10 fun and interesting Maurice Richard facts

1. The "Rocket"

Maurice Richard, affectionately known as the "Rocket", was a legendary goal-scorer during his era. He was the first player to ever score 50 goals in 50 games, a feat that has yet to be matched. His incredible skill and determination earned him the admiration of fans and players alike, and he remains one of the most beloved figures in hockey history.

Also → Peter Forsberg's illustrious career in hockey

2. Maurice Richard, NHL All-Time Scorer, Retires

Maurice Richard, the legendary NHL player, retired as the league's all-time leading scorer, with an impressive 544 goals and 421 assists in 978 games. His career spanned 18 seasons, during which he won eight Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens and was the first player to score 50 goals in a single season. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1961 and his number, 9, was retired by the Canadiens in 1960. Richard's legacy lives on in the NHL, as he remains the all-time leading scorer in the league's history.

Also → Gordie Howe, "Mr. Hockey," is widely known for his incredible career

3. The First Player to Score 50 Goals in a Single Season

Maurice Richard was a legendary hockey player who made history in the 1944-45 NHL season when he became the first player to score 50 goals in a single season, achieving this remarkable feat in just 50 games. His career was even more impressive, as he was the first player to reach the milestone of 500 goals in his career. His accomplishments have been celebrated and remembered for generations, and he will always be remembered as a pioneer of the sport.

Also → Bobby Orr, one of the greatest hockey players of all time, dies at 70

4. Legendary Hockey Player

Maurice Richard was a legendary figure in the world of hockey, having won the Stanley Cup eight times with the Montreal Canadiens. He was captain for four of the five consecutive cup wins from 1955-56 to 1959-60, and was also awarded the Hart Trophy in 1947. Richard was elected to the first all-star team eight times and the second all-star team six times, and he played in every National Hockey League All-Star Game from 1947 to 1959. His impressive career and accomplishments have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest hockey players of all time.

Also → Bobby Hull Inducted into WHA Hall of Fame

5. Maurice Richard inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame

In 1961, Maurice Richard was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in a special ceremony, bypassing the usual three-year waiting period. This honor was bestowed upon him in recognition of his immense contributions to the sport of hockey, and his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time. His induction into the Hall of Fame was a testament to his remarkable career, which included eight Stanley Cup championships, five Art Ross Trophies, and five Hart Memorial Trophies.

Also → Legendary hockey player, Mark Messier, passes away at age 65

6. Hockey Legend & "Punch Line" Trio

Maurice Richard, the legendary hockey player, was part of the iconic "Punch Line" trio, which included Elmer Lach as center and Hector 'Toe' Blake playing left-wing. This trio was renowned for their offensive prowess, with Richard's speed and agility, Lach's playmaking ability, and Blake's powerful shot combining to create a formidable force on the ice. The "Punch Line" was a major factor in the Montreal Canadiens' success in the 1940s and 50s, and their legacy lives on to this day.

Also → Steve Yzerman: Legendary figure in the world of hockey

7. The Most Prolific Goal-Scorer of His Era

Maurice Richard was an exceptional scorer, despite not having the most powerful or accurate shot. His drive and determination, combined with his impressive fore-hand and back-hand shots, enabled him to become the most prolific goal-scorer of his era. His remarkable ability to outwork and outsmart his opponents made him a feared and respected player in the NHL.

Also → Gretzky: Hockey's All-Time Great Scorer

8. Hockey Great Earned $25K/Year

Maurice Richard, one of the greatest hockey players of all time, began his career before the era of astronomical salaries. Despite his immense talent and success, the most he ever earned in a single year was $25,000 in 1952, which is equivalent to around $211,000 in today's money. This is a testament to Richard's humility and dedication to the game, as he was willing to play for a fraction of what today's stars make.

Also → Legendary Hockey Player, Mario Lemieux, Wins Stanley Cup Twice

9. Maurice Richard's benching sparks riots in Montreal

In 1955, the legendary hockey player Maurice "Rocket" Richard was benched by the Montreal Canadiens, prompting an uproar from the passionate fans of the city. This event was so significant that it was immortalized in the Jane Siberry song “Hockey”, which contains the line "They rioted in the streets of Montreal/When they benched Rocket Richard". The benching of Richard sparked a riot in Montreal, with thousands of fans taking to the streets to protest the decision. This event is still remembered today, and serves as a testament to the immense impact that Maurice Richard had on the city of Montreal.

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10. 'The Comet' of Hockey

Maurice Richard, the legendary hockey player, was first nicknamed 'The Comet' by the local media. This name was inspired by Ray Getliffe, a fellow player, who was so impressed by Richard's performance during an intra-squad practice that he compared him to a rocket. Richard's incredible speed and agility on the ice earned him the nickname, and it stuck with him throughout his career.