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Henri Richard

Henri Richard was a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who spent his entire NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens from 1955 to 1975.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Henri Richard was a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who spent his entire NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens from 1955 to 1975. Nicknamed the “Pocket Rocket,” he won a record 11 Stanley Cup championships as a player and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1979.

Early life and family

Henri Richard was born in Montreal in 1936. He was the younger brother of Maurice Richard, one of the most famous players in hockey history.

NHL career with Montreal Canadiens

Richard played his entire professional career with the Montreal Canadiens, debuting in 1955 and retiring in 1975. He became known for his playmaking, consistency, and long run on championship teams.

Championships and honours

Richard won 11 Stanley Cups, a record for any player. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1979 and later included among the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players.

Legacy

Richard is remembered as one of the most successful players in North American team sports. His achievements remain closely associated with the Canadiens’ dynasty years.

Key facts

  • He played 20 NHL seasons, all with the Montreal Canadiens.
  • He won 11 Stanley Cups as a player, the most in NHL history.
  • He recorded 1,046 points in 1,258 NHL regular-season games, with 358 goals and 688 assists.
  • He was nicknamed the “Pocket Rocket” because he was the younger brother of Maurice Richard.
  • His No. 16 jersey was retired by the Montreal Canadiens.
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Canadian context

Henri Richard was one of Canada’s most celebrated hockey players and a major figure in Montreal Canadiens history, making him especially relevant to Canadian sports culture and NHL history.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Henri Richard?
Henri Richard was a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who played his entire NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens from 1955 to 1975.
How many Stanley Cups did Henri Richard win?
He won 11 Stanley Cups as a player, the most in NHL history.
Why was Henri Richard called the “Pocket Rocket”?
He earned the nickname because he was the younger brother of Maurice “Rocket” Richard and was smaller in stature than his brother.
What team did Henri Richard play for?
He played only for the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL.
Was Henri Richard in the Hockey Hall of Fame?
Yes. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1979.

References

  1. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/news/henri-richard-dies-315927688
    Supports: Death, Canadiens career, 11 Stanley Cup titles, family connection to Maurice Richard
  2. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/news/henri-richard-100-greatest-nhl-players-284216886
    Supports: Nickname, career statistics, Hall of Fame induction, 100 Greatest NHL Players recognition, jersey retirement
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_Richard
    Supports: Birth and death dates, NHL career span, position, championships, nickname
  4. StatMuse — https://www.statmuse.com/nhl/player/henri-richard-5821
    Supports: Career statistics, Hall of Fame induction, 11 Stanley Cups