Travis Richards played more seasons in Grand Rapids than any other professional athlete, and had the longest continuous stretch of active player service in the American Hockey League upon his retirement.

He was the second player to sign with the Griffins in 1996, and retired as the all-time leader in games played (655). He was part of five division titles, four conference championship appearances and an IHL Turner Cup Finals berth, and served three seasons as the team captain.

When inducted in 2016 he ranked among the franchise career leaders with a plus-131 rating (1), 182 assists (2), 238 points (2), 995 shots (2) and 24 power play goals (5).

After representing the U.S. at the 1994 Winter Olympics, Richards made his professional debut with the IHL’s Kalamazoo Wings.

The only Griffin to play in each of the team's first ten seasons (1996-2006), his number 24 was the first retired by the club.