This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2004.
Eddie Shore was the first great Boston Bruins defenseman, and were it not for the career of one Bobby Orr, Shore probably would have remained the greatest Boston defenseman in their history. Shore began his NHL career with the Boston Bruins during the 1926-27 season after his former league, the WHL folded. In his rookie season Shore tallied 12 goals and 6 assists totalling 18 points, a number unheard of for NHL defensemen in the 20s. His impressive offensive numbers continued from there as he broke the 10 goal barrier in each of the next three seasons, and tallied nine and eight respectively in the two seasons following that. He finished his career with 105 goals and 179 assists, remarkable numbers for a defenseman of his era. More than his incredible offensive capabilities though, Shore was known for his very physical defensive play. Shore literally skated over people who were in his way and as a result, solidified a reputation for himself as a physical force to be reckoned with. He also pioneered a new method of skating, one in which he would quite literally crouch closer to the ground as he strode up the ice. With crouched knees Shore had a lower center of gravity and better balance, making it much harder to knock him down. Today, Shore's style of skating is practiced by nearly everyone who plays. In addition to his individual accomplishments, which include four Hart Memorial Trophies as the league's MVP, the only defenseman to win as many, Shore was a great on ice leader. In his career he led the Bruins to two Stanley Cup Championships, one in 1929 and one in 1939, and helped them to win the American Division eight times. This sweater was worn by Shore in the Howie Morenz Memorial Game, which was played on November 3rd, 1937 to commemorate the life and play of Morenz. Perhaps the greatest player of his time and the winner of three Hart Trophies during his own career, Howie Morenz died as the result of a freak on ice accident that occurred in January, 1937. The injury resulted in his death a few weeks later and a game was played in his honor later that year. On the front of the sweater is "HOWIE MORENZ MEMORIAL GAME" done in black felt on a white felt plate. On the left sleeve is a star done in black felt. On the back of the sweater is the player number "4" done in black felt. The sweater shows game-use and appears to have no alterations of any kind. The sweater comes with a letter from Eddie Shore's son.