MONTREAL - The late, legendary Montreal Canadiens goal scorer Maurice Richard is now also an official historic figure in Quebec, the province announced Sunday.

Quebec Culture Minister Mathieu Lacombe announced the designation alongside members of Richard's family at an afternoon ceremony at the Bell Centre.

"Maurice Richard was not only an exceptional athlete...he also embodied the pride and aspirations of French-speaking Quebecers," said Lacombe at the ceremony, which came days before 25-year anniversary of the hockey legend's death on May 27, 2000.

The government defines a historic figure as a person who is now deceased who played a role in the province's history. Richard joins strongman Louis Cyr as one of the few athletes on the list of over 100 people with the title.

Nicknamed "th

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