Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Fall 2021
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/26/2021
Banished by league president Clarence Campbell for the remainder of the 1954-55 NHL regular season and playoffs - a penalty much too severe for the throngs of Quebecois supporters while opposing fans rejoiced in glee – Maurice Richard had struck a linesman in a physical confrontation in a March 13th match, with the suspension sparking the infamous “Richard Riot” at the Montreal Forum on St Patrick’s Day. This lot features especially desirable original NHL and Montreal Canadiens documents profiling the riot and suspension. Included, we have a letter On Canadiens letterhead addressed to the Habs secretary-treasurer from Frank Selke (secretarial signature) dated April 4, 1955, noting an NHL letter listing Richard’s match penalty and asking to deduct his pay accordingly, with this followed by the aforementioned NHL letter explaining the fine for the penalty, dated April 1, 1955. Next, we have a typed five-page document that outlines Campbell’s decision from the March 16th hearing that was attended by all involved including Richard, the Bruins Hal Laycoe, the game's on-ice officials, Montreal coach Dick Irvin, NHL referee-in-chief Carl Voss and others. As an added bonus, an additional two-page document dated Jan 7, 1955 explaining Campbell’s decision to suspend Richard earlier that season is also included. Each page is 8” x 10” and shows light handling wear, with each having holes punched along the left side from former binder insertion, with the multi-page documents attached by staples.
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