Henri Richard | The Canadian Encyclopedia

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Henri Richard

Henri Richard, hockey player (born 29 February 1936 in Montreal, QC; died 6 March 2020 in Laval, QC). The younger brother of Joseph-Henri-Maurice "Rocket" Richard, Henri Richard played with the Montreal Canadiens from 1955 to 75. The nickname “Pocket Rocket,” which he thoroughly disliked, compared him to his famous brother at the start of his career, but gradually he earned his own reputation, becoming one of the best all-round players in the NHL. Slighter in build than his older brother, Henri had his own unique style of play completely different from Maurice’s, and he became well known for his exceptional stick handling and playmaking abilities.

Richard, Henri
Carrying the Stanley Cup after Montréal's victory over Chicago in 1971. Richard hoisted the cup 11 times, more than any other player (courtesy Canada's Sports Hall of Fame)

Henri Richard won 11 Stanley Cup championships (5 in a row), more than any other player. In 1,256 games, he totalled 1,046 points (358 goals, 688 assists); in addition to 49 goals and 80 assists in 180 playoff games. Two of Richard’s play-off goals were Stanley Cup winners. Richard retired after the 1974–75 season, and in honour of his contribution to hockey the Canadiens retired his jersey, #16, in 1975. He was elected to the  Hockey Hall of Fame in 1979 and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1991.

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