Wayne Stephenson
Team: Washington Capitals
Year: 1979-80
Mask Maker: Greg Harrison
Painter: Greg Harrison
Acquired From: Classic Auctions, June 2023; Greg Harrison letter
Photomatched: No
Description for Classic: Guarding the crease of Team Canada twice at the World Championships prior to his NHL debut with St Louis in 1971-72, Wayne Stephenson played parts of ten seasons in the world's fastest league, including for Philadelphia and Washington. This lot features an original mask made by maker extraordinaire Greg Harrison. Made for Stephenson by Harrison when the netminder transitioned from Philadelphia to Washington (1979-80), Stephenson was superstitious, and preferred to use his old mask painted over in red, white and blue, with this mask serving as a "game ready" back-up. We are not sure if it was ever worn in any games, and although the mask does exhibit some wear, it possibly occurred during practices. We should also note that this mask was made from the same mold as Stephenson's Philadelphia mask. The interior pads remain intact except one, with no strapping or back plate present. Exhibiting a few marks, the mask also includes a rare moveable fiberglass neck guard. An LOA from Greg Harrison will accompany. Period masks of this quality rarely surface.
While I don’t think this mask ever saw any game action, I think this mask is one of Harrison’s best designs. I believe it was part of the great Soultenders and Goaltenders exhibit in 1981 in Kleinburg, Ont and may have been on display in HHOF at one point. I’m happy to have it in my collection.
