Canadiens Hall-of-Famer Dickie Moore dies at 84

Montreal Canadiens Hall-of-Famer Dickie Moore has died at age 84.

In a news release, the Montreal Canadiens organization confirmed his death, calling him “one of the most exciting and productive players of his era.”

Moore, who won six Stanley Cups and played alongside legends like Maurice Richard and Jean Beliveau, was in his own right a celebrated player, leading the NHL twice in scoring. He also went on to become a success in the business world.

Born Richard Winston Moore, he was born in the Park Extension neighbourhood of Montreal Jan 6, 1931.

He came to the Montreal Canadiens after a brilliant Junior career where he won a Memorial Cup with the Royals in 1949 and with the Junior Canadiens in 1950.

He joined the Canadiens the following year and despite a fast start in the NHL with 18 goals and 33 points in his first 33 games, he finished the year back in Junior.

Moore didn’t catch on with the team until the 1954-55 season, but from that point on, Moore was a major offensive contributor in the team's run of five straight Stanley Cup championships from 1956 to 1960.

In 1957-58, Moore led all NHL scorers with 36 goals and won his first scoring title with 84 points despite playing the last three months with a cast on his broken wrist.

He saved the best for the following year, winning the Art Ross trophy and breaking Gordie Howe's league record with 96 points.

Moore also led all playoff scorers with 17 points in 11 games.

He will always be remembered as part of a line with the two Richard brothers and because of his robust, aggressive style was nicknamed ‘Digging Dickie.’

Injuries had taken their toll and by the end of the 1962-63 season, Moore hung up his skates – but only temporarily.

Moore missed the next year but in 1964, was lured out of retirement by the Toronto Maple Leafs.  In 38 games, he scored only two goals and retired for a second time.

Three years later, he was coaxed out of retirement again by Cliff Fletcher after he watched Moore play in an oldtimers’ game.

He played 27 games during the regular season in St. Louis but in the playoffs for the Blues regained his old touch with seven goals and 14 points in 18 games.

He finished with 261 goals and 608 points.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman issued a statement on Moore's passing:

The player also became a huge success in the business world with his construction equipment company Dickie Moore Rentals. He also owned the Arundel Golf Club.

In 1974, Dickie Moore was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

In Nov. 2005, the Canadiens retired the number 12 in honour of both Moore and former player Yvan Cournoyer.

Perhaps his biggest battle came in August the following year, when Moore suffered neck, spine and rib injuries after being involved in an accident with a truck.

Aside from hockey, Dickie Moore will be remembered as a good-hearted soul with a quick wit who never shied away from a charity event or offering a hand to those who needed it.

Moore, who had been ill for three months and was living in a seniors' home, is survived by his daughter Lianne and son John.

No word yet on funeral arrangements.