This road green dureen gamer by Steichens and Rawlings was worn by USA Hall of Famer, Henry Boucha, during the 1974-75 NHL season. Boucha was a full-blooded Chippewa Native American who grew up in Warroad, Minnesota. To this day, Henry is considered one of the greatest to ever play high school hockey in Minnesota. Boucha joined the US Army and then played for the US National Team beginning in 1970. He tallied 7 goals in 10 games for Team USA in the 1971 World Championships and then led his country to the Silver Medal in the 1972 Olympics, averaging a point per game.

He was the 16th overall selection by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1971 NHL Entry Draft and joined the club for the final 16 games of the 1971-72 season. Boucha became an instant fan favorite as well as one of the leagues most recognizable players thanks in large part to his trademark headband. Following 3 seasons with the Red Wings, Boucha was traded to the North Stars in exchange for Danny Grant. Henry was on the verge of career highs in goals, assists and points, when 51 games into his first and only season for the North Stars he suffered a tragic injury. In a highly publicized incident that sent Dave Forbes of the Boston Bruins up for charges of assault in the State of Minnesota, Henry suffered a cracked bone around his eye as well as blurred vision courtesy of a vicious stick swing by the Boston player.

Boucha recovered in time for the following season where he jumped to the Minnesota Fighting Saints of the WHA. After 36 games with the financially beleaguered franchise, and with 35 points in tow, Henry joined the Kansas City Scouts for the final 28 games of their schedule. He made the trip west with them to Colorado, where with the Rockies he finished his career the next season. Boucha’s tremendous early contributions to USA hockey earned him a 1995 induction to the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.

Sewn into the collar of this stunning green dureen is the Steichens tag, marking the first year that these tags are found on North Stars gamers. Sewn into the hem is the Rawlings manufacturers tag. A customized fight strap remains perfectly in place beneath the rear player number. This beautifully preserved specimen hails from the coveted TV set of North Stars gamers that feature the player names on back, a rarity from the era. This shirt is 100% original in all respects and features nice even and consistent game wear that includes impressive pilling throughout the entire inside. According to our consignor, he acquired this gamer all the way back in 1975 and it has sat in his private collection ever since. It is quite a treat to be able to bring to market this treasure, worn by a player who was revered and beloved by many and who remains an integral figure in US and Minnesota hockey history. Simply awesome!