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1:40PM EST November 28. 2012 - Henrik Lundqvist's popularity, combined with the drive to raise money for superstorm Sandy relief, resulted in the New York Ranger star's headgear becoming the most expensive goalie mask in sports auction history.
Molly Heines, an avid collector of used Rangers goaltending equipment, paid $66,000 for Lundqvist's mask in a benefit auction on Steinersports.com.
According to Barry Levine of Gameusedmasks.com, the previous record for a mask was $24,655 for Rogie Vachon's mask in 2011. Other noteworthy NHL mask sales include Gerry Cheever's game-used mask going for $21,405 in 2006 and Bernie Parent's game-used mask going for $21,000 in 2004.
The Lundqvist mask received 25 bids over the 20 days of the auction.
"I think it's an amazing amount of money," Lundqvist said. "To be able to donate this amount to people that really need it right now is great. I am incredibly thankful to everyone who bid on the helmet, especially the winner. This money will hopefully be able to make a real difference for some families who were directly affected by this storm."
Lundqvist is known for his charitable work. He is spokesman for Madison Square Garden's Garden of Dreams Foundation, which is similar to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, granting wishes to children with terminal illnesses.
He also flew back from Sweden to play alongside other locked-out NHL players in Saturday's Operation Hat Trick charity game in Atlantic City, making 57 saves in the New York team's 10-6 win. Proceeds from the game were donated to the American Red Cross, Empire State Relief Fund and the New Jersey Hurricane Relief Fund.
Jerseys worn in that game are being auctioned off at auction.steinersports.com through Dec. 6.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/rangers/2012/11/28/henrik-lundqvist-mask-auction/1731981/
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