Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction February 2018
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/27/2018
Considering the combined factors of pedigree, use, longevity and importance, we have a pair of especially historic hockey gloves that tell a wonderful story with the offered set worn by iconic Slap Shot character Ned Braden, played by especially talented actor and former collegiate hockey player Michael Ontkean. Originally purchased by Ontkean for use with New Westminster in 1964-65, these examples served as Michael’s personal pair throughout his career, seeing action with the University of New Hampshire, the Nashua Maple Leafs and Los Angeles Blades. During the first day of on-ice Slap Shot filming, Michael wore these originally-brown gloves (see our online imagery), with the startled set department then applying their current Chiefs-matching royal blue with white accents. Worn throughout filming, Ontkean later used the gloves in various Hollywood All-Star games with ex-pros in and around LA. Lastly seeing action in a benefit game that took place in 1994 to aid the victims of California fires, Ontkean played on a line with none other than Wayne Gretzky while wearing these very gloves! A signed LOA from Michael Ontkean will accompany.
Seeing use over three decades, we should note that according to Ontkean the gloves have been re-palmed 4 or 5 times, most recently in 1994 before the Los Angeles benefit game. With the maker lost to time, the heavy high-quality gloves retain the blue and white paint applied by the Slap Shot set department in 1976, with exceedingly thorough use exhibited expectedly. A storybook life and history, these Michael Ontkean gloves can claim witness to not only numerous contests including the aforementioned benefit game with Wayne Gretzky, they were also worn by arguably the most important character in the most important hockey movie ever made. Wondrous!
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.
Last Minute Addition; It should also be noted regarding the gloves that were famously thrown to the ice – first the right, then the left – in the epic and unforgettable striptease scene that served as the climax of Slap Shot, that these historic specimens are specifically Winn Well 627 models, originally purchased for Michael at Sparlings in Vancouver by the New Westminster Royals equipment manager.
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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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