NHL Records: 11 Stanley Cups—The Legendary ‘Pocket Rocket’
While the sports world often debates who the "Greatest of All Time" is, the record books have a very simple answer when it comes to winning Stanley Cups as a player: it’s the Hockey Hall of Famer referred to as the “Pocket Rocket”. Henri Richard didn't just play for the Montreal Canadiens; he defined what it meant to be a champion, hoisting a record-breaking 11 Stanley Cups during his 20-year career.
Stepping Out of a Giant Shadow
Growing up as the younger brother of the legendary Maurice Richard was no small feat. When he joined the Montreal Canadiens in 1955, he wasn't there to ride his brother's coattails. He was there to help the Montreal Canadiens win Stanley Cups.
Cool Fact: Henri Richard was nicknamed “Pocket Rocket” after his older brother, Montreal Canadiens' legend Maurice "Rocket" Richard; “Pocket Rocket” was 15 years younger than “Rocket”.
A Dynasty Like No Other
The sheer math of the NHL career of Henri Richard is staggering. He started his NHL journey by winning five straight Stanley Cups (1956–1960); for “Pocket Rocket”, that was just the warm-up. Throughout the 1960s and into the early 1970s, he remained a major part of the Montreal Canadiens’ heartbeat. “Pocket Rocket” had a knack for the ‘big moment’, famously scoring the Stanley Cup-clinching goals in both 1966 and 1971. By the time Henri Richard hoisted his 11th Stanley Cup in 1973, he had officially secured his spot in the #1 position for most Stanley Cup wins by a player.
“Pocket Rocket”: A Montreal Legend with 11 Stanley Cup Wins
Henri Richard passed away on March 6, 2020, but his far-reaching legacy is stitched into the fabric of the game of hockey. “Pocket Rocket” finished his NHL career with 1,046 points (358 goals) and remains the franchise leader in games played (1,258).
Cool Fact: In 1973, Henri Richard became the ninth player in NHL history to score 1,000 points.
When we talk about NHL records, many will eventually fall as the game continues to evolve (e.g., Alex Ovechkin surpassing “The Great One’s” goals record). But Henri Richard’s 11 Stanley Cups? That’s a mountain peak that might just stay untouched forever.