Richard brodeur
Team: Quebec Nordiques
Style: Home Jersey
Manufacturer: Maska
Material: Durene
Tagging: Manufacturer’s tag and care tag with size in neck
Year: 1974-75
Set: N/A
Size: XXL
Patches: none
Acquired From: gamewornauctions.net November, 2012 auction
Photomatched: No
Description: This home white durene gamer by Maska was worn by Richard Brodeur during the 1974-75 WHA season. The New York Islanders selected Brodeur in the 7th round of the 1972 NHL Amateur Draft. Brodeur opted for the WHA and signed on as an original member of the Quebec Nordiques as the WHA opened play in 1972-73. Brodeur backstopped the Nords for all of their 7 seasons in the WHA and backstopped them to the Avco Cup in 1977. Upon expansion, his rights remained with the Islanders, and there he went briefly in 1979-80. He was dealt to the Vancouver Canucks and took over the reigns between the pipes in the Great Northwest beginning in 1980-81. There he would stand, a mere 5’ 7” in height, for the next 8 seasons while leading the Canucks to their first ever Stanley Cup Finals in 1982 against his former team the New York Islanders. King Richard was a beloved figure in Vancouver and wrapped up his career after a trade sent him to the Hartford Whalers during the 1987-88 NHL season.
Brodeur’s WHA career is legendary. He is at or near the top of numerous all-time WHA goaltending categories. His 44 Wins in 1975-76 was the highest total by any goalie in a single WHA season. He appeared in more WHA playoff games than any other goalie in league history. He is 2nd all-time in both regular season and playoff wins as well as playoff shutouts. Brodeur led the WHA in shutouts and was named a 2nd Team All Star in the WHA’s final season of 1978-79. The accolades go on and on.
Brodeur is also at or near the top of numerous Quebec Nordiques goaltending records. Some of the highlights include most regular season games played and most career regular season Wins and Shutouts. He is the Nords all-time playoff leader in games played, Wins and Shutouts. Some single season records include most games played, most Wins and Shutouts, which he shares with Serge Aubry. Lastly, Brodeur is the only goalie in Quebec history to bring them a championship.
Sewn perfectly into the collar of this gamer are the Maska and wash tags. The game wear on this stunning dureen is solid and consists of stick and puck marks, paint transfer, the remnants of solid pilling from King Richard’s goalie gloves and evidence of numerous spin cycles. This desirable one-year style features “Quebec” printed on both shoulder fleur di lis’. The condition of the “Quebec” on both shoulders is completely intact, a treat for collectors. On the left breast, alongside the crest, resides a blue sharpie signature in Brodeur’s own hand. A tremendous early example, worn during the season that Brodeur took over the role as Quebec’s #1 between the pipes and never relinquished it, choice!
