Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Fall 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/7/2017
A thorn in the side of Canadians at the famous 1972 Summit Series along with other numerous international tournaments, Vladislav Tretiak is undoubtedly the greatest goaltender that never guarded an NHL crease. The Orudyevo native has won an astounding 14 gold medals while competing for his beloved Russia at the Canada Cup, World Championships and Winter Olympics, with parts of 16 seasons spent in Moscow backstopping the powerful Red Army squad.
We are pleased to be able to offer Tretiak’s actual signed helmet worn during the 1976 Canada Cup, with this same model/style helmet worn by the icon during the December 31st 1975 "Game of the Century" (Red Army vs Montreal Canadiens) and at the games of the 1976 Super Series (with Tretiak playing for the CSKA Moscow). A photo of Tretiak posing with our consignor and this helmet is included, along with a CD containing 25+ photos of Tretiak wearing this model of helmet. A copy of an original letter from Cliff Gabel, vice-president of Cooper Canada Limited, which states that "Tretiak wore this Cooper helmet and wire mask combination (model numbers SK600/HM30) in the 1976 Canada Cup series” and “The helmet was produced in Toronto, Canada in November 1975" will also accompany. In solid Russian red with the interior padding and strapping intact, “UCKA” has been written over a scratched-out Cooper logo over the right ear, with the emblem intact on the reverse side. A sticker has also been placed over the top section, with Tretiak adding a now somewhat faded signature in black marker.
Considering Vladislav’s place as one of the greatest netminders to ever play the game along with the mythical, almost god-like status bestowed by both Canadians and Europeans alike, any and all game-worn items from the icon are of the utmost importance, with this game-worn 1976 Canada Cup specimen more than worthy of HOF inclusion.
The helmet also sports its original manufacturer’s labels along the interior, including a certified sticker from CSA along with an example that lists sizing (6 ¾ – 7 ¾), with the glue residue left from an additional sticker that once sat affixed just over the forehead section (see below). Great use is exhibited on the desirable head gear which includes heavy wear to the interior padding along with some minor soiling to the chin pad, with the front cage clasps oxidized with some rusting. There is also additional wear along the forehead section, with a large obtrusive crack that probably retired the helmet, running from the upper left screw that supports the cage, to the top of the forehead just above the intact, screened-on Cooper logo. It should also be noted that a Youtube video of the round robin game vs Canada shows at about 6:20, and from 8:10 to 8:20, Tretiak wearing this type of helmet with a visible CCCP logo showing over the forehead with what seems to be remnants of that very sticker on our offered mask (see above).
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