The Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin started his NHL career on Oct. 5, 2005, against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He scored two goals that game, both in the second period, and Washington defeated Columbus 3-2 at the MCI Center.
Every NHL team had a “NHL Cares: Katrina Relief Fund” patch on its jersey, during the first period of the team’s home opener. Afterwards the NHL auctioned off jerseys to help raise money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Ovechkin’s jersey was sold for $7,929.
Now, almost 11 years later, the same jersey Ovechkin wore during his debut went up for auction on Huggins & Scott Auctions. The jersey is available online for bidding until Aug. 11, at 11:30 p.m. The starting bid is $5,000.
“Who could have foreseen the amazing career that Alexander Ovechkin, the former Dynamo Moscow star and #1 pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. At this point, he has earned the distinction of being both the greatest Washington Capital and Russian hockey player of all-time. Presented is a truly incredible collectible being offered on the market for the first time — an Alexander Ovechkin jersey from his first NHL game! The October 5, 2005 game-worn jersey holds memories of the game (including light to moderate game use) in which the ‘Great Eight’ amazingly scored two goals, leaving little doubt about his prolific skills. The ‘Hurricane Katrina Relief Jersey’ shirt is a size 58 Reebok specimen that features a ‘Washington Capitals’ logo sewn on the front in blue, copper and white in the same fashion as ‘Ovechkin 8’ appears on the reverse. A ‘Capitals Eagle’ and an ‘8’ decorate both of the sleeves and a Reebok logo can be found on the reverse. LOA from the NHL for game-use from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA Director Ted Saskin. More on website
Also comes with an October 5, 2005 Washington Capitals opening night program signed by (6) including Jeff Freisen, Brent Johnson, Brooks Laich, Brian Willsie, Dainius Zubrus and (2) tickets from that night (both present NM condition); an ‘Alex Ovechkin: A Calder Trophy Tribute’ DVD and a copy of the game notes including rosters for the contest. Also includes the original sales receipt from the 2005 purchase.
For the sake of accuracy, this jersey was only worn by Ovechkin in pre-game and the entire first period of his first game; meaning it was actually the very first jersey he ever wore in actual game action of an NHL game.”
