Richardson, a native of Carleton, N.S., began following hockey as a child, mesmerized by Boston Bruins legend Bobby Orr. He switched allegiances in 1971 when another legend, goaltender Ken Dryden, debuted with the Montreal Canadiens.

Richardson joined the military in 1980, living in towns and cities from one end of Canada (and Alaska) to the other. He served on two Canadian navy ships. He was stationed on the HMCS Terra Nova and Huron during the first Persian Gulf War.