DAWSON

For about 40 years, Boston Bruins fans saw Harry Sinden as the team’s coach, general manager and president, but it’s been a rare occasion for collectors to see the Hockey Hall of Famer at an autograph table.

One of those few opportunities will come next Sunday when Sinden visits the recently relocated Sportsworld in Saugus, Mass., (352C Broadway at the Shops at Saugus mall) for two hours of signing, noon to 2 p.m. The price is $45 per autograph. Call (781) 233-7222 or check www.sportsworld-usa.com for details, including mail order.

Phil Castinetti, president of New England’s largest sports memorabilia store, has long been at the center of the region’s autograph events, especially those involving Boston’s National Hockey League entry. But he was quick to point out the significance of the Sinden signing.

“It’s very rare to have him for a live signing, and we’re delighted that Harry will be at Sportsworld,” Castinetti said.

A native of Weston, Ontario, Sinden had a long playing career in both Canada and internationally, although he never played in the National Hockey League. A defenseman, he was a perennial all-star for the Oshawa Generals, Whitney Dunlops and Kingston Frontenacs, and later for Minnesota and Oklahoma City of the central pro league.

During the 1962-63 season, Sinden’s career brought him to play, although for just one game, for the old R.I. Reds of the American Hockey League.

“We had some injuries on defense and Harry joined the team for one game in Buffalo,” recalled Buster Clegg, a former Reds general manager and now president of the R.I. Reds Heritage Society. “We had a working agreement with the Bruins then, and Harry was in their organization with Kingston, which is relatively close to Buffalo [about 150 miles away], so Boston sent him to fill in.”

It was as a coach and front-office leader that Sinden built his Hall of Fame career. Boston general manager Lynn Patrick signed him as a player-assistant coach for Kingston, where he was an all-star and the team’s most valuable player before the league folded.

He was named Boston’s coach in 1966, the NHL’s youngest at age 33. By 1969-70, with a team led by Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito, Sinden coached Boston to its first Stanley Cup since the 1940-41 season. Two years later, he was named to succeed the legendary Milt Schmidt as general manager.

In 1972, Sinden coached Team Canada to a dramatic victory over the Soviet Union in what came to be known as the Summit Series. He was available to coach the Canadian team because he had left the Bruins after a salary hassle.

Later Sinden rejoined the Bruins as general manager, and was named the team’s president in 1989, a post he filled for 19 years until he retired and became a special assistant to team owner Jeremy Jacobs.

Sinden’s trading-card checklist includes eight entries, starting with his card in a very rare 1952 Junior Blue Tint set and including a 1966 Topps NHL rookie, plus Bruins, Hall of Fame and retro cards.

ARTHRITIS BAZAAR: A variety of sports collectibles — including many autographed items — highlight offerings at the Arthritis Foundation’s Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Rocky Hill Grange (1340 South County Trail, Route 2) in East Greenwich. George Bowen reports that more than 2,000 different items will be available, also, including toys, Disney collectibles, animation cels, musical collectibles, artwork and historical documents. Parking and admission are free.

O’REILLY REMINDER: Terry O’Reilly, a rough-and-tough wing who was a fan favorite with the Boston Bruins, will sign autographs on Friday during Douglas Keating’s expanded annual day-after-Thanksgiving collectors show at the Mansfield, Mass., Holiday Inn. The signing is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. during the 8:45 to 2:45 event. Check www.cardboardpromotions.com for updates.

FIRST THURSDAY: The Kelley Gazzerro VFW Post in Cranston (1418 Plainfield St.) is the site of the first-Thursday monthly collectors show of Paul and Alex Mancini on Dec. 4. Showtime is 5:30 to 9 p.m., with some of the area’s top dealers, plus drawings and prizes.

DAWSON: Andre Dawson, the versatile slugging outfielder whose 17-season big-league career included two years with the Red Sox, will sign autographs on Saturday, Dec. 13, during a Vintage Sports Promotions collectors show at the Hilton Garden Inn, Burlington, Mass. Phil Chiaramointe reports that Dawson — the National League’s top rookie in 1977 and the league’s most valuable player a decade later, will sign from noon to 3 p.m. during the 9 to 3 show.