Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction - June 2009
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/16/2009
As any professional athlete can attest to, motivation is crucial and can come from the strangest of places. The talented team of hockey stars that banded together for a gold medal performance at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games held in Salt Lake City can relay the behind-the-scenes story surrounding this seemingly-insignificant autographed Pat Quinn 1973-74 O-Pee-Chee Atlanta Flames hockey card. The cardboard trinket, posted near the bulletin board in the locker room, quickly became a part of a team ritual as players paid homage to their inspirational coach as they passed by the card on their way onto the ice. Touching the card became a symbol of good luck and the boys carried that motivation all the way to Olympic Gold. It was saved by team massage therapist Stewart Poirier who took it up to Coach Quinn at the party after the tournament and had it signed. It was then held by Stewart and brought back to the 2004 World Cup of Hockey Tournament at the request of team captain Mario Lemieux and needless to say the locker room tradition continued with the same golden results! According to Stewart at some point prior to Canada's 3-2 championship game win over Finland Mario took possession of the card and immediately following the victory asked Stewart to retrieve it from his locker so he could present it to Quinn. With no hesitation Stewart ran back to the locker room but unfortunately ended up missing the celebratory team photo. The informal presentation never did occur and the good luck charm found its way back to Edmonton safely in Stewart's pocket. The much more publicized Lucky Loonie found its way into the Hockey Hall of Fame but this great piece of locker room inspiration can find its way into one lucky bidder's collection. From the personal collection of Stu Poirier with an accompanying letter of authenticity.
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