Historical Hockey and Sports Memorabilia Auction June 2025
The 1988-89 season marked a turning point for sports in Los Angeles, and in particular for the LA Kings
franchise. With the arrival of Wayne Gretzky, the team ushered in a bold new era both
on and off the ice. It was the debut season for a dramatic rebrand, the Kings abandoned
their longtime purple-and-gold “Lakers” colors in favor of a sleek black-and-silver palette
inspired by the NFL’s Raiders.
Worn by goaltender Roland “Rollie” Melanson, who appeared in four NHL games for the
Kings during the 1988–89 campaign, three of which were home contests: October 6 vs.
Detroit, February 15 vs. Boston, and March 18 vs. Calgary. He also suited up for 29
games with the AHL’s New Haven Nighthawks that same year. Inside the collar is a tagging label, on which what appears to be a heavily faded
handwritten “54” appears on the bottom area of the tag. The jersey measures out to
approximately a size “54”. Melanson’s number “1” is stitched on both sleeves and the
verso of the jersey in silver over white tackle twill. “MELANSON” is applied on a white
nameplate in silver over black tackle twill. A fight strap is affixed to the inside lower
back of the jersey and along the outside hem on the back you’ll notice a CCM crest
sewn on the material. Game wear is evident throughout. Red goal post transfer marks
are visible on both elbows, with several puck marks scattered across the body and
sleeves. Light pilling is present on the inner cuffs and elbow areas. Additionally, the
jersey shows a number of stains on both the front and back.
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