Maurice Richard Net Worth | Charity & Endorsements

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The eight-time Stanley Cup winner Maurice Richard has a net worth of around $1.5 to $5.5 million. 

Maurice Richard is a professional ice hockey player from Canada who played NHL from 1942 to 1960.

Ice hockey is an immensely skilled sport that requires aerobic base, speed, and strength. Maurice had all the qualities that made him one of the best wingers of the game.

He was popularly known as “The Rocket” for taking advantage of his opponents to make risky plays pay off.

Maurice Richard NHL
Maurice Richard

Maurice was interested in ice hockey from an early age. When he was four years old, Richard received his first pair of ice skates.

He spent his childhood skating on local rivers and a little ice rink that his father built in their garden.

Throughout, he honed his skills to be known among the top 100 NHL players of all time. As a result, he has several honors to his name, including “male athlete of the year” three times.

As one of the most respected & well-known figures in hockey, Richard is adored by fans who love the game.

Also, here are some quick facts about the player before we head any further into the details.

Quick Facts

Name Maurice Richard
Full Name Joseph Henri Maurice Richard
Nick Name  “The Rocket”
“The Comet”
Birthdate August 4, 1921
Death May 27, 2000
Age at Death 78
Birthplace Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Sexual Orientation Straight
Zodiac sign Leo
Chinese Zodiac Rooster
Nationality Canadian
Religion Christianity
Body type Athletic
Hair Color Black
Eye color Dark Brown
Height 5’10” (178 cm)
Weight 180 lb (82 kg)
Profession Professional Ice Hockey Player
Position Right-wing
Shot Left
Played for Montreal Canadiens
National Team Canada
Played for Montreal Canadiens
Playing Career 1942–1960
Major Achievements 1957 Lou Marsh Trophy
8x Stanley Cup Champion,
8x First-Team All-Star NHL,
3x Canadian Press Male Athlete of the Year,
Parents Onésime Richard (Father),
Alice Laramée (Mother)
Siblings Georgette, Rollande and Marguerite Richard (Sisters)
René, Jacques, Henri and Claude Richard (Brother)
Relationship status Married
Married Year June 26, 1993
Wife Lucille Norchet
Children Huguette, Maurice Jr.,
Norman, André, Suzanne, Polo,
Jean Richard
Grand Children 14
Net Worth $1.5 to $5.5 Million
Merch  Jersey, Autographed Items
Last Update October, 2024

Maurice Richard Net Worth and Income

Maurice Richard made this tremendous net worth of millions from his professional hockey career and investments. Similarly, he’s had his fair share of involvement in sponsorships and endorsements.

Per Hockey Zone Plus, Maurice earned US$237,271 from his career earnings. When converted into the present market, it converts to around US$2,428,983.

Despite peaking early in 1950, Maurice Richard’s net worth still ranks #4423 in NHL / hockey earnings.

However, he didn’t start big when he began his NHL career. Instead, Maurice signed a one-year contract worth $3,500 after his draft pick by the Canadiens.

By the next season, Maurice was on a $5158 base salary.

Per sources, Maurice earned CAN$250 in bonus because Montreal finished in 1st place. Likewise, he also was awarded CAN$475 for scoring 32 goals.

According to Classic Auctions, by the 1957-1958 season, Richard was earning around $20,860 plus bonuses.

Furthermore, right before retirement, he had signed a one-year contract for CAN$12,000. The deal also included clauses that he would get a $ 100 per goal score.

Additionally, despite retiring before the 1960-61 season, he was provided his salaries. The salary accounted for $25,775, and it was in honor of his 18 years career.

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Maurice Richard | Lifestyle

Maurice Richard has his share of controversies on the field and NHL Chairman. Yet, everyone close to him recalls Maurice as a wonderful person both off the field.

The late player lived with his wife Lucille most of the time and had seven children with her. Off the field, he would always spend time with his family.

Since he was a professional NHL player, fitness to him was a must. His fitness had a direct impact on his agility and speed.

In a 1971 interview, Maurice revealed that he had even considered dieting towards the end of his career to stay fit.

Moreover, he admitted that he had tried dieting a few times and lost around 10 pounds each time. But, it left him feeling and exhausted and dizzy.

But, at his prime, Maurice had a famous pre-game diet. It included a filet mignon, a potato, another vegetable, and tomato juice. This was sometimes followed by fruit or ice cream, and Maurice considered this way of eating lucky.

Maurice used to go to a players’ meeting in the morning on game days, per an archive record. Then, he would return at three o’clock and spend time with his wife drinking coffee with her till the game.

Maurice Richard | Charity

Maurice Richard not only thrived in what he did but left a legacy behind. He is one of the only players to receive an 11-minute standing ovation. Throughout, he has used his platform to raise his voice for the community.

The Maurice Richard Family Foundation was established to honor his legacy. The main premise of the non-profit org was to raise funds to send poor youngsters to hockey camp.

They believed that hockey could empower children and families stricken by poverty. It is a long-term goal of providing scholarships and opportunities to those that can’t afford them.

For years, the foundation has been working hard to make hockey available. Recently, the foundation organized a huge fundraiser.

Also, the foundation hosted the Belleville Senators and Laval Rocket in an AHL hockey game at Laval’s Place Bell.

Per sources, the organization received $8 from every ticket sold with the coupon code RICHARD.

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Maurice Richard | Movies, Endorsements, And Book Publications

Movies and Media

Maurice Richard is a staple name when it comes to National Hockey League history. He has been decorated with several honors throughout his career. 

One of the most prominent visual media dedicated to him would be “The Rocket.” It is a sports drama and biography about Maurice Richard, released in 2005.

Directed by Charles Binamé, it starred many famous NHL players like Philippe Sauvé, Stéphane Quintal, and many more.

The movie provides a vivid account of an era that is largely regarded as the foundation of NHL. It dives from his early years as a youth to his elevation to the Montreal Canadiens.

Eventually, it explores the Richard Riot, too, while encompassing the entirety of Richard’s career. The movie ends the year before Richard sets an unparalleled record of five Stanley Cup Championships in a row.

This biopic about his life is considered one of the best. As a result, the film received 13 nominations for the 27th Genie Awards while winning nine.

Similarly, there have been several other documentaries made about him. “Maurice Richard: The Man, the Myth, the Rocket” is one such documentary released in 1989. It describes his rise in the NHL division despite being an average stick handler.

“Peut-être Maurice Richard” is another such documentary about him. It was directed by Gilles Gascon and released in 1971 after his retirement.

Investments

Maurice accounts for some of his net worth from his investments after retirement. But, per sources, Maurice started to feel the need for a purpose and developed a fear of being forgotten.

Hence, he started linking up to several investments and endorsements. Firstly, he decided to invest in the same NHL team where he played as a professional. This move contributed big to the net worth of Maurice Richard.

By few years, he was appointed as a team ambassador. Also, Selke was giving him a full playing salary in the first year. Despite being an investor.

In 1964, he climbed up to the ranks of vice-president of the Canadiens after just three years. However, he quit the position after feeling dissatisfied just one year later. By 1965, he declined to link his name with the team.

Similarly, he is known to have invested in Maurice Richard’s Hockey Illustrated magazine. Additionally, he even served as a consulting editor for the magazine.

Per Reddit, Maurice owned a bar in Montreal named “544 / 9 Tavern,” too. It was named after his career goal total and sweater number.

Book Publications

Maurice Richard faced several challenges, including physical scares from rival teams. Yet, he stood up against everything and ranked in the top 100 NHL players. He is an inspiration for many.

Hence, there have been several books written about him. The royalties of these books contribute to the net worth of Maurice Richard.

Extraordinary Canadians: Maurice Richard” is once such a book written about Maurice. Charles Foran authored the book in 2013.

Maurice Richard books
Extraordinary Canadians: Maurice Richard

This book explores Richard’s triumphs and sufferings. It finally concludes with the lesson of how he forever transformed Canada and the NHL.

“The Rocket: A Cultural History of Maurice Richard” is another piece written about him. Benoît Melançon authored this book in 2009.

It provides a vivid account of his 1955 suspension for striking a referee. Throughout, it focuses on his memorable incidents, including a face-off with the NHL president.

Another famous book written about him is “Maurice Richard: Reluctant Hero.” Chrys Goyens authored this book with Frank Orr and Jean-Luc Duguay. Also, it is one of the first biographies about Maurice to hit the market by 2000.

Other books about Maurice are “Our life with the Rocket,” “Maurice Richard: The Most Amazing Hockey Player Ever.”

Endorsements

Per his biography, Maurice is known to have attached his names to several companies. In addition, especially after retirement, he was a regular endorser for many franchises.

He was the face of the NHL team for more than five years after retirement. Maurice’s name was also associated with Canadiens till 1965 in various promotions.

Also, he promoted a variety of products such as beer, hair dye, vehicle batteries, fishing tackle, and children’s toys. In addition, he is known to have signed Molson export beers during the time.

The endorsement also included Maurice Richard Montreal Canadiens promo patch.

Similarly, Maurice endorsed fitness items like Wrist builders too. He was part of the famous “Maurice “Rocket” Richard says you can develop explosive hockey shooting power” slogan.

After his retirement, Richard continued to use his name as a promotional vehicle for nearly 30 years. Additionally, these items that he endorsed are now valuable collector items.

Maurice Richard | House

A lot is unknown about Maurice Richard and his assets related to real estate. However, it does seem that Maurice loved being linked to his local roots rather than his net worth.

Per a Maqcleans archive report, Maurice Richard and his wife Lucille live in a thirteen-room stone mansion.

It was located on the northeast shore of “the island” on which Montreal is now built. The living room windows view a park, beyond which lay the river. Maurice was known to have kept his boat always in use throughout the summer.

Also, a mural has been created near his childhood home in Ahuntsic. The mural depicts the renowned Canadien skating among children playing street hockey in Montreal.

Maurice Richard | Career

At the age of 18, Maurice joined the Verdun Juniors. In ten regular-season games, he scored four goals and added six more in four playoff games.

Eventually, Maurice was promoted to the Quebec Senior Hockey League’s affiliate squad. It was part of the Montreal Canadiens in 1940.

However, he went on to break his wrist after playing just 31 games. Yet, he was able to record 17 points. This performance was enough for him to earn a tryout.

Consequently, he was called for trial by the Canadiens for the 1942-43 season. Maurice was selected and picked the number 15 jersey. Also, he made his NFL debut with the Canadiens.

Maurice Richard career
Maurice Richard with The Stanley Cup

Moreover, with time he became the core of an attacking trio “THE “PUNCH LINE.” The trio was unmatched as they went on to win the first Stanley cup in 13 years for the team.

Maurice never looked back ever since. He went on to set multiple records leaving his legacy behind. It included scoring five goals and assisting three others in a 9–1 win over the Detroit Red Wings.

Additionally, he was the first player to achieve the feat of scoring 50 goals in 50 games.

Furthermore, he led the Canadiens on a spree of Stanley Cup wins after the 1956 season. The team led by him was a dynasty as they went on to win six consecutive titles.

3 Facts About Maurice Richard

  • In 1961, Maurice was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame, with the three-year waiting period removed in his honor.
  • He was first dubbed The Comet by the local press. Then, Ray Getliffe was so pleased by him during an intra-squad drill that he compared him to a rocket.
  • The part “They rioted in the streets of Montreal/When they benched Rocket Richard” from Jane Siberry’s song “Hockey” is about him.

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Quotes

  • “At playoff time, it hurts not to be in the game with the boys. However, I want to do what is good for the people of Montreal and the team.”
  • ” I will take my punishment and come back next year to help the club and younger players to win the cup.”

FAQs

How many Stanley Cups did Maurice Richard win?

Richard was the captain for four of Montreal’s five consecutive Stanley Cup victories from 1955-56 to 1959-60. In total, he won the cup eight times as a player.

Sanjib Sah
Sanjib Sah
Sanjib Sah is an engineer and content writer passionate about sports and athletics. With a background in engineering and a love for all things active, Sanjib brings a unique perspective to the world of sports writing. Whether he is covering the latest trends in sports technology or sharing tips on improving your game, Sanjib's words are always rooted in a deep appreciation for players' hard work and dedication everywhere. In his free time, you can find him hitting the courts or hitting the trails, always looking for new ways to challenge himself and improve his skills.

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