Richards Leaves Tallahassee October, 1997

Dear Fin-Atics,

My wife and I would like to thank you for all that you have done. I am sorry that I am not returning to Tallahassee. I do wish things could have been different because Tallahassee is a great community. It is important to me that the fans know I appreciated all they have done.

The Democrat was supposed to thank Tallahassee and especially the children for making my three years of playing fun. As for the reason the Democrat did not print this, I was told there was not enough room, so they edited it out. My wife called Kim Sproul and she was nice enough to say she would print it in your newsletter. Please tell the children I enjoyed the letters and pictures they gave me, and to continue playing hockey. It is a great sport.

I would also like to thank you for the awards and the banquets that all the Fin-Atics work so hard on. I hope you enjoy your season, and if you're ever in North Carolina I hope you will come see my brother and I play for the Winston-Salem Icehawks.

Thank you again for a great three years. My wife and I will miss Tallahassee.

If you would like to write our address is:
17 Peter Road
North Reading, MA 01864

Thank you
Mark & Shawnette Ricards

Editor's Note: Shawnette contacted Kim Sproul and talked with her about leaving Tallahassee. The conversation covered several topics, including the primary reason for the call, the missing information from the Democrat article. We are glad we could perform this service and hope any other players or staff wishing to submit similar letters contact us. A copy of this newsletter will be forwarded to Mark and Shawnette.