Last game at the Montreal Forum - Maurice Rocket Richard ovation
This is the classic standing ovation that was given to Maurice "Rocket" Richard after the last game ever played at the Montreal Forum. The video is UNEDITED and COMPLETE. If you wish to debate the duration of the ovation, please read this first:
1) I am hardcore fan the Canadiens. This is my team. I am a real fan - no character assassination is required to argue with me.
2) I can certify that the video here was taped LIVE and is not edited - in the recent DVDs, its is the exact same length as above with no edits. Besides why would they edit the ovation in the DVDs? Even the official Habs site has it wrong, but it doesn't matter - its what the Rocket represents that is most important.
3) Historians have shown that the duration of the ovation has increased in how people remember it, even those who were present at that memorable game. The ovation has been said to have lasted 7, 10, 12, 14 & even 18 minutes!
4) If you have a longer version of the actual ovation, prove me wrong - I would love to see it. :-)
He wasn't just a man. He was a symbol and a hero for every french canadian.
Well said!
I agree, the greatest hockey player ever, Montreal Canadiens Legend, Maurice !! ROCKET !! Richard 9.
No, not just for french Canadians. Every boy in the province.
@@loo2yoo I agree. I was just pointing at the fact that at this period in Quebec history it wasnt easy to be french canadian. He helped to change that in a way.
Every hockey player.. fuckin legend
My father was an avid fan of "Rocket" Richard. My cousin a young hockey player was killed on the ring during a game. He was 16. Rocket Richard--his hero came to his funeral.
That sounds like something he would do.
God love you, your cousin and The Rocket
Belated condolences for your cousin.
prove it
@@hoss-lk4bg WHY? WHAT DO YOU CARE IF IT'S TRUE?
36 years after retirement and he gets a 7 minute standing ovation... Incredible.
He was more than a hockey player to the people of Québec
They would have gone another 7 minutes had the announcer finally decided to speak and even then he struggled to be heard
This man right here is the greatest hockey legend of all time. You people who's not from Montreal don't even how big he was. He was bigger than his sport. He was the voice of the french canadian people who was fighting to being accepted by the rest of Canada at this time. He fought for his teammates and for his people with passion and humility and he was the symbol of hardworking. RIP the Rocket Richard, the greatest and most powerful player to ever play hockey
Emmènes en de la pression.
Anyone who is an NHL fan will know he left a HUGE mark on the league! So big there is an award named after him!
He's a cultural icon and only one of eleven players to have the waiting period waved for the HOF
No one in hockey ever, not even Gretzky can draw a standing ovation like he did.
@@3333bongman Gordie Howe got that reception at the 1980 All Star Game. Both of them deserved every second of them. Just watched "The Rocket: Maurice Richard" for about the 10th time last night. I'm an American, so I cannot relate to what he (and so many French Canadians) went through. Richard deserves every accolade he has ever been given, and much more. RIP Rocket.
The only man who’s suspension caused a city-wide riot. That’s how much The Rocket meant for the Habs fans. Rest In Peace #9, you are missed
And it unofficially marked the start of the Quiet Revolution in Quebec.
Hockey's cathedral: The Montreal Forum.
If, by some stretch of ignorance he had no idea how much he was loved and appreciated, I am so glad he had no doubt before he died. Hockey Legend. RIP.
I'm a die-hard Bruins fan but this video brings me to tears every time. Truly one of the greatest of all time.
Same with me. I was too young to remember him play. And on that night, i thought he was going to have a heart attack!
Same for me.. and he represented something we ll never see again in mtl... québécois used to be victim of a lot of racism in his years and he always stood up tall. Got targeted by players, referees and even the league commissioner and never lost his passion to battle hard every night. He is the Babe Ruth of hockey, a modest guy giving everything on and off the ice.. Every time I am struggling I watch this video.. he would have never admitted it but he paved the way for Québécois to stand their ground and be united as a people
unlocked I am raising my kids in a pure hatred tradition for the Bruins, but i salute and welcome your comment Sir.
Thank-you so much unlocked, greatly appreciated by a HABS fan
@@fredguerin5395 can I just correct that I am not a sir lol, but I feel like I'm too young to go by ma'am
I like to imagine that's also how he was welcomed into Heaven. The word 'legend' doesn't do the man enough justice. Bless you Maurice, RIP
Did you know that he even appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show? kzhead.info/sun/f9FxnamSoZ1_l2w/bejne.html
he never went to heaven.....hes in the hockey hall of Fame
Better be hockey in heaven.
@@waynejohanson1083 i hope theres hockey in hell.. .dont want to miss out.
@@godhere6459 no ice in hell
This ovation is the cultural celebration of their greatest hero. Rocket Richard transcended his sport to become a living icon. He became the symbol of struggle against anglo tyranny, embodied by unfair refs, illegal enemy attacks, and Clarence Campbell's suspending him, inciting the Richard Riots. Such an incredibly heavy load to bear, to not only carry the team on the scoreboard and in the trenches, but also carry the hopes and dreams of an entire province. The fact that he did it so valiantly, and inspired so many, is what makes grown men cry everytime they see this.
Jesus, does that town ever know how to do an ovation. Incredible.
That town hockey was a religion and Rocket Richard was their Jesus And no I'm not kidding
Same thing with hulk hogan when he went there
@@ohwell94 so true he was a God in Montreal
Montreal Forum, Hockey's Cathedral
100%. Nobody does it better. Was the same in the streets the day of his funeral. Amazing.
In the National Film Board of Canada documentary, "The Rocket", Richard wondered if, as he aged and grew old, people would still remember him. Maurice got his answer that night.
Us hockey fans never forget legends.
@@jonnych1839 Legends never die. Their story just gets passed on to the next generation.
Maurice deserved every second of that ovation.
This isn’t just a celebration of Maurice Richard, it’s a celebration for all French speaking Canadians who see themselves in him. He is one of them, and he brought pride to all French speaking Canadians. Le Habitant!
Hi Zephead76, Maurice Richard carried with him all the hopes, values, traditions... of the French Canadians along with him. I lived that era, Peace be with you, Ciao, L
You cannot claim to be a bonafide NHL fan unless you knew about Rocket, and what a large impact he had on the sport and on his fellow Quebecois!
I'm a black guy from Cincinnati and was born 12 years after Richard's last game. I love hockey and know much about the history and legacy of the Rocket. Few if any players are as revered as Richard was
Even as a Leafs fan, it was this moment that turned me into a die hard sports fan. The raw emotion and love for their hero was an amazing moment(or many) to see. I will never forget this. Long live The Rocket.
I admit that I'm not a Canadiens fan, but just watching this gives me chills. We will never see another one like the Rocket.
So true, the one and only Montreal Canadiens Legend Maurice !! ROCKET !! Richard.
Have you ever seen something so beautiful?
This video brings tears to my eyes every time. Love you Grandpa❤️
In 2011, my oldest daughter was a high school freshman in Central NJ. She had to do a project for her French class on cultural icons. She wanted to do a project on Maurice Richard (she knew that I always regretting not meeting Henri). Not only was it a perfect choice, but it was the one I would've recommended. The next day, the students shared their subject topics. When my daughter said she was doing her project on "The Rocket," the teacher, who grew up in Montreal and lived their for over 25 years became visibly emotional. It was a fresh reminder of his father's death only a few months prior. He wasn't aware of my affinity for sports history (and history in general). It was an integral part of my children's formative years. He apologized to the class for losing his composure. My daughter said "you don't have to apologize for anything. I'm not even a hockey fan and I cried. When someone gets a 7+ minute standing ovation - there is a meaning beyond sport."
Best ovation ever!!
Another die hard Bruins fan. First class individual like Jean Beliveau. Rocket was the best pure scorer in the game. He still had that fire in his eyes. Nice to see Habs fan show their appreciation. I miss the old Forum, Boston Garden.
From a Leafs fan, the Rocket is an absolutely Quebecois and Canadian legend. Get chills watching this level of adoration and respect from the crowd.
The fans in Montreal are the best fans in any sport. This is just one example.
Damn right!! Once, at a Ruins- Habs game...I started the "Na-na-na goodbye" at the end of the game...Lil' rush to get 21 200+ fans chanting...
They are the best when it's for a positive things...but they can also be the worst too. Like trashing their city even when they win the cup.
Slatko Vafangula no one is perfect
Used to be... now they're lame asf
Speaking as an Anglophone who grew up in that era, we loved our team.
I cry every time I watch this.
Just imagine the Conversations that Mr.Rocket and Mr.Beliveau are Having right now looking down on the NHL .
Wow, nicely put :)
Yes, wondering what the hell happened to les Canadiens du Montréal. 😢
Montreal just isn't the same without the old Forum. R.I.P Maurice
Rocket was old school, he was like "ok, enough with this shit." People just didn't want to stop.
There is no stopping a Rocket ovation in Montreal. This could've lasted a month and people would go until they passed out from hunger and fatigue
There will NEVER, EVER, EVER be another player like him.....
I live in Ontario. I was born in Montreal but moved here in 1983. My dad was older when he had me so he was born in Montreal in 1930 and lived there most of his adult life. As a Ontario Habs fan I can say this. No matter how long you spent there you will always be a Habs fans in your heart forever. I grew up cheering for Roy with my father and loved every second of it. When the Rocket died we packed up and went to Montreal. A city that was shut down in mourning. He is and will always be missed.
Such a humble man. The Legend Maurice 'Rocket' Richard.
Im a Leafs fan all the way, but this is easily one of the greatest moments in hockey history. God bless you, Rocket...
I don't think any player will receive this kind of ovation ever again.
Men of great accomplishment are the most humble men in the world.
A great city of great hockey fans saluting one of the greatest ever to play. Magnificent.
I was very fortunate to have met him, gave me an autograph such a nice person
I met Maurice at an Autograph signing in the late '90's. He was truly a great gentleman and a great hockey player. This is coming from a Bruins fan. RESPECT!!!!!!
Tony Whitehill cheers my friend
He even appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show kzhead.info/sun/f9FxnamSoZ1_l2w/bejne.html
Maurice was bigger then Hockey and legend ! I watched that night Maurice Richard stepped on to the Forum ice for the final time . I figured out that night what it really meant to be a Montreal Canadiens fan . Thank you Maurice , you will forever be loved and never forgotten ! You are everything hockey stands for and everything a champion should be ! .......Merci beaucoup .
Beautiful. when his eyes start to tear up, just for a second they flash that fire he was so known for, for that second he was pissed that they made him cry.😁
This should be played in every Locker room,, before every practice and before every game. LONG LIVE MAURICE RICHARD. LONG LIVE HIS NAME.
the greatest montreal Canadian right there folks
Probably the greatest hockey player evee.
joe guy If you have not seen the picture of Maurice Richard shaking the hand of the Bruins goalie, after the habs won the serie, back in 1952, it is worth googling it. Type: 'Maurice Richard bruins goalie' and go in images. This image says it all. All my respect to Montreal fans, and to Mr. Richard. May he rest in peace.
Raphael Huard and considering the sheer rivalry between those teams, that was like the Christmas Truce of 1914.
The greatest of all time, no other player will ever accomplish what he did, simply the greatest
Canadiens***
Im a 43 yo man bprn and raised in Toronto, Ontario. I never watched Maurice Richard play but his story, his life, his legacy...... this is a true Legend. This was an incredible moment
I grew up in Boston idolizing Bobby Orr, and my beloved Bruins,but this tribute by the Montreal fans brought tears to my eyes. As a devoted hockey fan and amateur historian of the game, I have always respected the illustrious history of the Hab’s and there long line of great players. Not long ago I visited Maurice’s grave to pay my respects and reflect on his incredible career. God rest his soul and of course sadly my other idol growing up, the great Guy Lefleur. REST EASY FLOWER 🙏🏻
Montréal vs Boston are the reel symbol of hockey.😘
4:13 madame et monsieur Crowd : sorry were not done yet ovation go harder lol
I grew up in Detroit watching Gordie Howe and I think he was the best all-around player ever. That said, from the blue line in, nobody will ever come close to the Rocket. He was a force that just could not be denied. Modern players don't come close to matching his will to win. Rocket--you're the man!
I'm not Canadian, but I hope I see the HABS get the cup one more time in my lifetime.
I adored Maurice Richard from the moment I landed in Montreal as a 9-year old immigrant from England in 1953. There never has been another athlete in any sport who so embodied the will to win. The day he retired in 1960 was one of the saddest of my life; I actually cried,. Now I'm an old man of 66, and my wife tells me I still talk about him in my sleep. Maurice has meant a great deal to me all my life, and I have loved him for it and always will. This ovation was no more than he deserved.
The Rocket & Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe, my idol, both class acts. RIP to both & have great games in hockey Heaven.
C'est le héro de mon peuple, rien de moins.
I remember seeing this and blown away by the length it was no exaggeration. I’m a die Islanders fan from the early 70’s. This man was THE LIVING LEGEND OF HOCKEY!!!
The cool thing about this is that about 80% of these people NEVER saw him play! William Faulkner was once hired by LIFE to do a piece on him and he described his eyes as having "the lethal quality of snakes".
I've lost track of how many times I've watched this video but it never fails to bring a lump to my throat. He was such a great a man and I'm very grateful that I was able to meet him. In fact I still have my copy of "The Hockey Sweater" that The Rocket autographed for me.
Need to watch this once a year or so just to remember class and honour.
On est en 2022 ... pis ça me fais encore pleurer ... une LÉGENDE, un GRAND HOMME, un SYMBOLE, un INNOUBLIABLE et un IMMORTEL dans tout le coeur des Fans!! Go Habs Go !!!
Rocket retired one year before I was born, but my father had been a season ticket holder in Boston in the late fifties and could not rave enough about Richard's relentless focus on winning. I had the good fortune to see quite a bit of his brother Henri, who won more Cups than anybody else in history, towards the end of his career. He was still formidable, as the '71 Blackhawks found out in Game 7. I'd take Henri for my first line guy if I had one game to win. The fact that his brother had been even better is downright scary. 19 Cups between two brothers.
It is the feel of the king ....three generations admiring him ....he is real king of hockey
Tremendous respect for a GREAT player......and I've been a New York Ranger fan since 1965.........Jean Beliveau was the other NOBLE Canadien......bigger than life!!!!
Best hockey moment ever!!!
I was there..you couldnt help but get swept up even if you never saw him play The amount of respect in that building was overwhelming
Wow years later and I still tear up,,
watch saku koivu's return from cancer. I tear up everytime as well
Me too!
He even appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show! kzhead.info/sun/f9FxnamSoZ1_l2w/bejne.html
@@edmourgagnon1504 How about Vladimir Konstantinov (a.k.a. "The Vladiator") of the Red Wings and the overwhelming pourdown of respect they gave him when he was introduced to the Joe Louis Arena faithful in 1998 after surviving a near-fatal limo crash that almost killed him, it brought my late mother down to tears and even nowadays almost somewhat breaks me down too.
So proud to say I was there. My 5th trip to the old forum.
This man was a working class legend, never will sports know someone so close to the common man with so much courage. He never knew he would get this kind of acclaim. He was smeared, exploited, humiliated, underpaid, injured, ganged up on. They even gave fake assists to his competitors to make sure he never won the scoring title. But he persevered and the man became a hero, after he retired he became a legend and now that he passed away his exploits are so great that he will soon become a myth. RIP Rocket, you are the greatest sports folk hero to play the game.
That sign in the crowd said it best: A "Totally Sacred Night."
I'm surprised that the NHL never retired #9 permenantly. Tough though cause Gordie Howe #9 to. Maybe they should retire the #9 for both Richard & Gordie Howe
I agree they retired #99 for some one who in my opinion was no where near the level of Maurice and Howe......
James Nash You're entitled to your opinion, but you have no valid argument or evidence to prove that Wayne Gretzky wasn't the greatest hockey player of all time. HOWEVER.... I 100% agree that #9 should be retired in honor of both Gordie Howe and Maurice Richard. That being said...... in all honesty......... Montreal loves Maurice Richard more than Edmonton loves Wayne Gretzky... and if you've ever lived in Edmonton, you'd know how heavy that statement that is.
Yes I do watch him play close always banging the ice ALWAYS PUG HOG AND A GLORY HOG without everyone else around him building his legend there would be NO legend unlike players like Maurice who lugged the puck in deep with people on their back played with broken ribs ankles jaws yeah I have no valid argument or evidence go back to the original six kid and watch some replays until then go fuck yourself and have a nice day!
James Nash See, you have no valid argument. How is Gretzky a glory hog when he can make a scrub player like Dave Semenko an icon? How is he a coat-tail rider when he was still a Mega-star after leaving the Oilers? How is he a puck hog by having more assists than goals? Why shouldn't he get the puck when he's the one running the offensive possession? And how is Gretzky weak when he had to face bigger players than him EVERY SINGLE NIGHT, as they all tried to become famous by being the "Guy Who Took Out Gretz"? And how is not tough by being a man who played with a bounty on his head EVERY NIGHT, while still leading the offensive rush? Your comment has no truth to it at all. And using YOUR own theory, Howe isn't a superstar because the NHL had the best of the best with only 6 teams, with no room for any crappy players, meaning he was only as good as his teammates, like Delvecchio, Lindsay and Sawchuck in net. And then you'd be saying that Richard isn't a superstar because he had Beliveau, Geoffrion, Brother Henri, and Moore. Your theory doesn't work. Howe is a legend. Richard is a legend. And Gretzky is a legend. They all deserve to have their numbers retired. "Now go get ya fuckin shine box!" lol.
Don't forget Bobby Hull. He also wore the number 9.
Sabres fan here with much respect and admiration for "The Rocket"....
Maurice Richard is part of the explation Québec is still a thing... A legent, a hero... my idol.
I remember being close to tears watching this on tv....and years later when Richard's funeral was televised and Cardinal Turcotte talked about how the ovation went on and on until Richard himself motioned "enough..." I was in tears. It's a sad thing to realize that players like this can't ever have the kind of connection and effect on the people of a city because they just don't stay loyal to any one team.
I'm a die hard bruins fan but I have the upmost respect for Richard and proudly call him the greatest hockey player that ever lived.
Toronto here - when I was a little boy, I was at an event with my dad and Maurice Richard was there. My dad sent me over to get his autograph - I had no idea who he was but of course I did what my dad said. I think my dad wanted his autograph but was afraid to ask. I got the autograph, and it's something I still remember to this day. Maybe I was 7 or 8 years old - almost 69 now.
When something like that happen to you, you know you did something good in your life... RIP Maurice ! On t'aime !
Richard was my favorite old school player. Man those eyes he had just devilish. Great standing O. He is worth it. Such passion!
All heart! This guy gave his all. They don't make them like that anymore. I was lucky enough to see him play, especially the 5 cups, and meet him twice.
In 1972 The Rocket coached the Quebec Nordiques for their first 1 or 2 games. I was at the opener at the old Cleveland Arena. It wasn't this long, but he easily got the longest ovation of any person there that night. They kept the spotlight on him and it was a real education for me about his greatness.
Ce moment que tu réalises que t’es l’idole d’un peuple entier depuis 50 ans.
If that doesnt put a tear to your eye idk what does
I get goosebumps all over me whenever I see this video. I have been a hardcore Canadiens fan despite living in the heart of Red Wings country. I had the pleasure of meeting and talking hockey with the Rocket. And he had his brother Henri in tow, and the second time he had Jean Beliveau. Being a lifelong Habs fan, those two days will stick with me forever, and are the happiest days of my life. Thank you Maurice, and thank you Montreal Canadiens for bringing so much joy into my life.
Amazing. And deserved.
Montreal has the best fans I've ever seen. And I am a New Yorker
It doesn't matter what city, what sport, or who the player is, nowhere is anybody loved like Maurice "The Rocket" Richard was/is in Montreal.
Merci Maurice, merci! Humble, quiet but fearless. A man's man. A man who gave French Canadians something to stand up and cheer about!
All Canadians, a lot just don’t know it.
@@marcbrisson3 Get out of here with that all lives matter shit, Canada always has to appropriate our shit, just let us have this one, you already took pootseen.
@@StoufSto easy on the current political climate buzzwords my good friend, how do you I’m not a proud French Canadian letting the rest of the country know of the hero they know nothing about? Il est l’hero des francophones et non seulement es québécois. Qui autre peu être cet homme?
@@marcbrisson3 They aren't buzzwords, they have a meaning, learn it.
@@StoufSto you must be a very angry person. You have nothing to teach me or anybody.
He was never just a hockey player, he was so much more than that.
C’est pourquoi tu devrais mettre ton accent dans « Pépin » ,la mémoire ça s’honore.😉
Henri " the pocket rocket " Richard brought me here. R.I.P Henri, hanging out with the older brother once again. GHG.
I am 52 years old. I never played hockey but I am a big fan of the game. I never grew up in cold weather so places like Ice rinks were non existent. I never saw The Rocket play. He was much before my time, but after watching the movie about his life and seeing this STUNNING tribute to a man...a LEGEND! It brought tears to my eyes. The ovation lasted well over 5 minutes. I am STILL STUNNED and in complete awe of this true gentleman. Sorry for my poor French but....VIVA RICHARD!. RIp...true champion.😪
Haha viva is spanish i think
I have a feeling he was liked in Montreal lol
he was beloved in Montreal
He may as well have been its new patron saint!
If the Rocket can make Habs fans and Leafs fans come together, the guy is truly a Saint :-)
I have watched this fantastic vid now 3 times in a row and I am crying like a baby...and I am a total loyal true Blueshirt Rangers fan...Fucking fantastic tribute!
I remember watching this and explaining to my girlfriend what he meant to the Canadiens, Canada and French speaking Canadians. She was moved watching him break down at the ovation.
as a Bruins fan i respect him.
I don't think there will ever be anywhere else like the Forum. The history, and the amazing hockey players from the best hockey team ever... I loved going there...
I've watched this video many time over the years, I got goose-bumps every time!! A Flames Fan
I remember that night. I was sick watching the game at home. Of all the goals scored and Stanley Cups won, The greatest night at the Forum was the last one. Most of the people that night in the crowd weren't even born when the Rocket played his last game.
Je suis d'accord...👏🏼
Chills. This folks. Is a true legend. Wow.
Very well respected and tough hockey player, A Leafs fan
The Canadian Named Brandon yup they didn’t need goons to protect the stars back then. The Rocket was one tough son of gun.
😂🤣😂🤣 Get outta here with thay logo
@@foreigndrank459 Are your eyes too fat to look elsewhere?
@@truenorthcanadian5628 bro I dont mind your politics . 🤣🇨🇦 A laugh cam out of me though 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
Watching this, no one can say fans don't care about history, the old players, what have you. Maurice Richard received a SIXTEEN MINUTE ovation from Canadiens fans. There's a reason why they're the best supporters in hockey.
i may not be a habs fan, but ill admit it the canadiens had some of the greatest hockey legends.
As a Canadian I may not know a lot about Hockey, but I know he was an amazing man and a fantastic player of the greatest sport in Canada. Long live Maurice Richard .
The best there is, the best there was, the best there ever will be. Rest in Peace Rocket
I'm a Leafs fan forever but I remembered watching this live and this part got me all teary eyed. Even now when I watch it, I get teary too. =( If ever a player deserved such an amazing ovation it would be him and I think its awesome that he was alive to experience it before he passed on a few years later.
Remember watching this on TV knew going in that when Richard was introduced the crowd at the Forum would erupt and they did Richard was a ''God '' in Montreal.
Thanks. The Rocket was one of a kind and there never will be anyone again who will be as determined to score and win. I read the Howie Morenz story and he must have been about as intense as Maurice.
I am a life long Leafs fan who bleeds blue and white! However when it comes " the Rocket" he has my sincere respect and admiration for his legacy for Montreal AND all NHL fans! He personified perseverance, dedication and excellence of execution!!!! Belated condolences to his family and fans!
I got to meet the Rocket, at a NAPA trade show in Montreal. We were setting up our booth and a guy told me Rocket was just around the corner. I moved the curtain to the booth and there he was, all alone. Very old, smiled, and just nodded as I asked for his autograph. I dont think that he understood me.I don't know where the autograph went, but meeting him still gives me chills.