The mask that New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist wore in the Hurricane Sandy charity game "Operation Hat Trick" was auctioned off for a record $66,000.
Molly Heines submitted the winning bid in an online benefit auction on Steinersports.com. In total, the mask received 25 bids over the 20 days that it was listed on the site. The total eclipsed the previous record for a game-used goalie mask, which was originally set at $24,655 in 2011 for a Rogie Vachon mask.
Operation Hat Trick was a benefit game held at Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall this past Saturday.
The game was organized by locked out NHL players and featured several stars, such as Lundqvist, Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Hartnell, Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban, Anaheim Ducks forward (and New Jersey native) Bobby Ryan and Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Steven Stamkos.
Lundqvist was pleased that his mask could generate so much money for the cause, via USA Today:
"I think it's an amazing amount of money. 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."
Fans interested in bidding on game used jerseys can click here. Auctions close on Dec. 6.
