Maurice "Rocket" Richard (1921-2000) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He played for the Montreal Canadiens. He played for 18 years (1942-1960) in the National Hockey League (NHL), totaling 544 goals and 421 assistants (965 points), in 978 regular season games played. His goals scored were the most in NHL history until Gordie Howe scored his 545th in the early 1960s. Richard is considered one of the fiercest competitors and prolific goal scorers who ever played in the NHL. The "Rocket", as he became known, was followed by his brother, Henri Richard ("Pocket Rocket"). They are both ranked in the top 100 NHL hockey players of all time, "Rocket" ranked # 5, with the "Pocket Rocket #30.