Rocket Richard's 99th Birthday

The late great Rocket Richard would have been 99 years old today.

When I think of Rocket Richard and the number 99, of course I think of the Rocket and Wayne Gretzky. And this photo:

A lot of people have asked me about this photo. It was taken by the Montreal Gazette’s John Mahoney just before the game on March 2nd, 1982. It shows Gretzky with Richard presenting a unique wooden statue to mark Gretzky’shattering of Phil Esposito’s record of 76 goals in a single season.

That same season Gretzky broke Richard's record (shared with Mike Bossy) of 50 goals in 50 games. Gretzky scored 50 goals in 39 games.

You can see the award presentation below courtesy of YouTube. Supposedly Gretzky was unaware of the gift coming to him:

I do not know whatever became of the wooden statue, though I do know it is not in his house. Read below for more on that. If you do know whatever happened to the statue, please let me know.

Gretzky has often talked of his admiration of Gordie Howe, but is not known to talk about Richard as much. NHL.com's Mike Zeisberger did a feature on Gretzky talking about his admiration of the Rocket and a different trophy Richard gave Gretzky many years later.

Gretzky's final season also saw the debut of the Rocket Richard Trophy awarded to the NHL's regular season goal scoring leader. Had the trophy existed earlier, Gretzky would have won it five times. Richard wanted to honour Gretzky retroactively, and surprised him with a replica of the new trophy for Gretzky to keep.

Gretzky, who won more trophies and awards than anybody by a country mile, claims it is the only trophy he keeps in his house. 

From 1963: Rocket Says Howe Is Best

I found this Globe and Mail article from 1963. In it Rocket Richard concedes Gordie Howe was the best player in the previous fifteen years.

Stanley Cup Flashbacks: 1944: Rocket Richard's First Stanley Cup

The year is 1944. Rocket Richard ends the Montreal Canadiens' 14 year Stanley Cup drought.

Richard wills Montreal to victory. In 9 post-season games he scores 12 goals and 17 points. Five of those goals come in one game against Toronto in the semi-finals, earning him all three star selections at the end of the game. He adds 5 more in the finals against Chicago.

Just as impressive, and in many respects even more impressive is Toe Blake. Richard's left winger sets a record for the most playoff points (18) in a Stanley Cup season. Had assists on all five of Richards' goals in 5-1 win over Toronto and had four goals in five games against the Leafs. Had the game-winner in the opening win over Chicago and the overtime winner in the series clincher. He had points in all but one playoff tilt.

Fellow Punch Line member Elmer Lach picked up 11 points. The ambidextrous goalie Bill Durnan was spectacular throughout the playoffs, allowing just 14 goals in the 9 games.

The Canadiens arrived as real powerhouse, and would remain so for about 30 years. In 1943-44 the Canadiens only lost 5 regular season games out of 50, and finished 25 points better than second place Detroit.

With the Canadiens up 3-0 in the final series, they perhaps took game 4 a little non-nonchalantly, and fell behind early in the game. The fans, perhaps suspecting the team was tanking in order to play another game for more gate receipts, erupted in chants of "Fake! Fake!"

Obviously the Canadiens rallied to complete the sweep of the Hawks and win the Stanley Cup.

Rocket Richard's 50 Goals in 50 Games

March 18th, 1945.  Rocket Richard scores 50 goals in 50 games - The Montreal Canadiens are paced by Rocket Richard. He scores an unthinkable 50 goals in 50 games, forever making the 50 goal mark one of the most famous numbers in all of hockey.



Richard's famous goal was scored against Boston goaltender Harvey Bennett.

Richard was the only player to score 50 goals in a 50 game season. The NHL officially recognizes 50 goal in feats in the first 50 games of the player's team's season (but not necessarily the player's 50th game).

In addition to Richard, only four players in NHL history are officially recognized for matching 50 goals in 50 games:

Mike Bossy (50 games - 1980-81)
Wayne Gretzky three times (39 games 1981-82, 42 games 1983-84 and 49 games in 1984-85)
Mario Lemieux (46 games in 1988-89)
Brett Hull two times (49 games in 1990-91 and 50 games in 1991-92)

Four players unofficially hit 50 goals in 50 games, but not within their team's first 50 games:

Jari Kurri (50 goals in 50 games, 1984-85. It was Edmonton's 53rd game)
Alexander Mogilny (50 goals in 46 games, 1992-93. It was Buffalo's 53rd game)
Mario Lemieux twice (50 goals in 48 games, 1992-93, Pittsburgh's 72nd game, and 50 goals in 50 games, 1995-96, Pittsburgh's 59th game)
Cam Neely (50 goals in 44 games, 1993-94, Boston's 66th game)

Five players just missed an official 50 goals in 50 games:

Joe Malone (44 goals in 20 games, 1917-18)
Bobby Hull (50 goals in 52 games, 1965-66)
Charlie Simmer (50 goals in 51 games, 1980-81)
Mario Lemieux (50 goals in 51 games, 1987-88)
Bernie Nicholls (50 goals in 51 games, 1988-89)

Remembering The Rocket Richard Riot

The Rocket Richard Riot: Reacting to a high stick from Boston's Hal Laycoe in a game on March 13, 1955, Rocket Richard attacks Laycoe with a stick three times and punches out linesman Cliff Thompson.

Richard is ejected from the game, but the real punishment is handed out by NHL president Clarence Campbell - a man who has had a long history disciplining Richard. This time Campbell suspends Richard for the rest of the regular season and the playoffs, costing Richard a shot at his only NHL scoring title, and hurting Montreal's chances of success in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The next night Campbell attends the game in Montreal and fans show their unhappiness by hurling insults and debris at the NHL chief. During the first intermission things get out of hand when a tear gas bomb explodes, causing mass panic.

The game is forfeited to Detroit as the angry crowd gathers outside the Montreal Forum and rioting begins. Damage and looting to local businesses is estimated in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Rocket Richard's Rift With The Montreal Canadiens

Rocket Richard will forever be synonymous with the Montreal Canadiens, the team he starred with for 18 years.

Yet did you know that following his retirement Richard had a rift with the team that also lasted 18 years?

Things became frosty when the Habs nudged Richard into retirement in 1960. He wasn't read to hang up the blades, even though serious injuries over his last three seasons, noticeably slowing down the Rocket. Montreal GM Frank Selke did not want the legendary Rocket to hang around past his peak. He wanted him to go out on top, and forever be a hockey immortal.

So after Richard hoisted his final Stanley Cup in 1960, he retired in the following training camp. Selke offered Richard a public relations job at his player's salary for the next three years. But Richard really had trouble adjusting to the front office.

"I never stopped thinking I should be helping the team," he said in Chrys Goyen's and Frank Orr's book Maurice Richard: Reluctant Hero. "That meant a hand in the hockey operations and decision-making side of things. Such an offer was never forthcoming. I felt I could seriously contribute off the ice, but I wasn't given the opportunity."

Richard hated his assigned duties.

"I guess people still wanted to see me because i went to banquets, hockey tournaments, charity events, six or seven days a week, all year round. I went all over Canada and some spots in the United States, too. I spent no time with my wife and kids. It was no life."

So after two years of touring and shaking hands he asked to have his schedule reduced. Selke complied, but also halved his salary, which went against his original word. That did not sit well with the Rocket.

"I finished that year, then I quit the job altogether. I went home a free man who could do what he wanted. It was one of the best days of my life out of hockey."

Richard renovated a rundown bar in downtown Montreal, reopening it as Tavern Number Nine. That lasted for three years before selling it at a tidy profit.

Richard turned that money into a small fishing line company that he operated out of his house for the next 23 years. If there was anything Richard loved as much as hockey and his family, it was fishing.

Richard supplemented his income by doing promotional work for cars, tea, hair dye and fuel products. 

"I only worked because I liked it."

He briefly tried getting back into big league hockey, as a surprising choice as the original coach of the Quebec Nordiques of the WHA. Rocket didn't last long though, stepping down after just 2 games. He was honest with himself and knew it was not what he wanted to do.

Richard did patch things up with the Canadiens and came to accept his publicity appearances with the team. He enjoyed playing with the Habs alumni, later serving as the referee.

September 15th, 1960 - Rocket Richard Retires

On September 15th, 1960, Montreal's greatest hockey legend Maurice "Rocket" Richard hung up his sweater for the last time as he announced his retirement from the game.

He announced his retirement at a press conference at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel.

"My decision has now been made. It has not been an easy decision for me to make but I knew the day would come sometime.

"I owe a debt to the hockey fans which I can never repay.

Gordie Howe was asked about his rival's decision.

"There aren't any tears but I'm sorry to see him leave," Howe said.

He praised Richard as one of the all time greats.

"The Rock is the Rock and that's all there is to that," he said
.

Rocket Richard's Records

When Rocket Richard retired in 1960 held or shared over 30 NHL records. over the past 50 years these records have all been bettered, but perhaps this gives you a better appreciation of just how dominant the Rocket was.

Career:
Most goals regular season - 544
Most goals, regular season plus playoffs - 626
Most points, regular season - 965
Most points, regular season plus playoffs - 1,091
Most goals playoffs - 82
Most points playoffs - 126
Most consecutive 20 goal seasons - 14
Most consecutive all star team selections - 14
Most hat tricks, season plus playoffs - 33
Most winning goals - 101
Most unassisted goals - 71
Most 2 goal games - 134
Most 4 goal games - 6
Most 5 goal games - 2
Most first goals of the game - 120

Season
Most goals in a season - 50
Most points in a game - 8

Stanley Cup
Most overtime goals - 6
Most game winning goals - 18
Most unassisted goals - 10
Most 2 goal games - 17
Most three goal games - 7
Most four goal games - 3
Most five goal games -1
Best goal per game average - 0.616
Most points in one period - 4
Most assists in one period - 3
Longest consecutive scoring streak - 8 games (twice)
Most goals in playoff year - 12
Most goals in one game - 5
Most assists in one game - 5

The Rocket Richard Autograph

When Maurice Richard was still a junior hockey player, he had a chance encounter with the Montreal Canadiens as they ended their practice session one day. For Richard it was a chance to get the autograph of the Habs new hotshot player Johnny Quilty, who would be named as the NHL's rookie of the year at the end of the season.

As Richard stuck out his paper and pen in front of Quilty, who responded by barking "I don't sign autographs."

"I didn't speak much English at the time, but I remembered those words," recalled Richard many years later.

That moment stuck with Richard forever. Any time he would get an autograph request, which often came by the 100s, he made sure every fan went home happy with a clear and legible autograph.

"If they are going to honour me by asking for my autograph, it must mean something to them. The least I can do is leave no doubt that it is my autograph."

Here's more about Johnny Quilty.

Judging A Hockey Book By It's Cover

They say never judge a book by it's cover. But that's exactly what I'm going to do. Here's my favorite hockey book cover of all time:

In 2000, not long after his death, a coffee table book about Rocket Richard debuted. Chris Goyens and Frank Orr teamed up with Team Power Publishing to give use Maurice Richard: Reluctant Hero.

At first I dismissed the book. Folks, that was a big mistake.

At the time the book market was flooded with Rocket Richard material. I recall looking at this coffee table book and scoffing at the initial $50. Coffee table books, at least in the hockey genre, tend to be regurgitated photography with very little content. Since it was shrink-wrapped I put the book back on the shelf and probably grabbed a couple of other books for my $50, with the idea maybe I'd check this book out of the library one day.

Boy oh boy was I ever wrong to dismiss this book so early. I finally got a hold of a copy, and I have to say that this may very well be the best book on Maurice Richard that I have ever seen.

It is a coffee table book, so photos are front and center. But there are so many images in here I have never seen, from both on and off the ice. The photos really give a glimpse into the Rocket's life on the ice, but more importantly off the ice including both in the dressing room and with his family.

The true value of this book is the written content. It is a bit of a patch job of selected stories an events as opposed to a perfectly fluent piece of literature, but the stories are greatly insightful and easy to retain. You really can flip open a page or two and read just a bit, reminisce at the photos, and feel that you have just experienced a piece of hockey history.

This book is absolutely beautiful and a must own for any Montreal Canadiens or hockey history buff!

Rocket Richard: Holy Cow!

Rocket Richard draws big crowds at the Sherbrooke Agricultural Expo back in the 1950s.

Joe Benoit: Montreal's Punch Pre-Dated The Rocket

This trio formed one of the greatest lines in the history of hockey. Toe Blake, Elmer Lach and the incomparable Rocket Richard were dubbed "The Punch Line" for all the offense they provided.

But did you know that moniker Punch Line existed before the Rocket was added to the line? Richard was in just his second season, and his rookie season was mired with injuries. But top-liners Blake and Lach teamed with a right winger named Joe Benoit in what was first known as "The Punch Line."

Here's an article from January 31st, 1943 proving it:

So the question probably jumping to your mind right now is who the heck was Joe Benoit?

Benoit was a highly thought of goal scorer. He turned down a chance to turn pro with the New York Americans in 1938-39 as he chose to tour Europe and win the World Hockey Championship with the amateur Trail Smoke Eaters.

He then joined the Montreal Canadiens and connected nicely with Blake and Lach. As a rookie in 1940-41 he scored 16 goals in the 48 game schedule. The following season he nicely upped his total to 20 goals. In 1942-43 Benoit was on the edge of hockey stardom himself. In 49 games he scored a very impressive 30 goals.

And then he all but disappeared. Benoit left the National Hockey League in 1943-44 to join Canada's military efforts in World War II. He was based out of Calgary, and he continued to play amateur hockey. But after his two year stint was done in the military, Benoit returned to Montreal knowing fully well that his Rocket Richard kid who replaced him was now an untouchable superstar.

Benoit played one more season with the Montreal Canadiens, but it was in a far greater diminished role. He scored just 9 goals in 39 games. He was playing through a painful back injury, however. It was bad enough to force him off the ice for good soon thereafter.

Adams was wrong, though, as World War II engulfed the globe, and Benoit sacrificed his NHL career to serve in the armed forces. When he came back to the Canadiens, Rocket Richard was now the star right wing and Benoit couldn't regain his form. However, he was fortunate to play on a Stanley Cup champion in 1945-46

Rocket Richard Caricature (In French)

Gordie Howe's Rivalry With Rocket Richard

Myth has it that in one of the many games between the Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens back in the 1950s Gordie Howe jumped off of the bench illegally to stop Rocket Richard on a breakaway.

Gordie confirms this is more than a myth. It's completely true!

"Yes, I did it," he admitted in his 1995 book "and . . . Howe!" "It was up in Montreal, he came out of their end on a breakaway, so I went out and stopped him. I got a two minute penalty for too many men on the ice, but he didn't score. He didn't score on the power play either."

Many have speculated about the personal rivalry between hockey's two superstars of the 1950s. After all, their respective teams clashed as dynasties, battling for Stanley Cups. They were the faces of each dynasty, and the faces of the NHL. They battled for scoring titles and MVP status. 

Perhaps it was more built up by the fans and the media, but stories have always said Rocket Richard and Gordie Howe never liked each other. And, well, yeah, that's more or less true.

"Things have changed but, at the time, I hated the old (bleep)," Gordie wrote in his 1995 book "and . . . Howe!" "Of course, he hated me too. There were a few guys he hated worse than me, like Ted Lindsay and Stan Mikita. But that was then. Now, Rocket and I are pretty good friends."

Howe went on to talk more about the Rocket.

"Essentially he's such a proud man. He was a goal scorer. I was a goal scorer. I had to take him out, he had to take me out. That was our job from the blue line in. 

"Rocket was such a powerful man. He had one habit I perceived, however, he would come down and cut across the blue line because he liked to get to the center of the ice and shoot. Everything was quick wrist shots. So one time, as he came across the blue line, I really nailed him. We ended up in a fight.

"There was a flurry of people around. And for some reason Rocket ended up under my left knee. I waited, and when he looked up, I popped him. I whacked him a pretty good one. Then all hell broke loose."

Bridge Will Not Be Named After Maurice Richard After All

Following up on this story from earlier in the week, courtesy Les Perreaux of the Globe and Mail . . .

The new span to replace Montreal’s Champlain Bridge will not be named for hockey legend Maurice Richard, but that doesn’t mean the controversy is over.

“After discussion with the family of Maurice Richard, and to respect their wishes, we’ve agreed the name of Maurice Richard will be withdrawn from consideration for the name of the new bridge over the St. Lawrence,” Mr. Lebel said during a news conference.

“I find it sad that two giants of our history have been pitted against one another. Some will say it’s us, but it was not at all our objective.”

However the controversy may not be over just yet, as Lebel would not confirm the new bridge would still honour Samuel de Champlain. Here's the full story.

The Curious Case of Jacques Contant and the Original Rocket Richard Trophy

This is the original Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy. As you can see it is quite the piece of work:

The Montreal Canadiens commissioned the trophy which incorporates Richard's 480th goal puck and his 325th goal skates. The trophy was to be presented annually to the Most Competitive Player in the Quebec junior hockey.

However the Habs mysteriously cancel the award after only one season. The only winner came in 1957 - a fellow named Jacques Contant, an bilingual player from Ontario who commuted from his home in St-Eugene, Ontario to play in Quebec.

Bridging Hockey And History: A Controversial Decision In Quebec

A planned new bridge linking Montreal to the South Shore is creating controversy.

These mega-projects often do, because they can adversely affect traffic flows and neighborhoods, not to mention the inevitable cost overruns.

But this new Montreal bridge is controversial because of the possibility it will be named after hockey hero Maurice "Rocket" Richard. In a province where Richard is heralded as Quebec's patron saint, it almost seems odd that people oppose the possible honour. But it does, and rightfully so.

The planned bridge will replace the existing Champlain bridge. You know, explorer Samuel de Champlain who sailed to the New World from France in 1603. He mapped the St. Lawrence River before establishing a settlement, Quebec City, in 1608. He is considered the founder of Quebec.

The bridge renaming, which has yet to be approved, is seen as a possible political move by a government desperate for votes. Honouring the Rocket is always popular. Champlain is so 1600s and there are no YouTube clips of his highlights.

Now no one disputes the cultural importance of Maurice Richard in Quebec. He transcended hockey and is the most celebrated Quebecker ever. But to erase Champlain's name in this fashion is wrong. Quebecers have a lot of heroes to honour and Champlain should never be forgotten.

Rocket Richard On The Ed Sullivan Show

Did you know that Maurice “Rocket” Richard appeared with Ed Sullivan? Sullivan, for those who don't know, pre-dated the likes of Jimmy Carson, David Letterman and Jay Leno. On his show on August 14th, 1955, Sullivan invited Rocket Richard and 9 other sporting heroes to the show as part of the first anniversary celebrations for the Sports Illustrated magazine. The show at the time was called Toast of the Town, but not long afterwards was renamed the Ed Sullivan Show.

Rocket Richard: Newspaper Man

Did you know that in the early 1950s Maurice "Rocket" Richard had a newspaper column called Tour de Chapeau (Hat Trick) in the weekly paper Samedi-Dimanche. The column was actually written for him by a ghost writer who would interview the Rocket.

As you may have expected, Richard was as fiery in print as he was on the ice. And it got him in trouble.

In 1953, Richard wrote a scathing criticism of NHL President Clarence Campbell's suspension of Boom Boom Geoffrion. The Boomer had broken the jaw of New York Rangers' player Ron Murphy in a vicious stick swinging duel. Richard called the suspension a "farce" and Campbell a "dictator" and added that "if Mr. Campbell wants me out of the league for daring to criticize him, let him do it."

Mr. Campbell was not amused. He is said to have called the column "an attack on my personal integrity and an attack on the office of the NHL president." Campbell never did suspend Richard but demanded a retraction and apology in print.

The following issue had Richard's retraction, though it is believed to have been written by Canadiens general manager Frank Selke. It was the last column Maurice Richard wrote for this newspaper.

(I have seen reports that Campbell did not fine Rocket Richard and that he did fine Richard as much as $1,000 for the article.)

Unique Rocket Richard Jackets