Henrik Lundqvist's Auctioned Off Mask Sets Record

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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/

Henrik Lundqvist's Mask Sold For $66,000

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Henrik Lundqvist doesn’t need his goalie mask much, given that the NHL lockout has canceled at least half of the season. So the Ranger put it up for sale for Hurricane Sandy relief. Lundqvist’s mask was sold through an auction with Steiner Sports for $66,000. The winning bidder, Molly Heines, is an avid Ranger fan. Lundqvist and teammates Brad Richards, Brian Boyle, Dan Girardi, Marc Staal, T aylor Pyatt and Jeff Halpern played in the Operation Hat Trick charity match this weekend for storm victims.

http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/mask_of_mercy_Z737jhBuXkDpqb1tsk6YyJ

Henrik Lundqvist Operation Hat Trick Post-Game Video Interview

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There were a few different versions of Henrik's press conference. Each one offers a different vantage point so I decided to post all three. Also, who knows when we'll get to see another post-game press conference (hopefully soon). I apologize for it being a little late, but I was away for the holiday weekend.

Henrik Lundqvist Finally Found a Game To Play

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Henrik Lundqvist finally found a game to play.

It won't be under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden or in front of a hostile crowd in Philadelphia. But it will be meaningful and rewarding in a unique way.

Like players and fans all across North America and the world, the New York Rangers goalie misses the NHL. Lundqvist has run the gamut of emotions as the long lockout lingers.

His thirst to get back on the ice will be quenched Saturday night, however briefly, as he joins other hockey stars in giving back to people who were ravaged by Hurricane Sandy.

Lundqvist will step on the ice in storm-damaged Atlantic City, N.J., along with Rangers teammates and foes from the Flyers and other teams to lend a helping hand to those recovering from the devastation. It won't have the intensity of a regular NHL game, but it will be filled with emotion and enjoyment.

"Absolutely. It's not only the hockey fans. You want to pay back to people working in the community around New York and people that got hit by this storm," said Lundqvist, last season's Vezina Trophy winner as the NHL's top goalie. "I was not there, but obviously I have a lot of friends who were still there, and I had people move into my place. …

"I hope it's going to be a positive day, and that people who come in to watch the game get some energy and give the people some hope who need it."

"Operation Hat Trick" will be held at famed Boardwalk Hall on Saturday. All proceeds from the event will go directly to the Empire State Relief Fund, the New Jersey Hurricane Relief Fund and the American Red Cross, which is aiding New York and New Jersey families affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Richards, Hartnell captains
Brad Richards of the Rangers joined Flyers forward Scott Hartnell and partnered with Caesars Atlantic City to stage the event. Richards and Hartnell will serve as captains of the two teams that will feature other NHLers such as Martin Brodeur, Bobby Ryan, Steven Stamkos, Kimmo Timonen, Braydon Coburn, James van Riemsdyk and Simon Gagne.

As of Monday, 28 players had signed up to play.

"We are all overwhelmed by the damage and destruction caused to our area by Hurricane Sandy, and as professional hockey players we wanted to come together to help those who were victimized," Richards said.

The mere idea that Rangers, Flyers and other rivals could come together for a common goal is special in itself.

"To have the opportunity to be able to raise money for the relief effort by participating in this game is an honour," Hartnell said.

Lundqvist has been spending time at home in Sweden. His Thanksgiving plans included an international flight back to his hockey home that hasn't had hockey since the Los Angeles Kings captured the Stanley Cup in June.

This trip should be well worth it for the seven-year NHL veteran.

"I'm trying to stay busy," said the 30-year Lundqvist, who joined the Rangers in 2005 after an earlier lockout forced the cancellation of the previous season. "I've been skating every week, trying to stay ready in case something happens. I'm not sure if things are going to open up in the NHL or here in Sweden. Right now I'm just trying to stay ready, but it's tough, though.

"Just a couple of nights skating. It's not ideal, obviously, but it is what it is."

Hopes quashed
A glimmer of optimism that arose this week when the NHL and the players' association got together twice for negotiations was dashed on Wednesday when the league quickly rejected an offer it said it was eagerly awaiting. The NHL has already cancelled all games through November and the highly popular outdoor Winter Classic. All-star weekend is very close to being lost along with another round of games.

"I'm kind of tired of hearing that they're getting together," he said. "We need progress here. I don't know what to say now. The first couple of weeks you hope it's going to end fast, and now you've had two months of talking.

"It doesn't really matter. We just have to figure it out here with the owners and come to a solution. Everybody is suffering, from the fans, the players, people working with the game. It's not necessary. The game is strong enough that we should be able to figure it out."

Lundqvist has rolled with the ups and downs of the lockout that began in September, when the previous collective bargaining agreement between the players' association and the NHL expired. He hasn't signed up to play in Europe or anywhere else, but if a deal isn't reached soon, he might have to change his plans.

He just never thought the lockout would be going on this long.

"It's important that we try to give back to different communities and to the fans, but to us players, we miss the game a lot. We do," Lundqvist said. "This is our lives. There is a business side to this sport; there is no way around it. When it comes down to just playing the game, I miss the lifestyle, I miss travelling and playing the games and having the adrenaline.

"It's just such a big part of my life. It's definitely been a weird two months here not having that. That's why it's a lot of fun to get together and play the game."

The NHL generated record revenues of $3.3 billion US last season when Lundqvist and the Rangers reached the Eastern Conference finals. Instead of being back on the ice to shoot for another run at the Stanley Cup, the star goalie is in a holding pattern he can't escape.

"I have all the emotions," Lundqvist said. "I have some anger, disappointment, some embarrassment, too. I understand that the fans are disappointed, and it's hard to explain the whole situation. I don't think a lot of people know all the details and how much we really sacrificed to try to come closer to the owners. It doesn't really matter. They deserve the game out there to be played right now. I definitely feel a little embarrassment that we can't figure it out sooner."



http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/story/2012/11/22/sp-nhl-charity-game-hurricane-sandy-henrik-lundqvist-new-york-rangers-philadelphia-flyers.html

Henrik Lundqvist Twitter Q&A

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Henrik Lundqvist ‏@HLundqvist30
All the money will benefit Sandy victims. They need our help! check it out, http://bit.ly/YLnqaF http://bit.ly/So5mPJ @steinersports

8h Henrik Lundqvist ‏@HLundqvist30
Last chance to bid on my mask and equipment. close on Sun..Will get at least one game in, tomorrow night, Atlantic city! #OpHatTrick #Sandy

17h Henrik Lundqvist ‏@HLundqvist30
Ok, sun is coming up.. time for breakfast. Thanks for the questions. Have a great day! pic.twitter.com/d0fQLT3r

17h Henrik Lundqvist ‏@HLundqvist30
My dad always told me it's good to have dreams.. It have to start somewhere.. I like that!

17h Tom brown ‏@TomGoalie
@HLundqvist30 Best advice you have had and could pass on?
Retweeted by Henrik Lundqvist

17h Henrik Lundqvist ‏@HLundqvist30
Big part of my life is missing.. I don't think I ever felt this frustrated over anything... Hope to see you all at the Garden very soon!!

17h Melissa ‏@superduper8766
@HLundqvist30 I will just say good morning!! How stir crazy are you going without hockey??
Retweeted by Henrik Lundqvist

17h Henrik Lundqvist ‏@HLundqvist30
Tough one, there are so many. But Dominik Hasek was my favorite growing up.. if I have to pick one..

17h Chris Bouraux ‏@chrisbouraux
@HLundqvist30 who would you say is the best goalie of all time? 1990's +
Retweeted by Henrik Lundqvist

17h Henrik Lundqvist ‏@HLundqvist30
Some games you hear everything, almost:) Some games you manage to block it out, it depends on your focus..

17h Sean ‏@MrMet1625
@HLundqvist30 when MSG is rocking do you hear the crowd in net or are you just so focused you can't hear anything?
Retweeted by Henrik Lundqvist

17h Henrik Lundqvist ‏@HLundqvist30
Can't name one, but Olympic final -06, WinterClassic last year, final game with VF -05 and first Ranger game are all up there..

17h Rod Friesen ‏@RFriesen87
@HLundqvist30 most memorable game you have ever played?
Retweeted by Henrik Lundqvist

17h Henrik Lundqvist ‏@HLundqvist30
It's fun! I'm not getting a ton of sleep but when she smiles in the morning it's all good:)

17h John ‏@Broadwayblues
@HLundqvist30 How do you like being a dad?
Retweeted by Henrik Lundqvist

17h Henrik Lundqvist ‏@HLundqvist30
For you early birds here in the US, or tweeters back in Europe, I'll answer some questions if you have any:)

18h Henrik Lundqvist ‏@HLundqvist30
Still on Swe time, can't sleep.. For the past 2h I've been reading, sending emails, making phonecalls.. Now what? Still 5h to practice..

Henrik Lundqvist "The Whistle" Video Interview

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It's Lundqvist vs. Brodeur in Atlantic City Charity Game

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The hope for any semblance of an NHL season wanes as each day of the owners’ lockout passes, but come this Saturday in Atlantic City, at least fans will get to watch some top local players hit the ice.
Dubbed “Operation Hat Trick,” a charity game is set to take place at Boardwalk Hall at 7 p.m., with one team captained by Rangers’ star Brad Richards and the other by Flyers star Scott Hartnell
.
Even more interesting, it was released on Monday that the opposing goalies are two men very familiar with each other: the Rangers’ Henrik Lundqvist and the Devils’ Martin Broduer.
The majority of the rosters were released, as well, all via the Twitter page of retired player Todd Fedoruk, who organized the event.

In addition to Richards, the “New York Team” will have forwards Bobby Ryan, Corey Perry, Ville Leino, Jeff Halpern, James Neal, Brian Boyle, Matt Martin and Taylor Pyatt. The three defensemen so far are Dan Girardi, Marc Staal and Steve Eminger.

In addition to Hartnell, the “Philadelphia Team” will have forwards Steven Stamkos, Wayne Simmonds, Daniel Carcillo, Simon Gagne, Justin Williams, David Clarkson, James van Riemsdyk, Jody Shelley and Steve Downie. The defensemen are Kimmo Timonen, Braydon Coburn, John Carlson and Andy Greene.

Read more: Rangers' Lundqvist, Devils' Brodeur to face off in charity game http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/nhlblog/rangers_lundqvist_devils_brodeur_Gu6juRYdz9qX4xxMYtgMEN#ixzz2CizpBimM


If anyone out there goes to the game and takes any pictures of Henrik, or gets a chance to meet him, leave a comment and let us know. You're more than welcome to submit photos or stories of your experience. 

Henrik Lundqvist on the Cover of King Magazine

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I don't know which month this issue is, but apparently Henrik is on the cover of a recent edition of King Magazine. Over at the blog's Facebok page, I have asked my readers if some one in Sweden can purchase this issue for me and ship it to me in NYC. I will use Paypal to pay. If anyone is interested in doing this for me please email me at HLundqvistblog@gmail.com.



I love that he's holding a crown here, it's so appropriate.

Huge thank you to reader Debra for sending me this picture.

Two Henrik Lundqvist Swedish Video Interviews

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Henrik Lundqvist Swedish Morning Show Video Interview

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As always, translations would be much appreciated.