Maurice Richard

The Honourable Joseph-Henri-Maurice "Rocket" Richard, PC , CC , OQ (born August 4, 1921 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, died May 27, 2000 in Montreal, Quebec) was a professional ice hockey player, and played for the Montreal Canadiens from 1942 to 1960. He was also the first coach of the Quebec Nordiques, but quit after he lost his first game.

The Rocket Richard Trophy

In 1999, the Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy was donated by the Montreal Canadiens hockey club to the NHL to be awarded annually to the goal-scoring leader during the regular season.

Related Topics:
1999 - Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy - Montreal Canadiens

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Although long retired by the time of his death in 2000, an estimated 115,000 people of all ages paid their respects while his body lay in state at the Montreal Canadiens' Molson Centre. He was given a state funeral broadcast live across Canada, the first time such an honour was accorded an athlete. Among those who attended were Gordie Howe and Jean Beliveau, various politicians (Jean Chrétien, Lucien Bouchard), and current team captain Saku Koivu. He was interred in the Cimetière Notre-Dame-des-Neiges in Montreal.

Related Topics:
Molson Centre - Gordie Howe - Jean Beliveau - Jean Chrétien - Lucien Bouchard - Saku Koivu - Cimetière Notre-Dame-des-Neiges

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A junior hockey team is also named after him, the Rocket de Montreal, playing out of the Maurice Richard Arena (in 2003-04 this team moved to Prince Edward Island). On June 27, 2001, the Canadian government unveiled a monument in Jacques-Cartier Park, in Hull, Quebec honouring Maurice Richard. He has been inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame.

Related Topics:
Prince Edward Island - June 27 - 2001 - Canadian - Hull, Quebec - Canada's Walk of Fame

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In 1967 he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada and was promoted to Companion in 1998.

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Richard was married to Lucille Norchet from September 17, 1942 until her death on July 18, 1994. They had 7 children.

Related Topics:
September 17 - 1942 - July 18 - 1994

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