[2] He was a 2nd round pick of the Ontario Hockey League's Peterborough Petes in 1987 after a strong season with the Toronto Marlboros Bantams.

[citation needed] Ricci was also a talented soccer player growing up playing for the Scarborough Blues program with his cousin, Paul Peschisolido,[3] who went on to a solid international career.

[citation needed] Ricci quickly became an elite defensive centreman with San Jose, but never was able to regain the offensive prowess of his earlier years.

[citation needed] Ricci was an essential cog to San Jose's success, and was there when the team made its first trip to the Western Conference Final in 2004.

[citation needed] In 2005, Ricci switched his uniform number to 40 in honor of former National Football League (NFL) player Pat Tillman, who was killed in action while serving for the U.S.

[citation needed] Ricci is an accomplished soccer player, fisherman, and avid fan of the NFL's San Francisco 49ers.