He is a national hero, commemorated with great fanfare Sunday afternoon in front of the Bell Centre with the unveiling of a plaque honouring Montreal Canadiens star Maurice Richard, recognizing him as a historical figure. “He left his mark not only on the history of hockey in general, and the history of the Montreal Canadiens more specifically, but also on the history of the Quebec nation,” said Mathieu Lacombe, Minister of Culture and Communications, at a press conference. Nicknamed “Rocket,” Richard inspired pride and aspirations through his talent, his passion, and his desire to win. Even more than 60 years after retiring, the man who was once the idol of a nation remains the all-time leading goal-scorer in Canadiens history, with 544 goals, not to mention the 82 others scored in the playoffs. In 1944–1945, he made hockey history by becoming the first NHL player to reach the 50-goal mark in a single season. He was so beloved by the city’s fans that his lengthy suspension imposed by the NHL for striking a referee in 1955 sparked one of the largest riots in Montreal’s history. Richard was designated a historical figure under the Cultural Heritage Act on May 25, 2025, on the 25th anniversary of his death. The plaque was unveiled in the presence of Isabelle Charest, Minister responsible for Sport, Recreation, and Outdoor Activities; France Margaret Bélanger, President of Sports and Entertainment at Groupe CH; and members of Maurice Richard’s family, including his son, Maurice Richard Jr. Richard highlighted his family’s pride in receiving such a tribute and recalled the man his father was and the great player who, though famous, remained a “man of the people, very close to his fans.” “He never really understood the impact he could have on Quebec society,” said Maurice Richard Jr. “He often told us that we would forget him after his death, but now we realize that’s not what’s happening.” “Up there, Dad, you can rest in peace—we won’t forget you!” added Richard’s son. No fewer than 115,000 people came in May 2000 to pay their final respects at the funeral chapel at the Bell Centre. A second commemorative plaque was also unveiled right next to it to recognize the first official ice hockey game as a historic event. Minister Lacombe had made the announcement on March 3, marking the 150th anniversary of that first official ice hockey game. This historic game was played on March 3, 1875, at the Victoria Indoor Rink on Drummond Street in Montreal. It is believed to have been the starting point of the organizational process that eventually gave rise to modern ice hockey. The event pitted the team led by Captain James G. A. Creighton against that of Captain Charles E. Torrance, all members of the Victoria Skating Club. On that day, Creighton’s team won 2-1. Sunday’s event took place as part of the Bell Centre’s 30th anniversary celebrations and aligns with the Cultural Heritage Act and the Act Recognizing Ice Hockey as Quebec’s National Sport and Concerning National Cultural Landmarks. Hockey fans can now learn more about this historic game and this legendary player upon arriving at the Bell Centre entrance on Montreal Canadiens Avenue. This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on March 15, 2026. Quentin Dufranne, The Canadian Press
