Historical Hockey and Sports Memorabilia Auction Spring 2025
Affectionately nicknamed "Boom Boom" for his thundering slapshot, Bernard Geoffrion first suited up for the famous Montreal Canadiens in 1950-51 after numerous seasons in the QJHL with Montreal Concordia, Montreal Nationale and Laval. Playing on the left wing of the first line with superstars Maurice Richard and Jean Beliveau during the 1950s, as well as picking up duties on the right wing on the second line, Geoffrion was the second player in NHL history after the Rocket to score 50-goals in a season - accomplishing the feat in 1960-61. Staying with his hometown Habs until 1964 where he would then embark on a pair of seasons in Manhattan with the New York Rangers after returning from retirement in 1966, Boom Boom retired in 1968, and was enshrined in the HOF in 1972. Concluding his noteworthy career with just under 400 goals, 11 All-Star Game appearances, the Calder Memorial, the Hart Memorial, a pair of Art Ross trophies and 6 Stanley Cup championships all to his credit, Geoffrion also suffered 6 broken noses, received over 400 stitches and once needed emergency surgery to save his life after a training accident severely injured him in 1958 - all a testament to the rough and rugged play of the era when men were men.
We here at Classic Auctions are proud to present to the collecting community a photo-matched Montreal Canadiens alternate captain's wool sweater worn by Geoffrion during the 1962-63 NHL season. A single-season specimen, distinguishable by the uniquely cut numbers to the sleeves, no labeling remains along the collar, with the vintage prize measuring out to roughly a modern size 42. Featuring the iconic CH crest to the chest in blue, white and red layered twill, "5" is sewn to the sleeves and verso along with the alternate's "A" over the left breast in matching material. There are a few areas where the sleeve and verso numbers along with the alternate's "A" are slightly detached/torn away from the jersey, and there is red colour bleeding into the white areas of the jersey along the neck, shoulder line, collar reinforcement and reverse striping band. Team repairs are also present, with examples situated on the left (5 small clumps) and right (2 small clumps) sleeves as well as single repairs to the seams on each upper sleeve. Lastly, there is pilling in areas, a small faint section of blue paint transfer to the left front, a small stain to the lower right reverse shoulder, an individual hole over the front band, and what appears to be sweat staining to the cuffs and middle section of the right sleeve.
Remarkably photo-matched to 3 included digital images which includes matches to; the shape/placement and particular details of the sleeve numerals, the proper placement of the team crest and alternate captain's "A" in correlation to each other, the particular details of the team crest, and to the visible grouping of team repairs on the left elbow. One of the greatest players in both the history of the NHL and the Montreal Canadiens franchise, this museum-worthy wool treasure will instantly elevate any aficionado's collection to world class status. An LOA from Classic Auctions will accompany. Read below for a detailed account of how our consignor obtained this jersey.
Regarding the acquiring of the jersey, our consignor states, "The story revolves around Del Wilson, a prominent scout for the Montreal Canadiens in Western Canada from 1949 to 1995. Throughout his career, he held various significant roles, including General Manager, President, and Owner of the Regina Pats from 1956 to 1980. During certain periods, the Regina Pats served as an affiliate farm club for the Montreal Canadiens. Mr. Wilson facilitated the shipment of used Montreal Canadiens equipment to the Regina Pats for reuse. In conversations with Norm Fong, who served as the Trainer and Equipment Manager for the Regina Pats from 1974 to 1979, it was revealed that boxes containing skates, gloves, pants, and other hockey gear—including Montreal Canadiens jerseys—were periodically delivered to the team. Norm would sort through this equipment, with select items being utilized by the Regina Pats and/or distributed to the Regina Pat Blues (SHJL) and the Midget “AAA” Regina Pat Canadians. However, the jerseys were not put into circulation due to sizing issues, and the fact that they were wool sweaters may have posed additional challenges. These jerseys were stored in a box within the storage room of the old Regina Exhibition Stadium, which served as the home of the Regina Pats from 1919 to 1977. Before the Pats transitioned to the newly constructed Agridome, Mr. Wilson instructed Norm to distribute the jerseys to players. The remaining items were then relocated to the new storage room in the Agridome. I had the privilege of serving as a stickboy for the Pats from 1977 to 1979. During this time, I was given the opportunity to select a jersey from the box. Being quite naive at the time, my only criteria were to find a white jersey in good condition. Another interesting note, in the 70’s when Norm was working with the Pats the coach was Robert “Bob” Turner (ex-Montreal Canadian player, 1956-1961). Mr. Turner was Boom Boom Geoffrion’s roommate on the road with Canadians. Norm remembers Bob telling stories about Mr. Geoffrion in the day".
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