A Century of Memories Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2009
Dazzling and substantial diamond and gold creation commemorates the Winnipeg Jets’ 1978-79 Avco Cup title. Presented to Gary Smith, this treasure exhibits nicely rounded edges and was clearly worn with pride by the veteran goalie, who went 8-2 in the 1979 WHA playoffs. The Jets beat Wayne Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers in six games to claim their third title in four seasons in the last championship final contested in the rebel league’s seven-year history. Smith, who teamed with Tony Esposito to win the Vezina Trophy with Chicago in 1971-72, was beaten for the final goal in WHA history, scored by Edmonton’s Dave Semenko in the dying seconds of the Jets’ 7-3 series-clinching win at the Winnipeg Arena. The ring features three diamonds incorporated into the Jets logo on the tableau. “WHA Champions” surround it on the bezel, which is encircled by the customized addition of a band of 44 diamonds (one tiny setting is empty). Inscriptions on the right shank include the team’s name, its Avco Cup championship seasons, Winnipeg’s seven years in the WHA and an “NHL ‘79” mention. The left shank features “Smith” and “1979” along with a likeness of the championship trophy. Stamped“Jostens 10K” on the interior of the band where a scripted and engraved “Wpg 7 – Edm 3” references the score of the Jets’ clinching victory. A sensational championship ring that conjures up great memories of Winnipeg’s pro hockey heyday in the late 1970s.
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