Florida Panthers, Team USA equipment manager arrested on battery charge

The equipment manager for the Florida Panthers and the U.S. men’s national hockey team has been suspended after being arrested Friday on misdemeanor charges of battery/domestic violence and unauthorized use of 911 services.

Jail records indicate Thaddeus “Teddy” Richards was arrested in Coral Springs, Fla., and was being held at the Broward Main Jail in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., as of Friday night.

Richards, 43, has been the Panthers’ equipment manager since the 2016-17 season. He worked for Team USA during the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off in 2025 and at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

In a statement, the Panthers noted they are aware of Richards’ arrest and said Richards is suspended from all team activities and facilities pending the investigation.