NLA). He scored 15 goals and recorded 19 assists for 34 points in his season with the team. 

On September 8, 2011, Park returned to the NHL and signed a one-year, two-way contract to join the Pittsburgh Penguins. He scored 7 goals and recorded 7 assists for 14 points in his one season back with the team.

He last played two seasons with HC Ambrì-Piotta of the National League A (NLA) and then retired from playing professional ice hockey in 2014.

References

 Other websites 

Category:1976 births
Category:Living people
Category:American ice hockey right wingers
Category:Cincinnati Mighty Ducks players
Category:Houston Aeros (1994–2013) players
Category:Mighty Ducks of Anaheim players
Category:Minnesota Wild players
Category:New York Islanders players
Category:Philadelphia Flyers players
Category:Philadelphia Phantoms players
Category:Pittsburgh Penguins players
Category:Sportspeople from California
Category:Sportspeople from Seoul
Category:Vancouver Canucks players