By Canadian Press

Quebec government names Montreal Canadiens great Maurice Richard a ‘historic figure’

May 25, 2025 | 2:26 PM

MONTREAL — The Quebec government has named legendary Montreal Canadiens goal scorer Maurice Richard as a historic figure.

Quebec Culture Minister Mathieu Lacombe announced the designation alongside members of Richard’s family at a ceremony today at the Bell Centre.

The government defines a historic figure as a person who is now deceased who played a role in the province’s history.

Richard dominated the NHL beginning in 1940s, when he became the first player to score 50 goals in 50 games.

The legend of the player known as the Rocket was also intertwined with the identity and struggle of French-speaking Quebecers, and he is seen as a catalyst for the Quiet Revolution.

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The frenzy over Richard reached its peak in March 1955 when fans angered over a three-game suspension to their star smashed windows and overturned cars in downtown Montreal in an event now known as the Richard riot.

Tensions only calmed after the star player himself got on the radio to plead for calm.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 25, 2025.

The Canadian Press