Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction February 2018
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/27/2018
Hailing from the Oct. 20, 1976 high stick-swinging incident that witnessed Tiger Williams charged with assaulting Dennis Owchar - with the Penguins player requiring 46 stitches to close a head wound - we have a pair of sticks that were actually used in the court trial. Canadien Professional Custom Pro models, each matching stick feature’s “Tiger Williams 22” factory graphics, with intact striping accents. Never used, the sticks have been attached using clear tape, with a detailed Police Seal across one blade with a Feb 1977 date along with a court official’s signature. A unique and intriguingly famous pair, items from notorious NHL incidents rarely make themselves available.
Williams, who was the most penalized player in the history of the National Hockey League, was in 1977 prosecuted by the Ontario Attorney General. It was charged that on the occasion of a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Pittsburgh Penguins, Williams had in his possession an offensive weapon, a hockey stick, and he did assault Dennis Owchar, a Pittsburgh player who required 46 stitches to a head wound. The defence was that Williams was a hockey foot soldier. It had always been as he said, "Nobody had ever said to me, 'Go get number eight' or 'Fix that sonofabitch Joe Blow'. Not ever. Not back on the river [the frozen one on which he played his first games], not in Peewee or Bantam or Midget, not even in junior or professional hockey. It was something you knew, instinctively. "No one had to draw pictures to show you what you needed to do to get on in the game. For someone like me it couldn't have been more simple. I fought - or I disappeared." Williams was acquitted.
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).