Member Note

Maurice "Rocket" Richard played professional NHL hockey with the Montreal Canadiens from 1942-1960.

A right-winger, "The Rocket" was the most prolific goal scorer of his era and the first NHLer to score 50 goals in one season, which he did in 50 games during the 1944-45 season. He was also the first professional hockey player to reach a career high of 500 goals.

Richard led the Canadiens to eight Stanley Cup wins, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1961. Players are not usually eligible for induction until at least three years after retirement, but the waiting period was waved for "The Rocket."

Richard's jersey number, 9, which he wore in honor of his first child, Huguette's birth weight, was retired by the Canadiens just months after his retirement.

In 1996, during the closing ceremonies of his "home ice," the Montreal Forum, Richard received an unprecedented 16-minute standing ovation.

Richard's name lives on in the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy, which is awarded each year to the NHL's top goal scorer.

Fast Facts

1. Full name: Joseph Henri Maurice Richard
2. Date of birth: August 4, 1921
3. Date of death: May 27, 2000
4. Won the Hart Trophy in 1947
5. 421 career assists
6. Played in every NHL All-Star Game from 1947-1959

Quote

"I simply had the same kind of determination back from the time I was a boy of 7 or 8. I just wanted to win all the time, I had no goal other than to score goals. That was all I ever had on my mind."