References

Archives, C. (2009). The 'Richard Riot'. Retrieved March 19, 2010, from digital archives:
http://archives.cbc.ca/sports/hockeyclips/222-133401/

Archives, C. (2009). The 'Richard Riot'. Retrieved March 19, 2010, from digital archives:
www.cbc.ca/.../canadiens-hundred-memorie.html

Gosine, K., & Ramos, H. (2002). "The rocket": News paper coverage of the death of a Quebec Cultural Icon, A Canadian hockey player. Journal of Canadian Studies, 9-31.

Katz, S. (2005). 1945-1955 The strange forces behind the richard hockey riot. Maclean's, Academic search premier.

Socio-Political Aspects of the Richard Riot

Hockey has always played a significant role in Canadian culture, it is a "unifying symbol" (Ramos, & Gosine) of the country. Maurice "Rocket" Richard was a powerful symbol of Quebece's francophone identity, and without even knowing, he was a significant symbol of nationalism in Quebec as he was such an icon. Richard's dominance in Hockey boosted the francophone community, both economically and politically (Ramos, & Gosine). This was a big benefit as Quebec was becoming a more anglophone- dominated province. Richard was able to keep the individuality and power of the francophone community. However, the events of the Richard Riot on March 17, 1955 brought even more tension between the francophone and anglophone communities. The rioters' rebellion against the decision of the anglophone president of the NHL showed the support the Montrealers had towards their political and hockey hero. Their destruction of the city showed the continous power struggle between the french and english Canadians, which further encouraged the separation between the two communities.

Richard's Riot Statement

"Because I always try so hard to win and had my troubles in Boston, I was suspended. 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. So that no further harm will be done, I would like to ask everyone to get behind the team and to help the boys win from the New York Rangers and Detroit. I will take my punishment and come back next year to help the club and the younger players to win the Cup."

-Maurice "Rocket" Richard

The "Rocket" Riot

Even though Richard was a Hockey Icon, like many famous athletes he had a down fall in his career that affected Canadian Hockey. On March 13,1955 the Montreal Canadiens played an intense game against Boston. With 6 minutes left in the game and Montreal down by 2, Maurice Richard determined to score skated past the Boston blue line, past the Hal Laycoe, Boston's defence man where he got hit in the head with the end of Laycoe's stick. Angered, Richard skated back to the blue line then towards Laycoe and checked him. Out of defence Laycoe fought back and a brawl broke out between them. Linesman Cliff Thompson skated over to break up the fight, but got attacked by Richard instead. Richard was then suspended by the president of the NHL, Clarence Campbell, for the rest of the season. "No sports decision ever hit Montreal public with such impact" (Katz,p.30,2005), Montreal fans were furious and began to show their dislike for Campbell.

On March 17, 1955 angry and disappointed fans filled the Montreal Forum to watch the Montreal Canadiens play against Detroit without their star player. As soon as Campbell walked into the Forum that night ciaos began, a bomb was set off filling the Forum with yellowish gas causing the crazed fans to spill put onto the streets starting what was known as the Richard Riot. Groups of rioters gathered outside of the Forum chanting "Kill Campbell, Kill Campbell" (Katz, p.28, 2005), others were throwing bricks into every window they passed, and some were hauling cab drivers out of their cars and smashing car windows. There was an estimated $30,000 of damages, and around 12 policemen and 25 civilians injured (Katz, 2005).

The next morning Montrealers woke-up ashamed of their actions, which had placed a huge black mark on Canadian Hockey. The events of the Richard Riot displayed the separation of French and English Canadians and the rise of nationalism in Quebec.

Go to http://archives.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/ search The Rocket Riot and watch the clip from 44s to 1:17.

History of Maurice "Rocket" Richard as a Hockey Player

Maurice Richard was a huge inpiration to Montreal Hockey fans, and was on e of the greatest hockey players in the NHL at the time (Ramos, & Gosine, 2002). He began his Hockey career with the Montreal Canadiens in the 1940s and played for 18 hockey seasons. In those seasons he achieved League High scorer and managed to score 50 goals in a 50 game season (Ramos, & Gosine, 2002). By the time he Retired in 1960 he had led the Montreal Canadiens to 8 Stanley Cup Championships, had socred 544 regular season goals, and 82 in playoffs. His outstanding accomplishments forever made him a hockey hero to the francophone commuinity.