On October 6, 1960, just a few weeks after Maurice Richard announces his retirement, the Canadiens retire the No. 9 jersey that the “Rocket” had popularized over the past 18 seasons.  He becomes just the second player in history – after Howie Morenz in 1937 – to have his jersey raised to the rafters in Montreal.

A true hero of the people, Richard’s exploits over the course of his career were truly remarkable.  He was the first player in the history of the league to notch 50 goals in a season, a feat he accomplished in only 50 games.  He was also the first NHLer to score 500 career goals.  He hoisted the Stanley Cup on eight occasions, four of those as captain, from 1956 to 1960.  He still holds numerous franchise records, including most goals scored during the regular season (544) and playoffs (82).