Montreal Canadiens legend Henri Richard has passed away, the team announced on Friday. He was 84 years old.
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
Richard was an 11-time Stanley Cup champion, more than any player in National Hockey League history. He was recognized as one of the 100 best players in league history in 2017 as part of the NHL’s centennial celebrations.
Known as the “Pocket Rocket”, a nod towards his older brother Maurice’s nickname, the younger Richard played 20 NHL seasons scoring 358 goals and adding 688 assists. In his final NHL season, he fittingly played 16 games his jersey number that was retired by the team in 1975. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1979.
Richard has been in poor health forcing him to be out of the public spotlight, including this season when the team honoured all living captains in team history. Richard was captain from 1971 until his retirement in 1975.
Richard is survived by his wife Lise, his children Michèle, Gilles, Denis, Marie-France and Nathalie, 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
