Pocket Rocket was always proud of older brother

VANCOUVER - Legendary Montreal Canadiens player Henri Richard won 11 Stanley Cup titles, more than any other player in National Hockey League history.
Richard, along with former teammates Yvon Lambert and Charlie Hodge, will be honoured prior to Saturday's Western Hockey League game between the Vancouver Giants and Portland Winter Hawks as part of the annual 'Legends Night' at the Pacific Coliseum.
The 73-year-old played Take 5 with Canwest reporter Ian Walker, as he discussed five questions about his own career and having an even more famous brother.

Canwest: How did you get the nickname 'Pocket Rocket'?
Richard: I was playing for the Junior Canadiens and we had a game in Toronto against St. Mike's and the same weekend the Habs were playing the Leafs so there was an ad in the paper saying 'See the Rocket on Saturday night and the Pocket Rocket on Sunday afternoon' and it grew from there.

Canwest: Did you and do you like it?
Richard: I didn't mind, but when people ask me to sign it I never do.

Canwest: Does a day go by when someone doesn't ask you about your brother, Maurice?
Richard: It's very rare. You aren't the first today, let's say that. I don't mind. I was 15 years younger than my brother, so it's all I've ever known from a young boy, to playing junior, to playing on a line with him and Dickie Moore, until now when fathers introduce me to their sons as Maurice's brother. But I don't mind, I admire my brother, too . . . it's something I'm very proud of.

Canwest: Who was your toughest opponent on the ice?
Richard: Oh, boy, I had quite a few. You know Stan Mikita, he used to not get along with me very well. He used to tease me all the time. I still remember some of the things he would say about my height and all kinds of things that I cannot tell you.

Canwest: What was your relationship like with Giants minority owner Gordie Howe?
Richard: Gordie was a pretty tough guy and he had a thing for elbowing. But he was such a great hockey player that it was hard to stay mad at him for too long. Well, until you played him again at least. I haven't seen him in a long while. I was very sad to hear about the passing of his wife (Colleen).

Canwest: I know this is called Take 5, but I can't let you go without asking what's it like being born on a leap year?
Richard: It's great, I'm only 18 actually.