About

The Story:
How the autographs were acquired

1966-67 Bruins

Captain Johnny Bucyk

1966-67 and 1968-69 Canadiens

Captain Jean Beliveau
collected his team's signatures twice

1968-69 Flyers

Captain Ed Van Impe
Captain Ed Van Impe

1968-69 North Stars

Captain Moose Vasko

1968-69 Seals

Captain Ted Hampson

1971-72 Canadiens

Captain Henri Richard
Captain Henri Richard

In 1966 a Massachusetts family had an idea: Create replica rinks to send to the then NHL’s six teams, specifically to the team captains—and ask each to collect the signatures of their entire team. The plan included an enclosed self-addressed stamped envelope.

Two captains of the six, Johnny Bucyk of the hometown Bruins and Jean Beliveau of the Canadiens indeed did collect their respective teammates signatures and presented a wonderful surprise in the mail. Even Canadiens Hall of Fame Coach Toe Blake signed the Canadiens board.

It was certainly different times than the world we live in today. There was a lot less marketing back then and players were arguably more down to earth.

This process was replicated two years later, in 1968. By then, in the intervening season, the NHL expanded to double the league’s number of teams from those original six to twelve. Again, captains were mailed a rink. This time, M. Beliveau collected the signatures. In addition, half of the six new teams also got in on the idea: the Flyers, North Stars (today’s Dallas Stars) and Oakland Seals (renamed California Golden Seals, then moved to Cleveland in 1976 as the “Barons” for two seasons before folding into the Minnesota North Stars in 1978).

Once more, in 1971, rinks were mailed out, but perhaps only to Boston and Montréal. Only the latter’s new Captain Henri Richard carried on what was practically a tradition with the Canadiens and returned the last of the seven autographed rinks in this collection.

As you look at each team’s page and their respective lineups, you’ll notice that the rosters have a number of non-signers, but concentrated at the bottom, in terms of scoring order, as most were not on the roster at the moment of the season the rinks were shipped.

What was returned was and is truly amazing, many great, legendary players. We only wish the quality was as they were at the time.

A few of the signatures are blurry or smudged, but most are intact. Unfortunately, these were stored in a damp cellar for many years. You’ll see that many of the signatures overlap. And when we show you the individual signatures you click on the team rosters, the green check marks, these have had the marks and signatures around theirs removed, while the signature itself is as it is.

This is truly the most unique of collections. Imagine the greats and legends whose DNA touched these replica rinks and who took the time to sign them.

Enjoy a walk through a frozen moment in time of great growth of the National Hockey League.