The Rocket Richard Autograph

When Maurice Richard was still a junior hockey player, he had a chance encounter with the Montreal Canadiens as they ended their practice session one day. For Richard it was a chance to get the autograph of the Habs new hotshot player Johnny Quilty, who would be named as the NHL's rookie of the year at the end of the season.

As Richard stuck out his paper and pen in front of Quilty, who responded by barking "I don't sign autographs."

"I didn't speak much English at the time, but I remembered those words," recalled Richard many years later.

That moment stuck with Richard forever. Any time he would get an autograph request, which often came by the 100s, he made sure every fan went home happy with a clear and legible autograph.

"If they are going to honour me by asking for my autograph, it must mean something to them. The least I can do is leave no doubt that it is my autograph."

Here's more about Johnny Quilty.