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A hockey collector has paid more than $1-million for Paul Henderson’s 1972 Hockey Canada jersey that was worn during the Summit Series in Canada and the Soviet Union. The final bid was an incredible $1,067,538 U.S. before the buyer’s premium.

It is the highest recorded price for a game-worn hockey jersey sold in a public auction. By contrast, a Bobby Orr 1967-68 Boston Bruins jersey sold for $152,897 in a 2006 Leland’s auction (more than $200,000 Canadian with the exchange rate at the time). Also by contrast in terms of game-worn jerseys from the Summit Series, a Phil Esposito 1972 Canada game-worn jersey sold for $42,796 in a 2005 Classic Collectibles auction.

In the Classic Collectibles auction (which closed Jun. 22), the jersey was the lone item in a category entitled “The Jersey”. In all, there were close to 900 different lots in the auction. The Henderson jersey description explained, “offered here is the actual Team Canada uniform Henderson was wearing for the four games played in Russia. (It is the jersey worn) when he scored the goal that would forever be his most shining sporting achievement.

“This striking heavy knit sweater features a stylistic maple leaf rising up from the waist in red. The number”19″ is sewn onto the back beneath the word “CANADA” in red, single-layer tackle twill. The manufacturer’s black and gold “Tricot Sport Maska” tag is stitched into the collar beside remnants of another tag, long since removed. This one, worn by Henderson, has been altered to his specifications. The cuffs have been cut short and the inside layer of red material beneath the white Maple Leaf has been trimmed out to make the jersey lighter.”

The Henderson jersey drew 42 bids before it finally closed at over $1-million.

As an addendum, Classic explained that “Paul Henderson had the opportunity to don the iconic #19 sweater for the first time in nearly 40 years on Monday Jun. 7. He has personally confirmed the authenticity of the jersey, which he gave as a gift to Team Canada trainer Joe Sgro following the 1972 Summit Series. A new letter of authenticity and provenance signed by Paul Henderson will accompany the sale of the jersey. Please note that our consignor has pledged to donate a portion of the proceeds of the sale of the jersey to a charity of Paul Henderson’s choice.”

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