MONTREAL — Maurice Richard, the legendary goal scorer for the Montreal Canadiens, has been officially designated as a historic figure in Quebec. The announcement was made on Sunday by Quebec Culture Minister Mathieu Lacombe during a ceremony at the Bell Centre, attended by Richard's family.

Lacombe praised Richard, stating, "Maurice Richard was not only an exceptional athlete…he also embodied the pride and aspirations of French-speaking Quebecers." This recognition comes just days before the 25th anniversary of Richard's passing on May 27, 2000.

The government defines a historic figure as someone who has passed away and played a significant role in the province's history. Richard joins a select group of athletes, including strongman Louis Cyr, among the over 100 individuals honored with this title.

Known as "the Rocket," Richard made his mark in the NHL starting in the 1940s. He was the first player to score 50 goals in 50 games during the 1944-45 season. Remarkably, five of those goals came in a single game, a 9-1 victory against Detroit, after he had spent the day helping his family move furniture.

Throughout his 18-year career, Richard led the Canadiens to eight Stanley Cup victories and remains the team's all-time leading scorer in both regular season and playoff games, according to a government news release.

Richard's legacy is deeply intertwined with the identity and struggles of French-speaking Quebecers. Lacombe noted that Richard was a catalyst for the cultural and social awakening known as the Quiet Revolution.

The fervor surrounding Richard peaked in March 1955 when fans reacted violently to a three-game suspension he received. The outrage led to the infamous Richard riot, where crowds in downtown Montreal smashed windows, overturned cars, and clashed with police. The unrest only subsided after Richard himself appealed for calm over the radio.

At the ceremony, Richard's son, Maurice Richard Jr., reflected on his father's character, saying, "He played a sport he loved, he loved his fellow citizens, he always played in Montreal, he was proud to be a Quebecer. I think that was enough for him."

The event concluded with the unveiling of a plaque in Richard's honor, which will be permanently installed at a yet-to-be-determined location. This designation follows the Quebec legislature's recent adoption of a law recognizing hockey as the province's official sport.