March 24, 1955 - by 'Frustrated'

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Days after the riot and Richard’s nationally broadcast statement, Montreal police continue to prepare for the worst. With security worthy of President Eisenhower himself, the Canadien’s hosted the Rangers without notable incident. Although by my account Richard’s public address was obviously fabricated, it has appeared to somewhat quell the violent rage of the Canadien faithful. However, other forms of protests continue. A telegram of 1,100 signatures was reportedly sent to the office of Clarence Campbell demanding that he revoke Richard’s suspension (16) and one fan even went so far as to cable the Queen, requesting her to address Campbell on Richards behalf (13). It appears as though this suspension has brought out the worst of the Canadien’s fan base. Say what you want about them, but their point is clear; treat the Rocket unjustly, and we’ll come after you.

March 23, 1955 - by 'Fanatic'

They won’t forget what happened here in Montreal for years. The papers have been calling it ‘the Rocket Richard Riot’ (11, 15). We made ourselves heard and made sure that Campbell and everyone else knew exactly what we thought about Richard’s suspension. We picketed outside the Forum until midway through the first period; that’s when everyone inside came running out (1)! Someone had set off a tear gas bomb right were Campbell was sitting; people started choking and running, then the picketing turned into rioting (2).

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There was yelling, people setting fires and throwing rocks, stopping streetcars and looting the stores (8, 9). They’re still cleaning up St. Catharines Street from our mess! The police arrested a few people; one guy who squeezed a tomato over Campbell was tried yesterday, and on Friday they had a trial for twenty of the demonstrators (10). Since the Riot the police have been at both the Canadiens-Rangers game on Saturday to keep us from starting the protest up again (11), as well as the Canadiens-Bruins game yesterday trying to protect Laycoe (10). Do you see what I mean? Police protection for Laycoe, while Richard lives out the punishment – that’s justice?
Things will never be the same after this – the Anglos will shut up and pay attention now when Quebec speaks, and give us the respect and treatment we deserve.

March 18, 1955 - by 'Frustrated'

It was a mistake from the beginning for Clarence Campbell to show up at the Montreal Forum last night. After having suspended Maurice Richard, Campbell made it well known that he would be attending Montreal’s game on March 17th against the Detroit Red Wings (7). Richard fans have been very vocal about their anger and hate towards Campbell, some going as far as giving death threats (7). None the less, Campbell arrived sometime after the puck drop and was bombarded with booing, rotting fruit and eggs, among other things (12). (18)
The real madness started when a young fan lied to security – telling them that he wished to shake Campbell’s hand – and made his way towards Campbell (12). Once in front of Campbell the fan struck him in the face several times before being stopped by security (12). The next thing I heard on the news was that the streets near the Forum were in dismay as people vandalized and rioted.
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I respect Campbell for sticking to his word, and I strongly believe that the Rocket’s punishment is fair; however he may have overestimated his power this time. He was lucky to get out of the Forum with his life.

March 17th, 1955 - by 'Fanatic'

That English pig Campbell suspended Richard for the rest of the season and got him kicked out of the playoffs too (3, 4)! Just because he’s the high and mighty President he thinks he can get away with knocking Richard out like that. He’s never liked Richard; anyone with eyes and ears could tell you that. If you ask me, Campbell is threatened by Richard just because he’s French. Proud ‘war hero’, belittling Richard for not fighting in the war when he knows perfectly well that Richard TRIED to volunteer but was turned down for service (5, 6). The papers have been reporting phone threats against Campbell (3, 7); even mayor Drapeau has been criticizing Campbell’s ruling (2). Campbell’s going to get his. The next game is tonight, Canadiens vs the Red Wings at the Forum (1). The idiot President has said that he plans on being at the game (2). Whispers have been going around that we’re going to make a statement tonight (3), we’re not going to take this kind of abuse lying down, we’re going to stand up for Richard and for the Canadiens and show Campbell that he can’t treat us this way. VIVE RICHARD! Le COUCHON CAMPBELL! (8)

March 13th, 1955 - by 'Fanatic'

Tonight the Canadiens played against the Bruins in Boston; I wasn’t able to attend the game, but you can be sure I didn’t miss a single word of it from home! Once again Richard was targeted for abuse during the game. That American player, Laycoe, hit Richard in the head with his stick! (1)

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It was quite the cut too – he had blood running down his face (2). No penalty was awarded to the Habs despite the obviously illegal highsticking and injury (1). Naturally, Richard jumped Laycoe, hit him back a few times; it took 3 people to pull him of Laycoe, and a ref got hit in the process too (3). (17)

Then they had the nerve to throw Richard out of the game (3, 4)! Once again, a prime example of English-American prejudice against our French player. Laycoe got what he deserved from Richard, and then Richard took the punishment that should have gone to Laycoe for drawing blood in the first place.

March 13, 1955 - by 'Frustrated'

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For those who saw the game in Boston tonight, this rant should come as no surprise. For those of you who missed it, you missed another incident adding to ongoing list of Maurice Richard’s violent offenses. At 15:11 of the 3rd period, the Rocket was involved in a skirmish with Bruin’s defenseman Hal Laycoe (14). Laycoe had highsticked Richard, cutting him just under his hairline (15). In retaliation, Richard skated towards Laycoe – who had dropped his stick and gloves prepared for a fight – and begin to strike Laycoe with his stick (15). After repeatedly striking Laycoe, linesman Cliff Thompson attempted to restrain the Rocket who appeared to be intoxicated with rage. After struggling with Thompson, Richard then proceeded to punch Thompson in the face (14). This is a blatant violation of both the rules and etiquette of the sport of hockey. This is not the first time Richard has been guilty of physical contact with an official. Recall the game against Toronto in December, when Richard slapped a referee in the face. Richard’s antics are unacceptable, and he needs to be made an example of. This is a classic case of the league superstar being given special treatment. I hope that Clarence Campbell takes this opportunity to enlist the type of punishment that only a former Major of the Fourth Canadian Armoured Division would have the nerve to (5).