Montreal Canadiens Henri 'Pocket Rocket' Richard dies at 84

MONTREAL -- Henri Richard, the speedy centre who won a record 11 Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens, died Friday after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

He was 84.

Richard was captain of the Canadiens from 1971 to his retirement in 1975, succeeding the legendary Jean Beliveau, with whom he shares the record of playing 20 seasons for the NHL club.

He was better known as the younger brother of superstar Maurice (Rocket) Richard and was nicknamed the Pocket Rocket for his five-foot-seven, 160-pound frame.

Despite his small stature, Henri Richard played 1,256 regular-season games, another Canadiens record. He scored 358 goals and had 1,046 points, third in team history behind Guy Lafleur (1,246) and Beliveau (1,219)

He added 129 points in 180 playoff games.

The Montreal Canadiens are saddened to learn of the passing of one of the organization's greatest legends and ambassadors, Henri Richard, this morning. Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to the Richard family.https://t.co/8zuCcsd2Fg

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 6, 2020

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  Former Montreal Canadiens Henri Richard responds to questions Friday, June 1, 2007 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

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  Montreal Canadiens' Henri Richard attempts to clear the puck from behind the net in Toronto in this March 15, 1972 file photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andy Clark

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  Montreal Canadiens hockey legend Henri Richard is acknowledge during the NHL All-Star game in Montreal, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

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  Maurice (Rocket) Richard, left, and his brother Henri (Pocket Rocket) Richard, two of the living legends of the Montreal Canadiens, pose for a photograph during one of their last visits to the dressing room in the Montreal Forum on Feb.27, 1996. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

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  Montreal Canadiens' Henri Richard, centre, who scored the game-winning goal, peers into the Stanley Cup held by team captain Jean Beliveau, left, and NHL Commissioner Clarence Campbell in Chicago, Ill., Tuesday night, May 18, 1971. (AP Photo)

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  Scoring champion Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who led the NHL with 120 points, is presented with the Art Ross Trophy by Montreal Canadiens legend Henri Richard, left, Saturday, June 2, 2007 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

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  Montreal Canadiens' Henri Richard, who scored the winning goal to give Montreal the Stanley Cup championship, takes a sip of champagne from the cup with team captain Jean Beliveau in the background, May 5, 1966 in Detroit, Michigan. (AP Photo)