Discovery Museum – 2017 Bid for Kids Online Auction
Auction Ends: May 10, 2017 10:00 PM EDT

Memorabilia

Autographed Photo Photo of Ray Bourque from 2001 Stanley Cup

Item Number
381
Estimated Value
100 USD
Sold
35 USD to jahjoey
Number of Bids
1  -  Bid History

Item Description

Colorado Avalanche win the 2001 Stanley Cup finals giving Ray Bourque his first Stanley Cup!

From an article by George Johnson / Special to NHL.com:

The Colorado Avalanche had just lost Game 5 of the 2001 Stanley Cup Final to the New Jersey Devils. Instead of being up 3-2 in the best-of-7 series, they were heading east one loss from elimination. 

Before an optional skate two days prior to Game 6, Avalanche coach Bob Hartley came into the dressing room looking for answers. 

"I said to the guys, 'What do you think? Does anyone have anything to say?'" Hartley said. "I probably walked three or four times around the locker room. Everybody had their heads down. Not a word.

"We knew we had opened the door for the Devils to win the Stanley Cup at home. It was hard enough to beat those guys in Denver, let alone New Jersey. Obviously the pressure was on us. No one would talk."

But then defenseman Ray Bourque, who was at the end of his brilliant 22-season career that began with the Boston Bruins and would end in Denver, and who was still without a Stanley Cup, spoke.

"Tears were actually rolling down his cheeks," Hartley said. "And he said: 'It's in your hands. I know there has been a lot of talk about my future. Well, after this, I'm done. I have one or two games left. You will decide how many more games I have left to play.' Then he sat down.

"You could've heard a pin drop. Funeral-home silence. That was the shortest meeting I've ever been a part of. Nobody wanted to be part of canceling the party for Ray."

The Avalanche forced Game 7 with a 4-0 victory at New Jersey and came home to give Bourque, a five-time Norris Trophy winner, a memorable send-off. They delivered, winning 3-1, and captain Joe Sakic then produced one of the most indelible images of Bourque's career.

Item Special Note

Photo size: 8" x 10"

Photo does not come framed. 

Donated By:

Celebrities for Charity