Ryan Walter Montreal Canadiens Autographed Game Used Hockey Skates

Collectibles : Autographs : Sports : Hockey : Game Used Skates : Hockey Skates : Memorabilia

 

We recently purchased the private collection of baseball and hockey memorabilia from the Chaplin of the Montreal Canadiens and the now defunct Montreal Expos. The entire collection consists of over five hundred signed balls, batting helmets, hockey sticks, photos and game used equipment which will be listed in part over the next several months in our shop on Ruby Lane.

One of the many items that I found of particular interest is this pair of Ryan Walter's Montreal Canadiens (1982 - 1991) autographed Bauer Supreme Custom game used hockey skates worn by Walter's during one of his many seasons with the Canadiens. Each of the skates are inscribed on the blade holder with a different personal message and signed by Ryan Walter with a black sharpie.

The inscription on the right skate reads: "To My Buddy Bob, Keep Looking Up! Ryan Walter - 1 Thess 5: 10 -12." which refers to chapter 5 verses 10 - 12 of the first book of Thessalonians which reads as follows:

10: He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11: Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 12: Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.

The inscription on the left skate reads: "Don't skate on these buddy ! - Ryan Walter # 11.

It is very seldom that one come across such a magnificent piece of hockey memorabilia such as these skates showing great game use and in excellent condition and signed by one of the finest gentlemen in NHL hockey and is sure to make a welcomed addition to any collection

These skates comes complete with a certificate of authenticity attesting to the creditability of Ryan Walter's signature and is fully guaranteed by Master Editions Antiques & Collectibles.

Born in New Westminster, BC, Ryan, played his minor hockey in Burnaby, British Columbia, before going on to play junior in Langley and Kamloops. However it wasn't until he moved to the HL's Seattle Breakers that Ryan became noticed by NHL scouts. He scored 54 goals and 125 points and he captained Canada at the 1978 World Junior Hockey Championships.

His outstanding play in the WHL prompted the Washington Capitals to select him second overall in the 1978 Amateur Draft. A year later, he was named team captain, the youngest captain in NHL history at that time.

Walter described his style of hockey:

"I was a bit adaptable I think over 15 seasons In the beginning, I think it was I was pretty aggressive and a Rick Tocchet type of player that scored goals and had to sort of play a very rounded game. I played center and wing in those early years.

"Coming into Montreal, early in my time there, I was playing with Guy Lafleur and Doug Wickenheiser and so it was more of an offensive bent obviously. And then, about half way through my time there, I ended up being a bit more of a defensive specialist and that continued through Vancouver."

Walter was a deceptively strong person, with leg power and balance being the trademark of his skating. He was a tenacious checker who was able to drive through his checks. He also possessed a great understanding of the game, and was able to read the play and anticipate his check's moves ahead of time. His vision enabled him to position himself perfectly to break up plays. Never possessing the quick release needed to become a top shooter, Walter was an opportunistic scorer who scored 264 goals in 1003 NHL games.

Walter enjoyed his best NHL season with the Capitals in 1981-82 when he set career-highs in all offensive categories with 38 goals, 49 assists and 87 points. He would be named as the Caps MVP, top player and fan favorite. However playing in Washington was like playing on the moon - you didn't get noticed there no matter how good you are, at least in those days. Ryan was one of the NHL's best kept secrets. The Montreal Canadiens knew about him however and on September 9th, 1982 traded for him in a blockbuster deal. The Habs sent a young Rod Langway, Brian Engblom, Doug Jarvis and Craig Laughlin to Washington for Walter and Rick Green. While Walter and Green performed well for Montreal, the trade would be dubbed by many in the Montreal media as the worse trade the Habs ever made as Rod Langway went on to become a standout on defense, twice winning the Norris Trophy.

Ryan spent nine seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, and won his first and only Stanley Cup with the Canadiens in 1985-86. He helped the Canadiens reach the Cup Finals again in 1988-89.

When Walter left Montreal he finished out his career in his home province playing two seasons with the Vancouver Canucks. Walter, a devote Christian, was named the Bud Light/NHL Man of the Year in 1991-92 when he was also the Canucks' nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy and an alternate captain for the Canucks.

When Ryan left the NHL after the 1992-93 season, he had seven 20-goal seasons over his career and finished his playing days with 264 goals, 382 assists and 646 points in 1,003 regular season games. He also had 16 goals and 51 points in 113 playoff contests.

Item ID: ME-2889