Montreal Canadiens legend Maurice Richard named a historical figure

Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard of the Montreal Canadiens in action on Dec. 14, 1954 (AP photo)

The most iconic player in Montreal Canadiens history, Maurice Richard, joined Quebec’s select group of historic figures on Sunday.

Culture and communications Minister Mathieu Lacombe made the announcement during a news conference at the Bell Centre, alongside Isabelle Charest, minister responsible for sport, recreation and the outdoors.

Under the Cultural Heritage Act, Lacombe has the authority to designate a person or event as historic.

According to the government’s definition, a historic figure is “a person who actually existed, is now deceased, and played a role in the history of Quebec or in a specific domain of that history.”

The legendary number 9 has left a lasting mark on the collective memory of Habs fans for generations.

His legend began notably during the 1944–1945 season, when he became the first player to score 50 goals in 50 games.

The name “Rocket” Richard also became inseparable from the struggle of French Canadians, who made him a people’s idol — a symbol that reached its peak during the Forum riots of March 1955.

Following an on-ice fight, Richard was suspended for the final three games of the season and the entire playoffs, sparking the fury of fans at the next game.

The unrest escalated to the point where then–NHL commissioner Clarence Campbell, who attended the game, was booed and pelted with debris.

The chaos continued outside the Forum, with smashed windows, looted businesses, and overturned cars.

Only a radio appeal for calm from “The Rocket” himself was able to bring an end to the turmoil.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French May 25, 2025.