The Montreal Canadiens have announced that legendary forward Henri Richard has passed away at the age of 84. News of the passing of the former captain broke Friday morning.
The Montreal Canadiens are saddened to learn of the passing of one of the organization's greatest legends and ambassadors, Henri Richard, this morning. Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to the Richard family.https://t.co/8zuCcsd2Fg
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 6, 2020
Henri Richard Passes at Age 84
Richard was the younger brother of fellow Habs legend Maurice Richard. The man known as “The Pocket Rocket” won 11 Stanley Cup in his career with the Canadiens and is only one of two professional athletes to win 11 championships as a player. NBA legend Bill Russell was the other with 11 title in basketball.
Richard totaled 358 goals and 688 assists for 1,046 points in 1,256 games, which were all with the Canadiens. His best goal-scoring season was in 1959-60 when he scored 30 and he got his best point total in 1957-58 with 80.
He was a nine-time NHL All-Star and won the Masterton Trophy in 1974. Richard netted 1966 Stanley Cup-winning goal over the Detroit Red Wings in Game 6 of the Final.
He served as the team’s captain from 1971, when he took over for Jean Beliveau, until his retirement in 1975. Richard scored the game-tying and game-winning goals of the 1971 Stanley Cup Final in Game 7 against the Chicago Blackhawks.
He wore the number 16 that was retired on Dec. 10, 1975. Richard was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1979 and was 29th on the Hockey News’ 100 greatest players of all-time list in 1998.
Richard served as ambassador to the club for many years after his retirement. In 2015, it was announced that Richard was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
The Legacy
Richard was one of the most important players in team history. People may talk about his older brother and Beliveau, but he was an integral part of those championship clubs.
He was only 5-foot-7-inches, but he was tenacious and had determination. The younger Richard led the team in games played and is third in points and assists all-time for the Habs.
