Maurice Richard

Canadian professional ice hockey player Maurice Richard played in the NHL from 1942 to 1960. Ice hockey is a highly skilled sport that calls for strength, speed, and an aerobic base.

Maurice has all the characteristics that distinguished the top wingers in the league.

He earned the nickname “The Rocket” for using his opponents’ weaknesses to his advantage and turning hazardous plays into winning ones.

About Maurice Richard |  Family and Education

On August 4th, 1921, Maurice Richard was born in Quebec, Canada. Onésime, his father, was a carpenter.

After Maurice was born, Onésime began working for Canadian Pacific Railway. Throughout the Great Depression, their family experienced hardship.

Maurice’s mother, Alice Laramée, took care of the home. The seven siblings of Maurice.

Georgette, Marguerite, and Rollande were the three sisters that Richard had. He also had four more brothers, namely Jacques, René, Henri, and Claude.

Henri, his brother, was a Canadiens ice hockey player as well.

When Maurice was four years old, he got his first set of ice skates. His father built a tiny ice surface in their backyard, and he also learned to skate on nearby rivers.

But Maurice didn’t start participating in organized hockey until he was 14.

He chose to play “hog” and “shiny.” To win, the puck carrier must keep the puck as far away from the opposition as they can.

Richard left school at the age of 16 to work as a machinist alongside his father. For the same reason, he even enrolled himself in a technical college.

Injuries sustained during his junior-level assignments prevented him from joining the army. He yet anxiously applied for the military four times.

Professional Life and Career

Maurice joined the Verdun Juniors when he was 18 years old. He scored four goals in ten regular-season games and six more in four playoff games.

Maurice eventually received a promotion to the affiliate team of the Quebec Senior Hockey League. In 1940, it was a member of the Montreal Canadiens.

Nevertheless, after just 31 games, he broke his wrist. Nevertheless, he managed to score 17 points. He had a good enough performance to get a tryout.

As a result, the Canadiens summoned him to court for the 1942–1943 campaign. When Maurice was chosen, he chose the number 15 jersey. He additionally played for the Canadiens in his NFL debut.

Additionally, he eventually formed the nucleus of the offensive trio known as “THE PUNCH LINE.” The three were unbeatable, leading the franchise to its first Stanley Cup victory in 13 years.

Maurice hasn’t turned back since. He continued to break records, making a lasting impression. In a 9-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings, it included five goals and three assists.

He was the first player to score 50 goals in 50 games, another accomplishment.

After the 1956 season, he also guided the Canadiens to a string of Stanley Cup victories. He was the captain of a dynasty that won six straight championships.

Relationship Status

At the age of 16, Richard first met his future wife Lucille Norchet. Only 13 years old at the time, Lucille. One of his colleagues at Bordeaux’s younger sister was his true love.

Richard was a quiet, introverted type of guy, but Lucille was intelligent and gregarious. Maurice was 20 when they got engaged.

Lucille married Richard on September 12, 1942, at the age of 17, against the opinion of her parents that she was too young to get hitched.

Huguette, Norman, André, Suzanne, Polo, and Jean were the youngest of the couple’s seven children.

Maurice was able to vent his feelings to Lucille about his difficulties, injuries, and life in general.

Lucille passed away from cancer in 1994, nevertheless. Sonia Raymond became his lover after his wife passed away.

Net Worth and Salary | Maurice Richard

Maurice Richard’s professional hockey career and investments helped him accumulate this amazing net worth of millions.

Maurice’s career earnings were US$237,271, according to Hockey Zone Plus. It equals US$2,428,983 when converted to today’s market.

Maurice Richard’s net worth is currently ranked #4423 in NHL / hockey earnings which peaked early in 1950.

He didn’t, however, have a strong start in his NHL career. Instead, following his selection by the Canadiens in the draft, Maurice agreed to a $3,500 per year contract.

Maurice received a base salary of $5158 by the next season.

Sources claim that Maurice received a $250 bonus because Montreal won the competition. In addition, he received CAN$475 for scoring 32 goals.

By the 1957–1958 season, Richard was reportedly making about $20,860 in addition to bonuses, according to Classic Auctions.

In addition, just before retiring, he had agreed to a Can$12,000 per year deal. Additionally, the agreement stated that he would receive $100 for each goal scored.

In addition, he received his pay despite quitting before the 1960–61 campaign. His 18-year career was recognized with a salary of $25,775 a year.

You might also be interested in learning more about Rickey Smiley

Richard Maurice | Lifestyle

On the field, Maurice Richard has gotten into his fair share of disputes. He also chairs the NHL. However, Maurice is remembered as a wonderful person by everyone who knew him well.

The late footballer spent the majority of his time living with his wife Lucille, with whom he had seven children. He would constantly spend time with his family away from the pitch.

Fitness was essential to him because he played professional hockey. His agility and quickness were directly related to his level of fitness.

Maurice admitted that he had even thought about dieting to maintain his fitness toward the conclusion of his career in a 1971 interview.

He also acknowledged that he had attempted dieting before and had dropped roughly 10 pounds each time.

But it left him feeling drained and lightheaded.

But Maurice had a well-known pre-game diet when he was at his best. A filet mignon, a potato, another vegetable, and tomato juice were all present.

The occasional serving of fruit or ice cream came after this, and Maurice thought this was a lucky pattern of eating.

According to an archival entry, Maurice used to attend a morning players’ meeting on game days.

He would then come home at three o’clock and spend time with his wife before the game as they both drank coffee.

Richard Maurice | Charity

In addition to succeeding in what he accomplished, Maurice Richard also left a lasting legacy.

One of the few athletes to receive an 11-minute standing ovation is him. He has consistently raised his voice for the neighborhood using his platform.

To preserve his legacy, the Maurice Richard Family Foundation was created. The nonprofit organization’s main goal was to earn money to send underprivileged kids to hockey camps.

They thought hockey may help poor kids and families become more independent. Giving chances and scholarships to those who cannot afford them is a long-term goal.

The foundation has been putting up a lot of effort to make hockey accessible for years. The foundation recently planned a sizable fundraising event.

Additionally, the foundation hosted an AHL hockey game between the Laval Rocket and the Belleville Senators at Laval’s Place Bell.

Sources claim that every ticket sold using the promotional code RICHARD earned the charity $8.

Maurice Richard | Publications, Endorsements, And Films

A common name in National Hockey League history is Maurice Richard. Throughout his career, he has received many awards.

“The Rocket” is among the most well-known pieces of visual art devoted to him. It is a 2005 sports drama and biography about Maurice Richard.

Philippe Sauvé, Stéphane Quintal, and many other well-known NHL players were featured in the Charles Binamé-directed film.

An era that is widely regarded as the NHL’s infancy is vividly shown in the film. The story jumps from his early youth to his ascent to the Montreal Canadiens.

In the end, it covers the duration of Richard’s career and also examines the Richard Riot. The year before Richard wins five consecutive Stanley Cup championships, an unheard-of record, is where the movie stops.

One of the best biopics about his life is this one. The outcome was that the movie garnered 13 nominations for the 27th Genie Awards, and it took home nine of them.

Similar to that, he has been the subject of numerous documentaries. The 1989 movie “Maurice Richard: The Man, the Myth, the Rocket” is one example of this. Despite having ordinary stick handling skills, it explains his development at the NHL level.

Another such film about him is “Peut-être Maurice Richard.” Following his retirement, Gilles Gascon was the director, and it was released in 1971.

Investments

After retiring, Maurice invested some of his money, which accounts for a portion of his net worth.

However, according to accounts, Maurice began to feel the need for a purpose and a fear of forgetfulness.

As a result, he began linking up with various endorsements and investments.

First of all, he decided to invest in the NHL team that he previously played for. This action significantly increased Maurice Richard’s wealth.

He was chosen as a team ambassador for a few years. Additionally, Selke paid him his entire playing pay for the first year. Despite being a shareholder.

After just three years, he rose to the position of vice-president of the Canadiens in 1964.

But just one year later, he left the job because he was unhappy. He opted not to associate his name with the team by 1965.

Similarly, He also reportedly invested in the Hockey Illustrated magazine, owned by Maurice Richard. He even worked as a consulting editor for the publication.

Reddit claims that Maurice was also the owner of the “544/9 Tavern” in Montreal. Named after his sweater number and the total number of goals in his career.

Publications of books

In addition to other difficulties, Maurice Richard also experienced physical danger from competing teams.

But despite all, he managed to rank among the top 100 NHL players. Many people find inspiration in him.

As a result, Maurice has been the subject of many works. The royalties from these works help to increase Maurice Richard’s wealth.

A book about Maurice named “Extraordinary Canadians: Maurice Richard” was previously published. The book was written by Charles Foran in 2013.

The struggles and victories of Richard are examined in this book. The lesson of how he permanently changed Canada and the NHL brings it to a close.

Another essay about him is “The Rocket: A Cultural History of Maurice Richard.” This book was written by Benoît Melançon in 2009.

The description of his 1955 suspension for hitting a referee is vivid. It centers on his standout moments throughout, such as a confrontation with the NHL commissioner.

The well-known book “Maurice Richard: Reluctant Hero” is another one about him.

This book was co-written by Frank Orr, Jean-Luc Duguay, and Chrys Goyens. It is also among the earliest biographies of Maurice to appear on the market by 2000.

“Our life with the Rocket” and “Maurice Richard: The Most Amazing Hockey Player Ever” are two further books about Maurice.

Endorsements

According to his biography, Maurice is reported to have given his name to several businesses. He was also a frequent franchise endorser, particularly after retirement.

For more than five years following his retirement, he served as the face of the NHL team. Up until 1965, Maurice’s name was used in several promotions related to the Canadiens.

He also marketed a wide range of goods, including beer, hair color, car batteries, fishing equipment, and kid’s toys. During that time, he is also reported to have autographed Molson export beers.

The endorsement also featured a promo patch for the Montreal Canadiens worn by Maurice Richard.

In a similar vein, Maurice also supported fitness accessories like wrist builders. He was a contributor to the catchphrase “Maurice “Rocket” Richard thinks you can acquire explosive hockey shot power.”

Richard kept using his name as a marketing tool for almost 30 years after he retired. Additionally, the products he promoted are today priceless collector’s goods.

Richard Maurice | House

There are many unknowns regarding Maurice Richard and his real estate-related assets. It would appear, though, that Maurice preferred to be identified with his hometown than with his wealth.

Maurice Richard and his wife Lucille reside in a thirteen-room stone home, according to a Maqcleans archive report.

It was situated on “the island,” which is today where Montreal stands, on the northeastern shore.

The river was visible beyond the park from the living room windows. Throughout the summer, Maurice was rumored to have kept his boat in constant use.

Additionally, a mural has been painted close to his Ahuntsic childhood house. The artwork shows a famous Canadian figure skater playing street hockey with young Montrealers.

Maurice Richard| 3 Interesting Facts

• The three-year waiting period was waived in Maurice’s honor when he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1961.
• The local media initially dubbed him The Comet. Then, during an intra-squad practice, Ray Getliffe compared him to a rocket because he was so impressed with him.
• He is mentioned in the verse “They rioted in the streets of Montreal/When they benched Rocket Richard” from the song “Hockey” by Jane Siberry.

Quotes

• “It hurts not playing with the boys throughout the playoffs. I do, however, want to act in Montreal’s and the team’s best interests.”

• “I’ll accept my punishment and return the next year to assist the team and younger players in winning the championship.”

Frequently Asked Question:

Maurice Richard won how many Stanley Cups?

Richard led Montreal to four of their five straight Stanley Cup triumphs between 1955–56 and 1959–60. As a player, he took home the trophy eight times in total.

Quick Facts | Maurice Richard

Name	Maurice Richard
Full Name	Joseph Henri Maurice Richard
Nick Name	“The Rocket” “The Comet”
Birthdate	August 4, 1921
Death	May 27, 2000
Age at Death	78
Birthplace	Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Sexual Orientation	Straight
Zodiac sign	Leo
Chinese Zodiac	Rooster
Nationality	Canadian
Religion	Christianity
Body type	Athletic
Hair Color	Black
Eye color	Dark Brown
Height	5’10” (178 cm)
Weight	180 lb (82 kg)
Profession	Professional Ice Hockey Player
Position	Right-wing
Shot	Left
Played for	Montreal Canadiens
National Team	Canada
Played for	Montreal Canadiens
Playing Career	1942–1960
Major Achievements	1957 Lou Marsh Trophy 8x Stanley Cup Champion, 8x First-Team All-Star NHL, 3x Canadian Press Male Athlete of the Year,
Parents	Onésime Richard (Father), Alice Laramée (Mother)
Siblings	Georgette, Rollande and Marguerite Richard (Sisters) René, Jacques, Henri and Claude Richard (Brother)
Relationship status	Married
Married Year	June 26, 1993
Wife	Lucille Norchet
Children	Huguette, Maurice Jr., Norman, André, Suzanne, Polo, Jean Richard
Grand Children	14
Net Worth	$1.5 to $5.5 Million
Merch	Jersey, Autographed Items
Last Update	September 2022