Historical Context & Origin
Region: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Material: Wool Hockey Sweaters, Silver-Plated Trophy, Framed Photographs, Wood, and Metal
Period: 1940–1942
Description
This remarkable Montreal hockey archive relates to the 1941–1942 championship season of the Ligue de Hockey Métropolitaine Inc. and the victorious Couvrette & Sauriol Ltée club. The collection comprises a silver-plated perpetual championship trophy, two period wool hockey sweaters, and three original team photographs documenting the players, uniforms, and championship-winning squad.
The silver-plated trophy bears the French inscription:
"Trophée Perpétuel – Emblème du Championnat de la Ligue de Hockey Métropolitaine Inc. – Présenté par Léo Dandurand – Mars 1941."
Translated into English, this reads:
"Perpetual Trophy – Symbol of the Championship of the Metropolitan Hockey League Inc. – Presented by Léo Dandurand – March 1941."
The trophy was presented by Léo Dandurand (1889–1964), one of the most influential figures in Canadian hockey history. Dandurand was a former owner, president, and manager of the Montreal Canadiens and played a significant role in the development of professional hockey in Quebec during the early twentieth century.
Mounted to the trophy base is an engraved championship shield reading:
"1940–1941 Banque Canadienne Nationale – O. Goyer Gérant."
Translated into English:
"1940–1941 National Bank of Canada – O. Goyer, Manager."
Included in the collection is a striking blue wool Couvrette & Sauriol hockey sweater featuring yellow felt script lettering, matching yellow sleeve striping, and the number "1" on the reverse. Also included is a red wool Sages hockey sweater with felt crest lettering across the chest and a large applied number "5" on the reverse.
The accompanying original photographs are particularly important, as they depict members of the Couvrette & Sauriol championship team wearing identical sweaters to the example included in this collection while posing with the very trophy offered here. One image is inscribed "Champions de la Ligue Métropolitaine 1941–42," translated as "Champions of the Metropolitan League 1941–42."
Few surviving amateur hockey archives remain intact with their original uniforms, trophy, and period photographic documentation. As such, this collection represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a well-documented and highly displayable piece of Montreal hockey history from the wartime era, directly connected to one of Quebec's prominent metropolitan leagues and a trophy presented by one of the legendary figures of Canadian hockey.
Features
- 1941 silver-plated Ligue de Hockey Métropolitaine championship trophy
- Presented by Léo Dandurand
- Blue Couvrette & Sauriol wool hockey sweater
- Red Sages wool hockey sweater with number 5
- Three historic team photographs from the 1941–1942 season
- Photographs show players wearing Couvrette & Sauriol sweaters
- Trophy appears in the team photograph
- Rare Montreal wartime hockey archive
Historical Significance
This collection preserves a rare snapshot of Montreal hockey during the Second World War era, when local leagues, company-sponsored teams, and neighbourhood clubs formed an important part of Quebec's sporting culture. The Couvrette & Sauriol team's connection to the Ligue de Hockey Métropolitaine, together with a trophy presented by Léo Dandurand, gives the archive strong relevance to Montreal hockey history. The inclusion of original uniforms and period photographs significantly enhances both its historical importance and research value.
Condition
Good historic condition overall. The wool sweaters show age-related wear, staining, fading, moth holes, and losses. The trophy displays surface wear and minor silver-plate loss. The photographs show expected age wear, surface marks, and handling wear. Please review photographs carefully.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Trophy
Height: 18 in
Width: 10 in
Age (Approximate)
84–86 years old
Provenance
From a private collection in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Learn More
Learn about the life and legacy of Léo Dandurand, one of the most influential figures in Canadian hockey history, former owner of the Montreal Canadiens, and presenter of the championship trophy included in this collection.
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