SOME PEOPLE CALLED HIM MAURICE

Anyone who cares about hockey (okay, that's you and you) should skate, not walk, to see The Rocket: The Maurice Richard Story.

The Rocket is a wonderfully entertaining and informative biopic shot in gorgeous sepia-toned splendor, fully evoking hockey of the 40s and 50s. The old-style jerseys (literally "sweaters," in those days), the uncurved stick blades, the pomaded hair styles - it's all faithfully rendered. As is the notion that hockey has always been (and probably always will be) a fringe sport adored by a fervent minority.

And who knew French Canadians were so reviled in Canada? I must've dozed off during the pertinent didactic passages of Ken Dryden's The Game.

I could quibble with the few details omitted - Richard's landmark 50 goals in 50 games; the man's maniacal visage as he bore down on the opposing goaltender (see above) - by why? This is easily the second best hockey film of all time (nothing will ever unseat Slapshot for top honors).

Former NHL star Mike Ricci gets significant screen time as Richard's Montreal Canadiens teammate Elmer Lach, and current New York Ranger Sean Avery does a convincing turn as a Boston Bruins goon. Though I didn't spy him, Vincent Lecavalier - 2006-2007 winner of the NHL's Rocket Richard Trophy for most goals scored during the regular season (52) - is credited as portraying Montreal legend Jean Beliveau.