Historical Hockey and Sports Memorabilia Auction November 2024
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2024
Trailing only Gordie Howe for the most all-time points at the time of his retirement in 1981, Phil Esposito secured over 700 goals throughout his HOF career, with selection to the NHL First All-Star Team six times. A veteran of 1282 games played in his National Hockey League career who won a pair of Stanley Cup championships, a pair of Hart Memorial Trophies and five (5) Art Ross Trophies, Esposito would be the first NHL player to eclipse the 100 point plateau and be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1984. Able to boast about having 1727 career points under his belt including 778 goals between both the regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs, Esposito would punch home his 700th career National Hockey League goal (including playoffs) on December 22nd, 1978 against the Detroit Red Wings, putting the puck past Rogie Vachon on the power play at 19:55 of the 2nd period to give the Rangers a 3-2 lead going into the third (3rd) period. Assisted by both Ron Greschner and Pat Hickey, the goal would be Esposito's 16th marker of the year, with number seventeen (17) coming in the same game via an empty netter late in the 3rd period. Still sitting seventh (7th) all time in goals scored for a career even more than forty (40) years after his retirement and hailing directly from his personal collection, offered here is this stick used by Esposito to score the 700th goal of his storied career.
Northland made twig that has had "Esposito" stamped to the upper shaft along with his "77" penned abover it in black marker ink, his now heavily faded registered pattern number of "0955-2" has been stamped over both sides of the shaft as well above a three strip foil accent sticker that is in place at the bottom of the shaft. Retaining its original tape job of white over the handle/knob and black around the blade, notations reading "700th - 12/22/78 - NYR vs DETROIT - Assist - 16 + 4" have been penned over the forehand side of the shaft in black marker ink while Phil has signed over the lower shaft, also on the forehand side, with a matching style black marker ink signature that displays without issue. Displaying good game-wear via pucks marks and other abrasions throughout the length of the shaft as well as the heel and both sides of the blade, red post paint transfers are found throughout as well, heaviest over both sides of the heel and underside of the lower shaft. With marks observed over both sides of the blade tape and a small tear near the top edge on the forehand side, the stick remains free from any cracks or breaks and is accompanied by an LOA signed by Esposito.
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