This home white dureen gamer by Rawlings was worn first by Earl Heiskala and then by Ted Hodgson during the 1973-74 WHA season. Heiskala hailed from Kirkland Lake, ONT and made his NHL debut in 1968-69 with the Philadelphia Flyers where he played for three seasons, the entirety of his NHL career. Heiskala also played in the AHL and WHL during his career and became an inaugural WHA member in 1972-73 representing the Los Angeles Sharks where he played for two seasons. Earl was a noted tough guy who in 221 NHL and WHA games combines racked up 489 PIMS.
Ted Hodgson hailed from Hobbema, ALTA and made his NHL debut in 1966-67 with the Boston Bruins. This winger would spend time in the AHL, WHL and CHL before becoming an inaugural WHA member in 1972-73 representing the Cleveland Crusaders. During his second season in Cleveland, Hodgson was dealt to the Los Angeles Sharks where he finished his WHA career in 1974.
The game wear on this size 48 sweater consists of stick marks, board burns, board paint transfer, washed out bloodstains and fine inner pilling. A nameplate change of course exists with the current Hodgson residing a bit higher up on the upper verso than the original Heiskala formerly resided. This wonderful example features sewn-on lettering and numbering as well as a magnificent tackle twill crest with beautiful chain stitching to form the Sharks eyes and teeth.
The LA Sharks survived as a franchise for merely the WHA’s first two seasons of play. A pair of Detroit businessmen purchased the struggling franchise during the midst of the 1973-74 season. The Sharks went on to lose 24 of their final 29 games cementing their last place finish. A week after the season ended, an announcement was formally made that the team would be relocated to Michigan. LA Sharks gamers have always been highly prized amongst WHA and California hockey collectors alike. This stunning example was worn by a pair of former NHLers and would make a great addition to any WHA collection, choice!
Mail this auction to a friend!
Watch this item!
