Who Is Maurice Richard? Age, Biography and Wiki
Maurice Richard, born on August 4, 1921, was a legendary Canadian ice hockey player who left an indelible mark on the sport. Known for his incredible skill, tenacity, and competitive spirit, he played the majority of his career with the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League (NHL). Richard became the first player in NHL history to score 50 goals in a single season and remains an iconic figure in Canadian sports, passing away on May 27, 2000. As of 2025, Richard would have celebrated his 104th birthday, making his legacy even stronger as new generations continue to learn about his achievements.
| Occupation | Hockey Player |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 4, 1921 |
| Age | 78 Years |
| Birth Place | Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | Canada |
| Date of death | 27 May, 2000 |
| Died Place | Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
Popularity
Maurice Richard's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Maurice Richard stood at an impressive 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) and weighed approximately 180 pounds (82 kg) during his playing days. His physical attributes, combined with his fierce determination, made him one of the most formidable forwards in the history of ice hockey.
Injury again sidelined Richard as his rookie season ended after only 16 games when he suffered a broken leg. The string of broken bones so early in his career left observers wondering if Richard was too fragile to play at the highest levels.
He made a second attempt to enlist with the military but was again turned down after x-rays revealed that his bones had not healed properly; Richard's ankle was left permanently deformed, forcing him to alter his skating style.
Humiliated by the rejection, he intensified his training and reported to Montreal's training camp for the 1943–44 season fully healthy. The arrival of his daughter Huguette prompted Richard to change his uniform to number 9 to match her birth weight of nine pounds.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Maurice Richard was married to Lucille Richard, with whom he shared a strong and supportive relationship. They had five children together, and Richard’s commitment to his family was as significant as his dedication to the sport. Despite his fame, he maintained a humble lifestyle and was deeply connected to his roots, often attributing his success to the support of his loved ones. As of 2025, there is no new information regarding the personal relationships of Richard posthumously.
His father, Onésime Richard, was originally from the Gaspé region of Quebec, before moving to Montreal, where he married Maurice's mother, Alice Laramée. The couple settled in the neighbourhood of Nouveau-Bordeaux.
Maurice was the oldest of eight children; he had three sisters: Georgette, Rollande and Marguerite; and four brothers: René, Jacques, Henri and Claude. The Richards struggled during the Great Depression; Onésime lost his job in 1930 and the family relied on government aid until he was re-hired by the railway around 1936.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 2000, Maurice Richard's estimated net worth was around $5 million. Throughout his career, he earned considerable amounts from his salary with the Montreal Canadiens, including various endorsements, appearances, and memorabilia sales. The enduring popularity of Richard’s legacy means that his estate continues to see revenue from merchandise and memorabilia, ensuring that his financial legacy remains secure even decades after his retirement.
As the reigning most valuable player, Richard sought a pay raise prior to the 1947–48 season. General manager Frank Selke refused, even after Richard and team captain Émile Bouchard both sat out the Canadiens' preseason before capitulating and returning to the team when the season began.
The Punch line was broken up after Blake suffered a career-ending leg injury. Richard's season also ended early as he missed the final games of the season due to a knee injury. He finished second in team scoring with 53 points in 53 games, but Montreal missed the playoffs.
After recording only 38 points in 1948–49, Richard posted a 65-point campaign the next season and his 43 goals led the NHL for the third time. In 1950–51, Richard scored 42 goals, including his 271st career goal, making him Montreal's all-time goal leader.
Career, Business, and Investments
Maurice Richard's career is marked by numerous prestigious awards and records, including eight Art Ross Trophies and two Hart Trophies as the league's MVP. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1961, solidifying his status as one of hockey's greats. Post-retirement, Richard was involved in various charitable endeavors and was a prominent figure in Canadian sports media. He also engaged in business ventures, including endorsements and promotional appearances, which contributed to his legacy beyond the rink.
Joseph Henri Maurice "Rocket" Richard (, ; August 4, 1921 – May 27, 2000) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Montreal Canadiens. He was the first player in NHL history to score 50 goals in one season, accomplishing the feat in 50 games in 1944–45, and the first to reach 500 career goals.
Social Network
Though Maurice Richard passed away in 2000, his influence remains celebrated across various social media platforms. Fans regularly share content and memories of his playing days, contributing to a virtual community that honors his legacy. The Montreal Canadiens continue to highlight Richard's accomplishments on their official social media channels, ensuring that new fans can learn about his extraordinary contributions to the sport.
Richard retired in 1960 as the National Hockey League's all-time leader in goals with 544. He won the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player in 1947, played in 13 All-Star Games and was named to 14 post-season NHL All-Star teams, eight on the first team. In 2017, Richard was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history.
His younger brother Henri also played his entire career with the Canadiens, the two as teammates for Maurice's last five years. A centre nicknamed the "Pocket Rocket", Henri is enshrined alongside Maurice in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Education
Maurice Richard had a humble upbringing and did not pursue formal education past high school. He began playing hockey at a young age and quickly excelled in the sport, dedicating himself to honing his skills. His early experiences in the local leagues set the foundation for what would become a groundbreaking career in professional ice hockey.
