Brick
Forward
Rich grew up in Brick Township, playing for the Brick Hockey Club. As a youth, he dreamed of playing for Brick High School. At age 15, he achieved his goal and played there from 1979 to 1982.
During his years with Brick High School, he won a league championship and the Gordon Cup but fell short of capturing the trifecta (the state finals). Brick lost in overtime to Livingston in 1980.
In his junior and senior years, Rich received Second Team All-State honors, and in 1982, he earned First Team All-State Public recognition. Also in his senior year, he ranked second in goals and fourth in overall points in the “A” Division. Brick High School named Rich the Most Valuable Player in 1982.
Rich continued his hockey career at the University of Connecticut from 1982 to 1984 and at Upsala College from 1984 to 1986.
After his collegiate career, he played for two years with the Newark Sabres before starting a rival team, the NJ Tides, based out of Brick Township. The Tides went on to win the league in their inaugural season.
Outside of hockey, Rich enjoys golfing. In his senior year, he won the Shore Conference Golf Championship, shooting an even-par 72.
Rich and his wife, Susan, currently reside in Lyndhurst, NJ, but spend as much time as possible golfing in Florida.
