Newest Piece for the Goalie Museum! A Forgotten Gem!

IrbeFan4Life

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Today's addition is of an NHL goaltender you have likely never heard of, yet despite that, his is a name that should be remembered like any goalie who made the league.

His name, Cody Rudkowsky. This goaltender was born on July 21, 1978 in Willingdon, Alberta, Canada. Never drafted, he was signed as a free agent after having a respectable WHL career with the Seattle Thunderbirds. After his signing in 1999, he bounced a lot between the American Hockey League and the East Coast Hockey League up until 2002-03. Then it happened. On October 24, 2002, after an injury to Curtis Sanford against the Edmonton Oilers, Rudkowsky was put in net for the last 30 minutes of the game. As the Blues battled back to win 2-1 in the game, Rudkowsky was given credit for this victory. He never played in an NHL game again after that. He continued his bouncing between the AHL and ECHL before retiring from hockey at the conclusion of the 2007-08 season. In his career, Rudkowsky recorded a 1-0-0 record with 10 saves and a 1.000% save average.

This blocker was used by Rudkowsky in the 2002-03 season and was originally acquired from the St. Louis Blues locker room sale. Battered by marks and autographed, it is an impressive piece of an oft-forgotten goaltender.

Acquired from: eBay collector, originally from Blues Locker Room sale

Dates of Game Use: 2002-03 season (NHL/AHL/ECHL)

Photomatched: Possibly, to Upper Deck's 2002-03 SP Game Used card of Rudkowsky. Several marks seem to match up.













 
I think you are spot on with the photo match. The marks on the white circle on the side of the blocker looks very similar to the marks on the card.

Cool pick up!
 
Commander Cody! At least that's what we called him when he played for the Seattle Thunderbirds. He's a bit of a "legend" in these parts, I've never seen a goalie that willing or that good at fighting. He was always looking to shed the gear and go to to toe with any willing dance partner. There is a great video of him absolutely destroying another goalie from either Spokane or Portland, not sure his elevator went all the way to the top floor....
 
Awesome pickup! Love seeing what goalie stuff you continue to come up with. For some reason I think I have his Potential Gems RC from Mask Collection. Could be wrong though lol
 
Once again, I am green with envy! Nice score!

I got to watch him play in the ECHL & AHL. Like you, I have a real affinity for folks who battled in the minors. Glad to see the work you're doing.
 

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