Legends of Hockey - Spotlight - Maurice Rocket Richard

The many books of Rocket Richard.

The Maurice 'Rocket' Richard
Trophy - the newest NHL
individual trophy, introduced in 1999. The award is presented annually to the goal-scoring leader during
the regular season.

The back and front of Richard's #9
Montreal Canadiens' jersey (circa late 1950s)

A Maurice Richard 1953-54
Parkhurst hockey card.

A can of Maurice "Rocket" Richard tomato soup.

The stick used by Maurice to score
his 500th career NHL goal.

The Rocket's 500-goal puck - the first NHL player to ever reach that milestone. He netted the goal on October 19, 1957 against Chicago's Glenn Hall.

- The Rocket regularly claimed the cover of the Blueline magazine during the 1950s.

On March 13, 1955, Rocket Richard was given a match penalty for deliberately injuring Hal Laycoe and punching linesman Cliff Thompson. As a result, NHL president Clarence Campbell suspended Richard for the remainder of the season. Montreal supporters were outraged. When Campbell tried to take his seat at the Forum for a game against Detroit the following St. Patrick's Day, a riot ensued. The following is the hand written note from Mr. Campbell to Detroit G.M. Jack Adams. It reads, "Jack Adams: The game has been forfeited to Detroit. You are entitled to take your team on your way any time now. Mr. Selke agrees to this decision as the fire department has ordered the building closed. (signatures of Clarence Campbell and Frank Selke)"