Maurice Richard

Canadian ice hockey player

Also known as: Rocket Richard

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July 13, 2026

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Maurice Richard, nicknamed "The Rocket," was a Canadian ice hockey player renowned for his aggressive style and scoring prowess. He was the first player in the National Hockey League (NHL) to score 500 goals and the first to score 50 goals in a single season. During his 18-year career with the Montreal Canadiens, Richard won eight Stanley Cups. He was also known for his hot temper, and a suspension in 1955 led to riots among his fans in Montreal, highlighting his status as an idol among French Canadians.1

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10 Best Hockey Players of All Time
Maurice Richard
…years with the Montreal Canadiens, Maurice Richard won eight Stanley Cups (1944, 1946, 1953, 1956–60). He was also known for his aggressive play and hot temper. An idol among French Canadians, his suspension (for fighting) in 1955 caused fans to riot in Montreal.
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…years with the Montreal Canadiens, Maurice Richard won eight Stanley Cups (1944, 1946, 1953, 1956–60). He was also known for his aggressive play and hot temper. An idol among French Canadians, his suspension (for fighting) in 1955 caused fans to riot in Montreal.
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Montreal Canadiens
…1942 Montreal signed right wing Maurice (“Rocket”) Richard, a future Hall of Famer who would go on to become the franchise’s career leader in goals scored. Richard teamed with centre Elmer Lach and left wing Toe Blake to form the high-scoring “Punch Line,” and the trio headlined Canadiens squads that…
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…1942 Montreal signed right wing Maurice (“Rocket”) Richard, a future Hall of Famer who would go on to become the franchise’s career leader in goals scored. Richard teamed with centre Elmer Lach and left wing Toe Blake to form the high-scoring “Punch Line,” and the trio headlined Canadiens squads that…
Read More