1942 call of war rockets2/11/2024 Joseph Henri Maurice Richard was born on Aug. Richard received his nickname during World War II when teammate Ray Getliffe saw his blazing speed and said, "You went in there like a rocket." A sportswriter overheard the remark and "The Rocket" was born. He was also a role model for French Canadians, who regarded him the way African-Americans would later regard Muhammad Ali - as a hero. Eight of his 18 seasons ended with him skating around the rink holding the Stanley Cup. His NHL record of six playoff overtime goals is testament to his ability in the clutch. Although he never led the league in scoring, he was the leading goal scorer five times. Eight times the 5-foot-10, 170-pound right wing was first-team all-league and six times second-team. Richard was the first to score 500 goals in a career as well as the first to record 50 in a season. He backed up his attitude with blazing speed and a devastating shot. With menacing eyes and a nasty streak, he tried to intimidate opponents. Richard was the game's deadliest goal scorer. Maurice Richard led the Canadiens to eight Stanley Cup titles. In the days when the NHL was a proud six-team league, Name another athlete who had a city riot after he was suspended. And that's why they call him the Babe Ruth of hockey," says former teammate Dickie Moore about Maurice Richard on ESPN Classic's SportsCentury series.įew athletes could fire up fans like Maurice Richard. "We played for The Rocket because we knew he was the home-run hitter.
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