What led to Rocket Richard's suspension in 1955?

Rocket Richard's suspension in 1955 was primarily due to an incident in which he punched Hal Laycoe of the Boston Bruins. This altercation occurred during a game, and Richard's aggressive actions were seen as a serious breach of on-ice conduct.

The significance of this moment in hockey history cannot be understated. Richard was an iconic player for the Montreal Canadiens and his suspension sparked widespread outrage among fans, especially in Quebec. Many viewed the league's decision to suspend him as unjust, given his star status and the passionate following he had.

This incident also played a crucial role in furthering the relationship between hockey and Canadian identity, highlighting how deeply intertwined the sport was with the values and sentiments of French Canadians at the time. The resulting public reaction contributed to provocations that led to social unrest, including the infamous "Richard Riot" that occurred shortly after the suspension was announced.