As Wayne Gretzky's 500th goal gamer sells for $297,995, let's see the top 5 most expensive hockey jerseys ever auctioned.
1. Paul Henderson 1972 Summit Series jersey - $1.3m
 Paul Henderson with the $1.3m jersey |
At 3-1 down after game five of the 1972 Summit Series against the Soviet Union, things looked bleak for Canada.
But then Paul Henderson took matters into his own hands.
The forward scored the winning goals in the last three games of the series, including the series-clinching red lighter in game eight, with 34 seconds left.
The jersey he wore in the last four games of the series - all in Moscow - sold for $1.3m at Classic Auctions in June 2010 - the record for any hockey jersey at auction.
The Summit Series represented the first time a professional-filled Canada team had squared off with the Soviet national side.
2. Mike Eruzione Miracle on Ice jersey - $657,250
 The jersey Eruzione wore to score the winning goal against the Soviet Union |
Mike Eruzione's jersey from 1980's "Miracle on Ice" sold for $657,250 in February 2013.
Captain Eruzione scored the winning third-period goal as the United States team, comprised of amateurs and collegiate players, secured a 4-3 victory against the mighty Soviet Union in the penultimate group game at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid.
In doing so, the US now had the opportunity to bid for the gold medal in their final game against Finland…
3. Wayne Gretzky 500th goal jersey - $297,995
 Wayne Gretzky - the fastest man to 500 goals |
The Great One's 500th goal game-worn jersey auctioned for $297,995, excluding buyer's premium, in June 2013. Achieved in November 1986, it took Gretzky just 575 games to complete the much lauded mark - the quickest in NHL history, and 30 games faster than second placed Mario Lemieux.
Gretzky also wore the jersey throughout the Oilers' playoff run to the 1987 Stanley Cup - their third.
4. Mike Eruzione 1980 Olympic gold medal game jersey - $286,800
 The US beat Finland 4-2 to clinch the gold medal |
The Miracle on Ice would have counted for little had the US team not beaten Finland in their final game. Trailing 2-1 following the second period, US coach Herb Brooks famously told his players: "If you lose this game, you'll take it to your fucking graves. Your fucking graves."
The US duly won the game 4-2, and with it the gold medal.
Captain Eruzione's jersey from the game sold for $286,800 at Heritage Auctions in February 2013.
5. Wayne Gretzky Edmonton Oilers NHL rookie jersey - $148,478
 Gretzky scored 137 points in his rookie NHL season |
A Gretzky jersey from his rookie NHL season with the Oilers, in 1979-80, auctioned for $148,478 in December 2005 with Classic Auctions. Just as with trading cards, rookie items of apparel are hugely popular with sports memorabilia collectors.
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