Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Fall 2012
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2012
Sensational international hockey award here was presented to Sergei Starikov, a stocky, 5'10", 220-pound defenceman who manned the blue line for a decade, along with partner Viacheslav Fetisov, for the Soviet Union's powerful national team of the 1980s. They had first joined forces for the World Juniors in 1977 and '78 and also showed their extreme resilience and unparalleled endurance during an international career that included appearances in the Challenge Cup, a Canada Cup and Rendez Vous '87. Following their CCCP success, the two were among the first Russian players to wear NHL uniforms when they joined the New Jersey Devils in 1989. After the disappointment of their upset in Lake Placid in 1980, Starikov and his teammates reeled off three consecutive World Championship gold medal performances and were looking to regain the Olympic crown when the 1984 Winter Games commenced in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. Led by the fabulous KLM line of Vladimir Krutov, Igor Larionov and Sergei Makarov and backstopped by fellow legend Vladislav Tretiak, the Soviets went undefeated, winning eight straight games to earn their spot atop the podium and claim their nation's sixth Olympic ice hockey gold medal in seven Olympics. The preliminary round was a relative breeze as the red and white machine whipped Poland 12-1, Italy 5-1, Yugoslavia 9-1, West Germany 6-1 and Sweden 10-1! The medal round saw the future champions not allow a goal as they shut out Canada 4-0 and, on February 19, Czechoslovakia 2-0.
This is the thought-provoking, inspiring gold medal that was presented to Sergei Starikov. One side features the Sarajevo stylized snowflake logo and the Olympic rings, with "XIV ZIMSKE OLIMPIJSKE IGRE" above and "SARAJEVO" below, while the other includes the stylized head of an athlete, crowned with a laurel wreath. Struck at the Majdanpek mint in Belgrade, it includes a small "M" mark on the front and is identified with "ICE HOCKEY" on the back. Multiple light scratches are visible on the area surrounding the circular section, with three tiny edge dents revealed under magnification. The ribbon has become crimpled over the years and we spot a pea-size hole, along with a 3/4" nearby edge tear. Presenting international hockey enthusiasts and collectors of significant awards with an opportunity that very seldom comes along, this formidable treasure will be accompanied by a letter of authenticity signed by two-time Olympic champion and five-time world champion Sergei Starikov. Outstanding!
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