Maurice “the Rocket” Richard is a legendary figure in the sport of hockey and holds a special place in the hearts of many French Canadians. Richard’s humble beginnings as a machinist and devout Catholic made him relatable to French Canadians, who identified with him. Despite the language barrier, Richard became a superstar with the Montreal Canadiens, leading them to a first-place finish and a Stanley Cup championship in his first full season. He went on to win the Hart Trophy as the most valuable player in the league and led his team to the Stanley Cup finals in thirteen of his 18 seasons, winning it eight times. Richard’s incredible hockey skills, combined with his ability to represent French Canada, transformed him into a powerful symbol of a marginalized people. His success was consolation for the humiliations experienced by French Canadians. Richard’s legendary stories, such as scoring five goals and three assists after moving furniture all day, contributed to his mythical status among French Canadians. He was also recognized outside Canada, representing French Canada on the world stage and proving that they could achieve international recognition.