Richard Bachman has played his way up hockey’s ladder, achieving success as a goaltender in not only the National Hockey League (NHL), but the American Hockey League (AHL), ECHL, and NCAA ranks as well.   His fine play in Oklahoma this past season has put the Edmonton Oilers brass on notice that Bachman will be contending for a spot back in the NHL next season.

Early in his hockey career, Bachman impressed NHL scouts during his one and only season in the USHL where he went 16-15-2, after which he was drafted by the Dallas Stars in the 4th round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.  However, the allure of playing college hockey drew Bachman to Colorado College, where he could earn an education while developing his game. 

“Growing up, whether it was in upstate New York, Colorado, or Massachusetts, everywhere I lived and played seemed to have a strong college hockey presence,” explained Bachman.  “Just being around that type of atmosphere, I always thought I would one day be a part of that.  As well, getting an education was something that was important to me and my family.”

Bachman made a name for himself during his first year at Colorado, joining some elite company in the process.  After posting a 25-9-1 record to go along with a 1.85 Goals Against Average and .931 save percentage, he was named Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year in the same season.  Legendary goaltender Curtis Joseph is the only other player in WCHA history to earn that same distinction.

“It was a special feeling when I learned I had been named Player of the Year.  I was grateful that during my freshman year my Coach, Scott Owens and his staff gave me the chance to start a lot of games.  Plus we had a great team.  It was definitely one of my most memorable seasons.”

Bachman’s success carried into his sophomore season with Colorado.  And after going 14-11-10, the Dallas Stars were ready to see Bachman take his game to the professional level. 

“I was originally assigned by Dallas to start the 2009-10 season with their ECHL affiliate in Idaho with the goal of getting in as many starts in as possible.  I was fortunate to be recalled to the Stars’ AHL affiliate in Texas a few times throughout the year when injuries would occur.  I played a ton of hockey that year and overall it was an awesome experience.  I didn’t know too much about Boise, Idaho before arriving there, but it was one of the best cities I have ever played in, and I’ve played in some great cities.  It was an amazing first year of pro.”

Before he left Colorado College, Bachman had made arrangements with the faculty to finish his degree through a series of online classes and distant education.  Following his first year of pro hockey, he proudly graduated with a degree in economics.

Coming off a remarkable rookie season both on and off the ice where he went 22-7-4 for Idaho and also managed 8 games with Texas, Bachman would play almost the entire following season at the AHL level with Texas.  That is until the Dallas Stars came calling.

“I was recalled to Dallas for about a week in December to back up Andrew Raycroft when Kari Lehtonen was sidelined with an injury.  I did get into the final 9 minutes of one game.  So not only was I nervous and excited, I was a bit cold entering late into the game.  It was a surreal feeling though to realize that I was finally here in the NHL.  The first save I had to make was on a 2 on 1, and I somehow managed to get something on it to keep the puck out of the net.  It was a unique experience and one that I’ll never forget.  It was cool to be with the team for a week and get a first hand look at what life is like in the NHL.  An amazing learning experience.”

Bachman’s play throughout the year impressed the Stars’ brass enough that he played 18 games for Dallas during the 2011-12 season, accumulating 8 wins including a shutout. 

Following the season, and with Dallas out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Bachman was invited to represent team USA at the 2012 World Championship hosted by both Finland and Sweden, playing with and against some of the world’s best players.

“To be able to represent your country on the International stage at that level was truly an honor and an unbelievable experience.  The quality of play was excellent, and overall it was interesting to learn different cultures and gain experiences.”

Bachman split the 2012-13 season between Dallas and Texas, going 5-1 during his brief stint in the AHL.  However, after four seasons within the Dallas Stars organization, Bachman became a free agent and promptly signed with the Edmonton Oilers.

“The situation worked out really well.  I got to play a lot in Oklahoma (52 games with the Oilers’ AHL affiliate in 2013-14) and spent some time with the Oilers at the NHL level that year.”

After an impressive start to this season back with Oklahoma, Bachman was selected to represent the Western Conference at the 2015 AHL All-Star Classic in Utica.

“That was a lot of fun.  It’s always an honor to be named to an All-Star team and be part of something like that.  I really enjoyed the experience of being there, met some great players from around the league, and my wife was able to attend with some of our friends, so we really enjoyed it.  In Utica, the crowd is one of the best in the League, the Turning Stone Casino did a fantastic job hosting the event, and overall it was a great time.” 

Individual accolades aside, Bachman has been able to elevate his game by playing alongside some experienced NHL goaltenders, studying their techniques and habits.

“As a goaltending tandem, both guys tend to feed off each other.  Kari Lehtonen has an amazing glove hand.  Finnish goaltenders tend to work a lot on catching pucks, so I was able to take away something from him.  Ben Scrivens plays down on his knees and moves around really well, so I was able to take away that from him.  You tend to learn things everywhere you go.  The little pieces you learn along the way are key to continuously evolving and developing your game.”

While Bachman and his Barons teammates were finding success on the ice in Oklahoma, off the ice, on December 19^th, 2014 the team announced they would cease operations at the end of the 2014-15 season. 

“As a player, you don’t have control over certain aspects, and can’t let something like that negatively affect you.  As a team, we rallied around the situation and wanted to do something special for the city.  That was our mindset as players.  Oklahoma City was a great place to play and I hope the fans will have professional hockey there again soon.”

The Barons did hold true to their promise by knocking off the San Antonio Rampage three games to none in the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs before falling in seven games after a heartfelt effort to the top seeded Utica Comets who advanced to the Calder Cup Finals.

“As a player you definitely try to pick it up a gear in the playoffs.  At the rink you’re paying more attention to details and are able to zone in on one opponent and are always thinking about the next game.  As you get older and gain more experience you relish in the fact that you are in a playoff hunt and should try to enjoy the moment and the experience while doing the best you can.  You don’t know when the opportunity may come again.” 

Prior to the start of the Calder Cup playoffs, Bachman was recalled by the Edmonton Oilers and played 6 games for the big club, posting a 3-2 record including a shutout at home against Dallas on March 27.

“Any time you are called up to the NHL it’s a rewarding experience and nice to know that your hard work and dedication throughout the year is being noticed.  You just have to make the most of your opportunities and leave an impression, and I think I did that in my time with the Oilers this season.”

Although Bachman hasn’t had too much interaction with the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) throughout his career, he acknowledges the significance of the PHPA and what the Association means to players at the AHL and ECHL level.

“I haven’t had a ton of direct interaction with the PHPA, but I know they have a smaller staff who are very dedicated and caring to players and their families.  They do an unbelievable job of protecting and representing players in the best way they can.  You notice it as a player when you see the playing conditions improving year after year, and the facilities getting better.”

After an eventful season, Bachman has been enjoying the early part of his off-season before training for next season kicks into high gear. 

“We’re heading back home to Denver, enjoying our newborn son, and taking some time away as a family.  Then later in June and early July, kicking it into gear in the weight room, skating, and working on what needs to improve based on feedback from my goalie coaches.  I have a detailed workout plan and will be ready to go next season.”