Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Spring 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/21/2011
Tony Esposito delivered an absolute-must win for Team Canada 1972 while wearing this jersey for Game 7 of the Summit Series. Offered here is Tony O’s white #35 Canada game-worn jersey which saw duty in two games in the U.S.S.R. as Phil Esposito’s younger brother split his country’s goaltending duties with Ken Dryden. Tony got a shot at redemption in the seventh game as Team Canada coach Harry Sinden called on him once again despite seeing the Chicago Black Hawks’ All-Star beaten for five third-period goals in the Soviets’ stunning 5-4 come-from-behind win in Game 5. That left Canada in a 1-3-1 hole, leaving the NHL stars needing three straight wins in Moscow to claim the series. Anything less, and the Soviets would have international bragging rights. Though Dryden came through with the win in Game 6, Sinden chose Esposito for the next game and Tony delivered with a 28-save effort in a 4-3 win that knotted the series at 3, paving the way for Paul Henderson’s iconic series-winning goal in Game 8. This striking heavy knit sweater featuring the distinctive stylized red maple leaf rising up from the waist was worn by Tony for Team Canada’s games in Russia, including both of his starts as well as when he joined the mob scene on the ice as Dryden’s backup following Henderson’s third straight game-winner. The number"35" is sewn onto the back beneath the word "CANADA" in red, single-layer tackle twill. The manufacturer's black and gold "Tricot Sport Maska" tag is stitched into the collar beside remnants of another tag, long since removed. Like many of Team Canada 1972’s players, Tony O altered this historic jersey to his specifications. The cuffs and hem have been cut short for increased comfort and the inside layer of white material beneath the red Maple Leaf was trimmed out to make the jersey lighter. We have also seen this customization on a few other Team Canada game-worn jerseys from the Summit Series including Paul Henderson’s $1 million jersey. Game wear is obvious, with a couple of black marks on the maple leaf on the front and bloodstains on the shoulders and back. The few marks are quite small so it is difficult to get an accurate photo match of the jersey because of the lack of very high resolution photos from the Summit Series. That said, photos and videos we have observed from the games in Moscow clearly show Tony Esposito playing with this jersey, with the modifications on the cuffs and hem, the latter customization which is plain to see in photos of members of Team Canada lined up along the blue line in pregame ceremonies. A letter of authenticity will accompany this historic Team Canada 1972 game-worn jersey, a stunning and important find that will surely attract great interest from a wide range of collectors!
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