Origins & Early Life

Joseph Henri Maurice "Rocket" Richard (August 4, 1921 – May 27, 2000) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Montreal Canadiens. He was the first player in NHL history to score 50 goals in one season, accomplishing the feat in 50 games in 1944–45, and the first to reach 500 career goals. Richard retired in 1960 as the National Hockey League's all-time leader in goals with 544. He won the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player in 1947, played in 13 All-Star Games and was named to 14 post-season NHL All-Star teams, eight on the first team.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Richard was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history in 2017. His younger brother Henri also played his entire career with the Canadiens, the two as teammates for Maurice's last five years. A centre nicknamed the "Pocket Rocket", Henri is enshrined alongside Maurice in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Richard, Elmer Lach and Toe Blake formed the "Punch line", a high-scoring forward line of the 1940s. Richard was a member of eight Stanley Cup championship teams, including a league record five straight between 1956 and 1960; he was the team's captain for the last four...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Akio Morita — Contemporary (Born in 1921) (1921): Visionary Japanese entrepreneur and co-founder of Sony.
• Alex Haley — Contemporary (Born in 1921) (1921): Pioneering author of 'Roots,' who brought Black American genealogy to global prominence.
• A. E. van Vogt — Contemporary (Died in 2000) (2000): Influential Canadian-American science fiction writer known for bizarre narratives.
• Abraham Pais — Contemporary (Died in 2000) (2000): Pioneering physicist and acclaimed science historian of modern physics.
• Alec Guinness — Contemporary (Died in 2000) (2000): Iconic English actor celebrated for stage mastery and cinematic versatility.
• Abigail Spencer — Shared historical date (08-04 · Born) (1981): American actress, producer, and writer known for roles in soap operas and dramas.
• Alan Mulally — Shared historical date (08-04 · Born) (1945): Aerospace executive credited with revitalizing Boeing and saving Ford Motor Company.
• Ajahn Buddhadasa — Shared historical date (05-27 · Born) (1906): Pioneering Thai Buddhist monk known for reinterpreting doctrine and fostering religious reformation.
• Ben Feldman — Shared historical date (05-27 · Born) (1980): American actor known for roles in Superstore, Mad Men, and Silicon Valley.
• 1921 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1921
• August 4 (08-04) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on August 4
• 2000 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2000
• May 27 (05-27) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on May 27