Not many people can say that they’re French-Canadian Hockey Legend Maurice “the Rocket” Richard, but for the lucky few with a claim to the Richard name, you know that life as a hockey superstar can be, well, different. If you proudly wear jersey number 9, here are some common experiences that are all too real for Francophone sports legends.
- You played for the Montreal Canadiens from 1942-1960
I know it sounds cliche, but if you had a successful career with Montreal’s hockey team during the Golden Age of the NHL, then chances are, you might be French-Canadian Hockey Legend Maurice “the Rocket” Richard.
- You like kids
With your seven kids and fourteen grandkids, let’s face it; you’re devoted to your family life. When you’re finished with a long day of practice with the Montreal Canadiens, there’s nothing you love more than coming home to your loving family. If you have a substantial brood of French-speaking children, there’s a pretty good possibility that you’re French-Canadian Hockey Legend Maurice “the Rocket” Richard.
- You were the subject of the 2005 biopic The Rocket
Sure– plenty of people have inspired award-winning sports biopics, but were you portrayed by renowned actor Roy Dupuis in a performance that won the “Best Actor” prize at the Tokyo International Film Festival? If you’re French-Canadian Hockey Legend Maurice “the Rocket” Richard, then you can probably relate to being immortalized on the Francophone screen.
- You tend to be an introvert
If you have a reserved nature which masks an aggressive intensity, then you might be French-Canadian Hockey Legend Maurice “The Rocket” Richard! Sometimes, you might feel worn out from social interactions and need some time to yourself. However, your quiet demeanor conceals a fiery passion for your sport that led your team to seven Stanley Cup wins, including five in a row. #IntrovertWinning!
- You were the first non-politician to receive a state funeral from the state of Quebec
After your death from abdominal cancer in 2000, did you receive a state funeral despite not playing a role in politics? Was your legacy after your death so great that your jersey number was retired from the sport? If so, you just might be French-Canadian Hockey Legend Maurice “The Rocket” Richard!
This article changed my life. I used to wonder who I was and now I know. I was saddened to hear about my death from abdominal cancer, but that sadness pales in comparison to finally knowing who I am. Thank you Abigail Meeker! This list gave me the greatest gift one can receive, the knowledge of one’s self.
Whoever wrote this article must be really cool, funny, and sexy. I hope future employers reading this know to hire this amazing, groundbreaking writer who I don’t personally know