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Today in History: Montreal Fans Riot Over Maurice Richard's Suspension

3/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On March 17, 1955, a riot erupted in Montreal, Quebec, as fans protested the suspension of Maurice Richard, the star player of the Montreal Canadiens. Following his altercation with a linesman, NHL president Clarence Campbell suspended Richard for the season. The largely Francophone fan base viewed the suspension as unfairly harsh, igniting widespread unrest.

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Story summary

On March 17, 1955, a riot erupted in Montreal, Quebec, as fans protested the suspension of Maurice Richard, the star player of the Montreal Canadiens. Following his altercation with a linesman, NHL president Clarence Campbell suspended Richard for the season. The largely Francophone fan base viewed the suspension as unfairly harsh, igniting widespread unrest.