The Life of Maurice Richard Trivia Quiz

Answer: 15

Maurice Richard originally sported the number 15 on his back, changing it to 9 when his first daughter, Henrietta, was born. Maurice changed his number in honour of her 9 pounds.

Answer: Toe Blake

As a child, Maurice loved to sit by the radio and listen to Toe Blake score goals as he dreamed of one day playing with the man. Little did he know at the time that he would one day play on the same line as his childhood hero.

Answer: Montreal Canadiens; New York Rangers

Maurice Richard, being a French-Canadian, always dreamed of playing for the Montreal Canadiens and refused to play for any other team, feeling that it would be a betrayal to his people and culture.

Answer: Henri Richard

Maurice played with two of his younger brothers, however his youngest brother was immediately sent to the minors after one game. His eldest younger brother, Henri Richard, played for a while on the same line as his big brother, but as Maurice grew old, began to play with other players.

Answer: 5

Surprisingly enough, Maurice Richard was very fragile but also very aggressive. It was not advised to aggrevate Richard as he would stand up for both himself and his teammates, even if it meant a suspension from Clarence Campbell or injury.

Answer: Smoke Bombing

Although there was a great deal of brawling in the stands at the Forum, after an incident where Maurice Richard elbowed a referee during a scrap on the ice which resulted in a long term suspension (the rest of the season and all of the playoffs), the crowd at the Forum reacted unkindly to Campbell who showed up to watch the game between the Canadiens and the Detroit Red Wings despite being advised not to.

Answer: 5

During the playoffs of one year, Maurice Richard was able to score 5 goals against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The newspaper the next day (March 24, 1944) claimed, "Maurice 5-Toronto 0".

Answer: He was overweight and afraid of being injured

Maurice Richard was overweight. He showed up at training camp weighing over 200 pounds and did not wish to work it off as he "enjoyed eating too much". As well, he had seen what had happened to other players whose bones were brittle. He did not wish to end up like them and wanted to retire while he was on top.

Answer: Montreal Canadiens Vice President

Maurice retired from playing hockey but stayed with the team, promoting Montral Canadiens hockey and working as a vice president. However, he was not given anything to do, so he subsequently quit and spent time with his wife, Lucille.

Answer: 2000

Maurice Richard died in the year 2000 from cancer. His death was a sad affair for many of his strong supporters and was a day of mourning for the French-Canadian people. He will always be remembered as the player who changed hockey and changed the French Canadians, creating a belief of equality and the fight for rights and 'freedom'.