Jean Beliveau Foundation Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/11/2008
Stirring wool sweater in Montreal Canadiens’ colors brings forth the story of the benefit game played at the Montreal Forum on Wednesday, November 3, 1937 to aid the family of the late, great Howie Morenz who had died in hospital the previous March. The idol of a generation and one of hockey’s immortals, Morenz was just 34 when an embolism took him to the red, white and blue heavens, leaving behind a saddened hockey world and a legacy recounted countless times. The game pitted an All-Star team of Montreal Canadiens and Maroons, wearing special jerseys like this, against a lineup of All-Stars from the NHL’s other teams. Close to $20,000 was raised for Morenz’s widow, Mary, with the Montreal stars rallying with three late third period goals to make it close, the NHL stars though holding on for a 6-5 win. Black felt letters sewn on red felt are responsible for the two long patches on the front here, with a triple-layer Canadiens crest sewn on the left sleeve and a white number “2” stitched to the back. Preserved in outstanding condition, the sweater includes a few black marks on each sleeve, as well as on the front. We count six small and non-detracting holes on the back and at the left seam, as well as a couple of snags. Montreal Maroons goaltender Bill Beveridge donned number 2 for the game but did not see any action, the Habs’ Wilf Cude tending goal all three periods. The number on the back here is not the same as numbers seen on other Morenz Memorial Game sweaters, leading to the unanswered question as to why the number may have been replaced/switched. Regardless, the sweater is an exceptional offering and an opportunity that rarely presents itself. Please note that the treasure is subject to a silent reserve.
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