Video - "Never Give Up!" – Maurice Richard – Decoding Art

Transcript

Transcript of Never Give Up! - Maurice Richard

Narrator: “This capsule is presented by Canadian Heritage”

[Canadian Heritage signature]

Narrator: “Born and raised in a poor Montreal neighbourhood, Maurice "The Rocket" Richard was one of the the greatest athletes of his generation. Cheered by the crowd and admired by all, he held a special place in the hearts of Canadians. He played 18 seasons for the Montreal Canadiens in the 1940s and 50s and set a long list of National Hockey League records.

“For many French Canadians, the Rocket was more than just a good hockey player, he was a symbol of what determination could achieve. His records and accomplishments are legendary: 50 goals in 50 games, 626 lifetime goals; he won eight Stanley Cups; and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. His famous number 9 jersey was retired a few months after his own retirement from hockey in 1960. His life has been told in books, on TV and film.

“Named after Richard's motto 'Never Give Up', the statue depicts how the hockey legend was larger than life. His famous number 9 identified the Rocket as much as his official signature. Both are engraved at the monument's base.

“A shy, private man, Richard was always much more comfortable on the ice than in the public eye. Many Quebeckers consider him a folk hero—a label he rejected, saying that he was just a hockey player. He passed away in 2000.”

[Canada wordmark]

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