1953-54 (Earliest) Bobby Hull Game Worn Hespeler Hawks Jersey LOA + Repairs

Description

Bobby Hull's 1953-54 OHA Hespeler Hawks Game-Worn Wool Jersey from His Personal Collection with LOA - Team Repairs!
Absolutely astonishing 50-year old jersey has an equally remarkable story behind it. It's Bobby Hull's first ever junior sweater, worn by the youth with the Hespeler Hawks during the 1953-54 season, his first away from home. The future Hall-of-Famer was just 14 when Chicago Black Hawks scout Robert Wilson spotted Bobby on an outdoor rink in Belleville. Wilson proposed that Hull go to Galt the next season to play with the Hawks-sponsored Junior "A" team, but since he wasn't quite ready to step into such fast company, he was farmed out to Hespeler, a Junior "B" team. The next season Hull did play six games with Galt but he was loaned to the Woodstock Warriors who captured the Ontario Junior "B" championship. A promotion to the St. Catharines Teepees in 1955-56 and a second season in Junior "A" preceded his fabulous 15-year NHL career. This sensational red, white and black wool sweater has always held a special place in Bobby's heart and still has the original “DS Waterloo – All Wool" label. "16" in white felt outlined in blue is sewn on the front and reverse while a Hespeler Hawks felt patch is sewn on the right shoulder. A shortened skate lace is woven through the wide metal grommets on the tie-neck collar, with heavy use showing on the vintage garment, with numerous small holes present throughout. There are also team-repairs, with specimens visible over the front (8), reverse (4) and sleeves (8). Despite these expected repairs, the sweater presents wonderfully. Originating from the personal collection of Bobby Hull, an LOA from Classic Auctions will accompany.