Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction February 2018
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/27/2018
With its creation almost as interesting as the movie itself, the landmark hockey feature-film Slap Shot was released to filmgoers early in 1977, and the rest, as they say… is history. Writer Nancy Dowd based the original screenplay in part on her brother Ned’s first-hand experiences in the rough and tumble world of 1970s American minor league hockey, where unmitigated violence ruled the roost and sold the most tickets. Featuring Reggie Dunlop (Paul Newman) leading the lovable but losing Charlestown Chiefs industrial-league hockey team, and, amid rumors of the club’s folding, embarks on a program of unrestrained violence and bedlam. Utilizing the recently-acquired and notorious Hanson Brothers, Dunlop’s plan initially fills more seats, with his lone opponent and teammate Ned Braden (Michael Ontkean) the only voice of reason.
One of the most revered and quoted sporting films of all-time, we are absolutely thrilled to be able to offer an actual Charlestown Chiefs jersey that was film-worn by Michael Ontkean, with this garment the example he saved for his personal collection. Made of the highest quality material for the era, Rawlings size “48” labeling sits affixed to the collar, with no other tagging present on the wonderful durene film prop. Featuring the iconic “Chiefs” team crest fully administered in blue and yellow layered tackle twill, the vintage white V-neck has been accented with the sleeve and verso numbers in matching material, with the Charlestown All-American City shield crest over the left shoulder. A signed LOA from Michael Ontkean will accompany this amazing piece of Hollywood history.
We should also note that matching white Charlestown Chiefs uniform socks, also worn by Ontkean in the film, are included. A few marks are present on the jersey over the upper and lower front, along with a few small stains over the front hem and near the collar. There is also some very minor discolouration on each shoulder, with these “imperfections” giving the sweater an authentic game-worn appearance.
It is impossible to overstate the impact that Slap Shot has had on the game of hockey. A cult classic whose numerous quotable lines are commonly used to this day throughout the game, often by those who weren’t even born when player-coach Reg Dunlop urged his fictional Charlestown Chiefs to play “Old Time Hockey” and “Let ‘Em Know You’re There!” Slap Shot was named “The Best Guy Movie of All Time” by Maxim magazine in 1998, beating out the likes of “Raging Bull” and “The Godfather”. Newman stated that filming Slap Shot was the most fun he ever had making a movie.
An added bonus and an absolutely wonderful experience, once this item is received by the winning bidder, Michael Ontkean has agreed to have a telephone conversation with the proud new owner, forever adding to the impressive and unique provenance. We can attest that the winning bidder will thoroughly enjoy this conversation, as Michael has been absolutely delightful in sharing interesting anecdotes and stories regarding his collection, as well as his experience shooting the forever-iconic landmark hockey film Slap Shot.
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The Michael Ontkean “1977 Slap Shot” Movie and Hockey Card Collection
“It’s their rink, it’s their ice, it’s their fu**king town. But tonight we got our fans with us!”
- Reggie Dunlop (Paul Newman), Slap Shot 1977
More prophetic words regarding the legacy of the cult classic hockey film have never been spoken. And despite the passing of four decades and a plethora of sub-par hockey and sports films... the fans of Slap Shot have never left.
Yes Reggie, your fans are still with you, and the beloved Charlestown Chiefs.
While both versed-in and blessed-with an endless array of historic and paramount hockey material here at Classic Auctions, some items and collections are special, as are some consignors. We are absolutely thrilled to bring to auction items from the personal collection of legendary actor and Slap Shot star Michael Ontkean! Included we have Michael's screen-worn Slap Shot jersey, gloves worn throughout both filming and his hockey career and numerous vintage hockey card sets collected by the star. We even have hockey gloves that were taken home by John Wayne after filming Idol of the Crowds in 1937 and gifted to Michael in 1975!
Born in Vancouver and coming from an acting family, it’s no surprise that Michael entered the profession as a youth, first appearing on the Canadian show Hudson’s Bay in 1959. Later coming to prominence in the early-1970s TV series The Rookies, Michael was ideal for the role of Ned Braden in Slap Shot, as the especially gifted actor was no slouch on the ice. At the University of New Hampshire, Ontkean played on the Wildcats first line with the same linemates for their entire college year. In their junior year, 1967-68, this trio was the highest scoring line in the nation with 163 points. Ontkean averaged a little better than a-goal-a-game that season (30 goals in 29 games). This goal-a-game pace has only been done a handful of times in the last forty (40) years. Additional acting roles followed in Willie and Phil (1980), The Blood of Others (1984) and Maid to Order (1987), with his role as Sheriff Harry S. Truman in the critically acclaimed 1990 series Twin Peaks especially notable, with fans disappointed that Michael chose not to reprise his role with the 2017 revival of the series.
While the landmark film has never left the public’s consciousness, it’s difficult to contemplate the sheer importance Slap Shot has had on the hockey world at large. Now belonging to the ages, new and enthusiastic generations of young skaters to come will embrace the film, sharing in the rich history of both the game as well as the film’s accurate and comedic depiction of “old-time hockey”.
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