Rocket Richard Era
The Pocket Rocket: 11-time Stanley Cup champion and Canadiens legend.
Henri Richard (February 29, 1936 – March 6, 2020) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played centre with the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1955 to 1975. He was nicknamed "Pocket Rocket" after his older brother, Canadiens' legend and fellow Hockey Hall of Famer Maurice "Rocket" Richard. Henri played his entire professional career with the Canadiens and won the Stanley Cup 11 times as a player, the most in NHL history.
- Primary Player
- Maurice 'Rocket' Richard
- Position
- Right Wing
- Stanley Cups Won
- 8 (including 5 consecutive from 1956-1960)
- Jersey Number
- 9
- Legacy Status
- Retired Number, Hall of Fame Inductee
Lore & Background
Henri Richard was born on February 29, 1936, in Montreal, the seventh of eight children. His older brother Maurice played for the Canadiens beginning in 1942. Henri joined the junior Montreal Canadiens as a 15 year old and led the Quebec junior in scoring for two consecutive seasons before being promoted to the NHL. He was nicknamed "Pocket Rocket" while still a junior. He scored the Stanley Cup-clinching goal in overtime in 1966 and scored the game-tying and Cup-winning goals in Game Seven of the 1971 Final. He served as captain from 1971 until his retirement in 1975.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Montreal Forum was thick with the smell of stale beer and heated breath. It was March 18, 1945, and the clock ticked down on the final game of the season. Maurice Richard stood at center ice, his stick tapping a rhythmic beat against the frozen surface. The crowd roared as he skated past the Toronto defensemen, a blur of white and red. One shot, then another. The net rippled. Fifty goals in fifty games. The silence that followed was brief, instantly shattered by a roar that shook the rafters, marking the moment a player became a legend.
Reader's Guide
Henri Richard's style of play was tactical playmaking and outthinking the opponent. He led the league in assists twice (1957–58 and 1962–63). He was named to the first All-Star team in 1957–58 and to the second All-Star team in 1959, 1961, and 1963. He scored 358 goals and 688 assists in 1,256 regular-season games. His 1,256 games played in a Canadiens uniform are a franchise record. He was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1979 and named one of the '100 Greatest NHL Players' in 2017.
Did You Know?
- Henri Richard won the Stanley Cup 11 times as a player, the most in NHL history.
- Henri Richard and Bill Russell of the NBA are tied for the record of the most championships won by an athlete in a North American sports league.
- Henri Richard scored two Stanley Cup-winning goals, one of five players to have done so.
- Henri Richard's jersey number 16 was retired by the Canadiens on December 10, 1975.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines the Rocket Richard Era?
This period marks the Montreal Canadiens' golden age from 1942 to 1960, centered on Maurice 'Rocket' Richard as the franchise's first superstar. It transformed the team into a dynasty and established him as a cultural icon for French Canada.
How many Stanley Cups did the Canadiens win during this era?
The team secured eight championships while Richard was active, including a remarkable five consecutive titles from 1956 to 1960. These victories solidified Montreal's status as a dominant force in hockey history.
Why is Maurice Richard considered so important to the franchise?
He served as the first true superstar who turned the Canadiens into a national symbol for French-Canadian identity. His jersey number 9 was eventually retired, and he remains a Hall of Fame inductee revered by fans today.
Who were the main rivals during the Rocket Richard Era?
This era established an intense rivalry with the Toronto Maple Leafs that continues to resonate in the league. The competition between these two teams defined the hockey landscape for decades.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in the Montreal Canadiens universe
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