NHLer Mike Richards's drug charges light up Twitterverse

Hockey fans took to Twitter Thursday after Manitoba RCMP announced that they had formally charged Mike Richards with drug possession after Canadian border guards intercepted Richards with oxycodone as he crossed the border into Canada from the United States.

Some pointed out that Richards wasn't the first NHL player, or even Kings player to be charged for drug possession in recent history.

King's forward Jarret Stoll was charged with felony cocaine possession in June for an incident that happened on April 17.

Stoll pleaded guilty to two reduced misdemeanor charges, which caused his felony charge to be dismissed.

Ryan Malone, left wing for the Tampa Bay Lightning, was charged with cocaine possession and impaired driving in April.

Some took the opportunity to reiterated their joy that Richards was off the Kings' roster. He had experienced a decline in performance which prompted the Kings to send him back to the American Hockey League.

But there seemed to be more who were sad to have seen the two-time Stanley Cup winner, Olympic and World Junior champion, in such a sticky situation.

Mike Richards is scheduled to appear in Emerson provincial court on Sept. 10.