Dickie Moore

The Relentless Competitor of the Canadiens’ Golden Age

On a roster loaded with household names, Dickie Moore refused to be overshadowed. He was the engine, the spark, the edge in a room full of legends. While the Montreal Canadiens of the 1950s and 60s were known for their elegance and grace, Moore brought grit, emotion, and a fiery will to win—and he had the numbers to back it up. He didn’t just play on dynasty teams—he was a driving force behind them.

A two-time scoring champion who could skate through traffic, take a hit, and still find the net, Moore was the perfect mix of toughness and talent. He didn’t need the spotlight, but when it came, he delivered. Whether setting up Rocket Richard or scoring the dagger himself, Dickie Moore was always in the middle of the action, fighting tooth and nail for every inch of ice.

From Montreal's Backyard Rinks to Forum Glory

Born in Montreal in 1931, Richard “Dickie” Moore grew up in the very shadow of the team he would one day help define. A product of the city’s rich hockey culture, Moore quickly developed a fearless, blue-collar approach to the game. He made a name for himself in junior hockey with the Montreal Jr. Canadiens, where his work ethic and offensive instincts set him apart. By 1951, he cracked the Canadiens’ lineup and began what would become a 13-year NHL career filled with championships, rivalries, and unforgettable moments.

While many early stars relied on finesse, Moore blended his sharp offensive instincts with a willingness to play physically and absorb punishment. Coaches loved his tenacity. Opponents hated his persistence. Teammates admired his loyalty and clutch performances. Moore didn’t just thrive on talent—he thrived on pressure.

Career Stats and Accomplishments

• NHL Games Played: 719

• Goals: 261

• Assists: 347

• Points: 608

• Stanley Cups: 6 (1953, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960)

• Art Ross Trophy (Scoring Leader): 1958, 1959

• Career Points-Per-Game Average: 0.85

• NHL All-Star Selections: 6

• Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame: 1974

• One of the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players (2017)

Memorable Moments and Career Highlights

Back-to-Back Art Ross Titles in a Stacked League
In an era where Gordie Howe, Jean Béliveau, and Bobby Hull ruled the scoring charts, Dickie Moore led the NHL in points for two consecutive seasons, including a then-record 96 points in 1958–59—a stunning total in the pre-expansion, low-scoring Original Six era. His performance that season silenced critics and cemented his status as one of the league’s elite.

Playing Through Pain for the Cup
During the Canadiens' 1957–58 Cup run, Moore played with a broken wrist, his arm wrapped and immobilized. Still, he finished the playoffs with 12 points in 10 games. It was the kind of performance that endeared him to fans and forever branded him a warrior in the eyes of his teammates.

A Comeback Story in the Blue and White
Though most associate Moore with Montreal, he briefly came out of retirement to play with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1964–65, adding veteran presence and leadership to a team chasing a Cup. Even in a limited role, he remained a competitor—willing to put body and pride on the line to help his squad.

Key Cards Every Collector Should Know

• 1952 Parkhurst #63 Dickie Moore (Rookie Card)
  A cornerstone of any serious Canadiens or vintage NHL collection. The 1952 Parkhurst set is historic, and Moore’s RC is a beautifully aged piece from the early days of post-war hockey cards.

• 1957 Topps #17 Dickie Moore
  Featuring bold color and a clean portrait layout, this card captures Moore in the middle of his scoring dominance. A favorite among fans of the Topps’ early hockey issues.

• 1960 Parkhurst #2 Dickie Moore
  A late-career card from his final run with the Canadiens, this issue holds nostalgic value as part of Montreal’s last great pre-expansion run.

Legacy of a Relentless Competitor

Dickie Moore was never the flashiest player, nor was he the most talked-about name on those dynastic Canadiens rosters—but he was often the most dependable. He wore the Canadiens sweater like armor, ready to sacrifice his body for another shift, another goal, another Cup. His blend of toughness, scoring touch, and loyalty made him an indispensable piece of one of the greatest teams in sports history.

He played the game with edge, with purpose, and above all, with pride. And in the years after his playing career ended, Moore continued to embody the values that made him great—running a successful business, mentoring younger players, and carrying himself with humility and class. In Montreal, his name still evokes memories of a golden era, when the Forum was hallowed ground and banners were raised like clockwork.

To this day, Dickie Moore represents what it means to be a true teammate and a champion. In a sport built on passion, pain, and perseverance, his legacy is etched in stone—and his name belongs among the true legends of the game.