According to the site, the October 5, 2005 game-worn jersey, which has “light to moderate game use,” was sported by Ovechkin during the pre-game ceremony and the first period of the Caps’ home opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The sweater, later auctioned off in November 2005 as part of the NHL’s Hurricane Katrina Relief fund, features an NHL Cares patch on the front of Washington’s former black Capitol Dome home jersey.
As seen in the video below, Ovechkin’s sweater for the second and third periods did not feature the patch.
Huggins & Scott vice president Josh Wulkan told RMNB’s Chris Gordon that the initial, unnamed buyer from 2005 is the person putting the sweater up for auction. The jersey, which already has an opening bid of $5,000, was originally bought for $7,929.
The jersey also comes with a few fun extras:
- October 5, 2005 Washington Capitals opening night program signed by six Caps including Jeff Freisen, Brent Johnson, Brooks Laich, Brian Willsie, and Ovechkin’s former linemate Dainius Zubrus
- Two tickets from that game which are in near-mint condition
- A highlight video given to season-ticket holders entitled “Alex Ovechkin: A Calder Trophy Tribute.”
- A copy of the game notes including both rosters from the contest.
- The original sales receipt from the 2005 purchase.
- A Letter of Authenticity from the NHL certifying game-use with the facsimile signatures of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA Director Ted Saskin.
In the historic game, Ovechkin scored two goals, including his first NHL goal via a one-timer in the second period.
The auction for the jersey ends Thursday, August 11 at 11:30 PM. Get your bids in now!
Additional reporting by Chris Gordon.
