MONTREAL – The Quebec government announced on Sunday that the late former Canadiens captain Maurice “Rocket” Richard has been named a historic figure by the province.

The announcement was made at the Bell Centre by Quebec Culture Minister Mathieu Lacombe and Sports Minister Isabelle Charest, with the decision being made possible by the Cultural Heritage Act. Members of the Rocket’s family were in attendance for the press conference.

Richard played 18 seasons for the Canadiens, and his 544 career regular season goals and 82 career playoff tallies still stand as most all-time in franchise history. The Montreal native won eight Stanley Cups with the team and served as captain from 1956-57 until his retirement in 1959-60.

The timing of the announcement was designed to coincide with the 25th

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