Hockey Memorabilia Auction Raised $115K

Content Originally Posted by Sports Collectors' Daily on February 24th, 2009.

Game-worn jerseys, autographed gloves and dozens of other pieces of hockey memorabilia found new homes in the National Hockey League Players’ Association's recent auction honoring the late Luc Bourdon.

Bourdon played for the Vancouver Canucks and its minor league affiliate before losing his life in a motorcycle accident last spring.

"NHLPA members have shown exceptional support in paying tribute to Luc Bourdon, who was a great friend to many," said Paul Kelly, NHLPA Executive Director. "The significant impact Luc’s life had on his fellow players is evident by the success of the players’ efforts to raise this money. The proceeds raised will further honour Luc through the Memorial Fund in his name."

Over $55,000 was raised through the NHLPA’s online eBay.ca auction, launched in December 2008 to provide hockey fans with the opportunity to support the Luc Bourdon Memorial Fund. The auction featured one-of-a-kind hockey memorabilia donated by NHLPA members, NHL Clubs and various organizations affiliated with the NHLPA.

More than 215 items were sold in the online auction, including:

• 2008-09 All-Star tickets ($4,150)
• Ryan Miller event-worn 2008 Winter Classic jersey ($2,325)
• Evgeni Malkin event-worn 2008 Winter Classic jersey ($2,225)
• Roberto Luongo autographed blocker ($1,425)
• Thomas Vanek event-worn 2008 Winter Classic jersey ($1,240)
• Roberto Luongo autographed glove ($1,035)
• Ty Conklin event-worn 2008 Winter Classic jersey ($1,031)

The Canucks raised $50,000 through partial proceeds from the team’s Superskills event held on February 1, 2009. In addition, the NHLPA made an initial contribution of $10,000 to the fund following Bourdon’s sudden passing in May 2008.

"I had the pleasure of playing with Luc and getting to know him while we were both members of the Vancouver Canucks," said Anaheim Ducks’ forward Brendan Morrison. "Luc was a fine young man and had so much promise as a talented hockey player. Following his tragic passing, it has been remarkable to see what Luc’s fellow players have done to raise money in his honour, and I’m pleased to have been a part of it."

All proceeds raised will support scholarships and various youth-related initiatives through the establishment of the Luc Bourdon Memorial Fund, which will be officially launched by Bourdon’s mother Suzanne Boucher, later this year.