The National Hockey League's trophy for the league's leading goal scorer is named the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy, in honor of Maurice Richard, who was one of the greatest players in NHL history. Maurice Richard played for the Montreal Canadiens from 1942 to 1960 and was the first player in NHL history to score 50 goals in a single season. He finished his career with 544 goals in 978 games and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1961. The Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy was first awarded in the 1998-1999 NHL season and has since been awarded annually to the league's top goal scorer.
The National Hockey League (NHL) pays tribute to one of its legendary goal scorers through the prestigious Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy. Named in honor of Maurice Richard, an iconic figure in the history of the NHL, the trophy celebrates the league's leading goal scorer each season.
Maurice Richard, often referred to as the "Rocket," made an indelible mark on the sport during his illustrious career with the Montreal Canadiens from 1942 to 1960. A prolific goal scorer, Richard achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first player in NHL history to score 50 goals in a single season—an accomplishment that solidified his status as one of the greatest players to grace the ice.
Over the course of his remarkable career, Maurice Richard tallied an impressive 544 goals in 978 games, leaving an enduring legacy as a goal-scoring sensation. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Richard was rightfully enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1961.
The Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy was introduced in the 1998-1999 NHL season as an annual accolade bestowed upon the league's top goal scorer. This esteemed award serves as a fitting tribute to the memory and accomplishments of Maurice Richard, emphasizing the significance of goal-scoring prowess within the NHL.
Each year, the recipient of the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy earns the distinction of being recognized as the leading goal scorer, carrying on the tradition of excellence set by the legendary Maurice Richard. The trophy stands as a symbol of the enduring impact that great goal scorers have on the sport of hockey and serves as a source of inspiration for future generations of players seeking to leave their mark on the game.