Historical Hockey and Sports Memorabilia Auction Spring 2023
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/2/2023
Considered one of hockey's largest and most famous brawls in history, the so called "Brawl at the Mall" took place at the Hartford Civic Center between the WHA's New England Whalers and Minnesota Fighting Saints, on April 11, 1975. This was a first-round playoff game for the Avco Cup. A WHA record was set with 41 penalties assessed for a total of 217 penalty minutes, with numerous fights occurring including goaltenders Al Smith and John Garrett who battled each other. According to our consignor, these are the actual Al Smith and John Garrett sticks used in the infamous "Brawl at the Mall" game. Northland (Garrett) and Louisville (Smith) models proper to the period, with each players name stamped to the upper shaft. Both sticks retain the original tape jobs and show game-use, with plastic tape added to the Garrett during the era to rectify a crack. The Smith also has a crack, situated across the heel section, with staples added to hold the blade in place. While no video or photos exist from the match to verify the use of the sticks, we did find an image of Garrett using the same model with the Saints, along with a photo of Smith using the same model and tape job with Buffalo from either the next season after the brawl, in 1975-76, or possibly 1976-77.
By clicking this button, you will IMMEDIATELY bid the amount selected.
By clicking this button, you will submit this amount as your MAXIMUM (absentee) bid. The auction software will place bids on your behalf up to this amount only as it is bid against competitively by other bidder(s).