Maurice Richard

On August 4, 1921, Joseph Henri Maurice Richard, known as 'Maurice Richard,' was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Richard would go on to become one of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of ice hockey, known for his speed, skill, and fierce competitiveness. Nicknamed 'The Rocket,' he played 18 seasons for the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1942 to 1960.

Maurice Richard made his NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens on December 27, 1942. In his first full season with the Canadiens, he played 16 games and scored 5 goals and 6 assists. Richard became known for his exceptional skill and determination on the ice, setting the stage for a legendary career.

On March 23, 1944, Maurice Richard became the first player in NHL history to score eight points in a playoff game. Richard scored 5 goals and added 3 assists against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Stanley Cup semifinals. This extraordinary performance earned him acclaim and the game remains one of the most memorable in hockey history.

On March 18, 1945, Maurice Richard became the first player in NHL history to score 50 goals in a season, accomplishing the feat in just 50 games. This milestone broke previous records and set a new standard for scoring excellence in the NHL, solidifying Richard's status as one of the greatest players of his era.

Maurice Richard scored his 325th career goal on November 8, 1952, breaking Nels Stewart's record for career NHL goals. This achievement made Richard the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer at the time, further cementing his legendary status in hockey. Richard continued to inspire fans with his extraordinary talent and commitment to the game.

On March 13, 1955, following Maurice Richard's suspension by NHL President Clarence Campbell, a riot broke out in Montreal. Known as the Richard Riot, the event was sparked by tensions over the suspension decision, perceived as unjust by many of Richard's fans and Montreal’s Francophone community. The incident had significant cultural and social implications in Quebec.

Maurice Richard announced his retirement from professional hockey on September 15, 1960. After an illustrious 18-season career with the Montreal Canadiens, during which he won 8 Stanley Cups and became the first player to score 500 goals, Richard stepped away from the ice, having left an indelible mark on the sport.

Maurice Richard was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on March 11, 1961. Typically, there is a mandatory waiting period before players can be inducted, but this rule was waived in Richard's case, reflecting his extraordinary impact on the sport and his iconic status in hockey history.

On October 13, 1985, the Montreal Canadiens retired Maurice Richard's number 9 jersey in a special ceremony at the Montreal Forum. Richard's contributions to the team and the sport of hockey were celebrated, and his number was raised to the rafters as a lasting tribute to his legendary career.

Maurice Richard passed away on May 27, 2000, after a battle with abdominal cancer. His death was met with widespread mourning, particularly in Quebec, where he was considered a cultural icon and hero. Richard's legacy as one of the greatest hockey players and a symbol of pride for the Francophone community endures.