Rick Yeo's first appearance in Houghton came as a player for Michigan Tech under John MacInnes. Recruited just after the Huskies first national title in 1962, Yeo was part of Michigan Tech's second championship in 1965, notching 2 assists in the final game against Boston College. After captaining the team in his senior season Yeo returned home to Thunder Bay and worked as a teacher and coach in the area. He made one final appearance on the ice for the Thunder Bay Twins in the team's inaugural season before ending his playing days for good.