Classic Pieces In Rival Territory

I make no excuses when it comes to my alliance to the Montreal Canadiens. Naturally with that comes a hate for the Boston Bruins. What is great about this post is these Montreal Collectors dream pieces sit in a den closer to TD Garden then our very own Centre Bell.  I came across John M. on a sports collectors forum, he is a Montreal Canadiens fan who lives near Boston.

"Although I live right next to Boston, I hate all Boston teams. It's just the way I was brought up. When I was in the 7th and 8th grade my brother and I would go for every visiting hockey team that was playing the Bruins. Back in those days they used to let you actually wait inside the hotel as there were only a handful of people getting autographs. I do not go for autographs anymore. Today there are so many people hanging out at the hotel that they actually rope you off just outside the hotel! I don't feel like jostling with 35 autograph hounds for a couple of scribbles." 

John explains about how his allegiance to the Canadians started over 30 years ago and how autograph hounds and some athletes less then stellar signatures have put him in retirement from being an active collector. However, judging by the photos he shared with the rantingrocket.com, John made out quite well. Here is a look at a few of the gems in his collection.

Last Program from the Montreal Forum

In my opinion truly a remarkable piece for any Montreal Canadiens fan.  What I really enjoy about this, is the program itself. It is really a part of Montreal history. This program was the last one ever sold at the Montreal Forum and the art work is simple but also filled with great small detail (Gold names printed all over the program in small writing naming some of the Canadiens legends).  Rarity of course is another part that adds to this piece. Maurice Richard's beautiful autograph is very visible and clear. Joining him on this are notable deceased Montreal legends Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion and charismatic goaltender Gump Worsley. John explained how he was able to complete this piece.

"I went to card shows in my area and Boston College used to bring in all these old Canadiens. I was able to get several photos signed by Maurice Richard, Beliveau, and Lafleur which I love I also got all or most of those signature on the old Forum Program at the same show"

Canadiens royalty Richard,Beliveau and Lafleur

 One classic piece followed by another, Arguably the three best forwards to ever grace the Canadiens uniform in a triple signed piece. As explained by John this is a piece he was able to complete at a card show many years ago.

In terms of cover art this has to be one of the best I've seen. Les Canadiens Magazine made this its cover in the 1990-1991 season. Out of everything that I have seen from John's collection this would be the piece I have enjoyed the most.

Les Canadiens Magazine

This cover was autographed by Patrick Roy, Serge Savard, Jean Beliveau, Bob Gainey, Guy Lafleur, Yvan Cournoyer, Larry Robinson and of course Maurice "The Rocket" Richard. The list of athletes on this project are outstanding and the consistency of using a blue pen for all the autographs really makes this a piece most Canadiens collectors envy. Having the same colored pen for projects is important but John explained that many of his autographs were done in person which makes it difficult to maintain a theme. As a collector I can appreciate the effort and difficulty in completing a piece of this quality.

1994 Beckett Cover of members of the "Fifty in Fifty" Club

NHL Royalty (B.Hull,M.Lemieux,W.Gretzky,B.Orr,G.Howe)

After a mainly Canadiens theme post I could not help but also showcase two pieces from John's collection that included the best players to have ever played hockey. Also with these two last pieces an interesting story from a long time collector about "The Great One' Wayne Gretzky.

"I was also there for Gretzky's rookie year. He was always very nice. He had a totally different autograph back then. I was able to get him on his Topps rookie card and it is one of my most favorite items. Later in his career even though there were tons of autograph hounds waiting for him, he used to put his bags on the bus and then would come down to the bottom step of the bus and would start signing for everyone. For a huge star he always treated his fans right."

A Great little story about one of the most recognizable names in sports. In an era where "Ebay autograph hounds" have ruined the chance for collectors to meet their heroes. Guys like Wayne Gretzky still makes time to please fans.

Overall I was extremely pleased that John was nice enough to share pieces of his collection with me and hope those who see this enjoy them as much as I did.

Thanks John.

Warriors of yesteryear.

Hockey has a history of missing teeth, playing hurt and black eyes. That history was built on the toughness of the men who made this sport what it is today. Without starting a debate about which sport is the toughest.You will find many who argue that hockey may not be today's toughest sport. However very few can argue that this sport was not the toughest sport in the 1950's.

Players like Maurice Richard,Gordie Howe and Elmer Lach defined the meaning of "Warrior" and provided fans stories that will forever be passed on. Iconic moments in hockey history such as the Fontinato Vs. Howe fight defined hockey's reputation. Feb 1st 1959 was the date in which Gordie Howe cemented his reputation and hockey's in one night. "The Rangers downed the Red Wings 5–4 at MSG. Lou Fontinato became incensed when Gordie Howe whacked Eddie Shack over the ear with his stick, and challenged the right wing. Howe terminated the fight with an uppercut that broke Fontinato's nose and left it several degrees off centre". A historic moment for many reasons. This was a time in hockey which you're best player and best fighter could be one and the same. Picture Wayne Gretzky giving Bob Probert a beating so bad that Probert would need reconstructive surgery on his face. This seems absurd to think today but Hockey of the 1950's truly was the toughest sport in the world.

Fontinato after his brawl with Howe.

Maurice Richard also set the tone for toughness on many occasions for this sport. None more so then after scoring the winning goal in the 1952 Stanley Cup semi final versus the hated rivals the Boston Bruins. "As blood dripped down his face after an earlier injury that saw him suffer a concussion, he scored the series-winning goal of the 1952 Stanley Cup Semifinals. Richard had left the game, but returned to the bench in the third period, wearing a bandage. Richard, although somewhat dazed, jumped off the bench and drove to the net to score". These are the type of stories that have now become unheard of. Of course with good reason now that concussion awareness has been raised significantly.

  However one can always wonder if hockey would take the spotlight away from some of the prime time sports of today in U.S markets if it was still played like it was in 1950. Because this is still a Sports Memorabilia blog here's a look at my most prized possession and a gift from my girlfriend!