AFP-Getty Images fileTORONTO - An ice hockey stick believed to have been carved between 1852 and 1856 was sold at auction for $2.2 million and will be displayed at the Hockey Hall of Fame.
The hickory stick is purported to be the oldest hockey stick. The oldest stick on display in the Hall of Fame is from 1881.
Seller Gord Sharpe said 26 bids were submitted worldwide, with the winning bid from a Canadian who plans to offer the stick to the hall.
Proceeds from the sale will go to fanscharity.com and its World Charity Award program, both run by Sharpe. The goal is to promote the importance of charities, particularly those aimed at children.
Sharpe said the stick was carved by Alexander Rutherford and handed to him by his great uncle, Melville Rutherford. Before the auction, Sharpe's stick was on display in a glass case in Wayne Gretzky's Toronto restaurant.
The Detroit Red Wings equaled an NHL record with their 20th straight win at home, beating the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3 Sunday night on the strength of Johan Franzen's tiebreaking goal early in the third period.
ProHockeyTalk headlines |
Video: NHL from NBC Sports |
Slideshow |
NHL All-Stars Take a look at the players who competed in Team Chara's 12-9 victory over Team Alfredsson. more photos |
Slideshow |
more photos |
Slideshow |
more photos |
Slideshow |
Slideshow |
more photos |
Slideshow |
The Week in Sports Pictures The Giants on top of the football world, getting ready for the London Olympics and more. more photos |