Mr. Speaker, hockey legend Henri Richard, the immortal number 16, is no more.
He was a hockey original, a winner. He took home the Stanley Cup 11 times, a record that will probably never be matched or beaten. He was the kind of leader who leads by example, who makes sacrifices and who always takes care of his teammates.
His singular determination enabled him to fulfill his dream of playing alongside his big brother at age 19. Throughout his 20-year career, he was always driven by a hunger to win. He was a mentor and role model for more then one generation. He proved that by staying true to oneself and putting in the maximum effort, anything is possible.
The National Hockey League and the Montreal Canadiens have lost a great man. His memory will live on forever in the annals of Quebec and Canadian sports history.
My colleagues and I wish to offer our deepest condolences to his entire family.
Henri Richard, thank you for all the incredible hockey moments you gave to the families watching you on TV on a Saturday night.