Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Spring 2019
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/18/2019
The youngest player to represent Canada at the World Juniors – leading the tournament in scoring in 1978, Wayne Gretzky first played for the senior team at the 1981 Canada Cup, with his initial showing of utter dominance occurring at the 1984 tournament where he once again led in scoring, lifting Canada to a victorious win over Sweden. Championships would follow at both the 1987 and 1991 Canada Cup tournaments, with Gretzky self-proclaiming his performance at the ’87 series the best hockey he played in his life. With later appearances at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey and again proudly donning the maple leaf at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano - his final international appearance for his country, Wayne would then take on a managerial role for the red and white, serving as Executive Director of the Canadian men's hockey team at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Making a passionate appeal to the Team Canada players through a now famous speech, Gretzky helped propel the birthplace of hockey to its first Olympic gold medal in 50 years.
Representing his showing at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey, we are proud to offer Wayne Gretzky’s Team Canada captain’s jersey that was worn in the pre-tournament, with this highly desirable and historic specimen donned by The Great One specifically in the August 21st match against the Americans, a contest it has been thoroughly photo-matched to. Originating from the personal collection of fellow Hall of Fame member Chris Chelios and obtained during a ceremonial jersey exchange – most likely after the August 21st match, a full, signed LOA from the legendary defenceman will accompany this treasure, along with a second LOA from noted Gretzky collector Shawn Chaulk. A ProWear label sits along the collar, with a size “56” fly tag placed adjacently. Styled with the patriotic Team Canada crest with embroidered detailing that first saw use in 1995, Wayne’s iconic “99” appears over the sleeves and verso in layered white-over-black tackle twill, with “Gretzky” sewn over the attached nameplate in single white twill. Sublimated Team Canada logos have also been utilized over each shoulder, with the 1996 World Cup of Hockey patch over the right breast. A Nike bar code has been heat-pressed onto the inner hem, with Wayne’s customized black velcro patch affixed to the inside section of the lower hem near the right seam. Exhibiting light game use including a few dark marks on the upper left sleeve and over each number, additional marks are visible over the right elbow and cuff, with some loose red threading along the reverse of the upper left sleeve and near the right elbow.
Photo-matched to seven numeric images from the August 21st contest, they include Getty Images #174177457, #174177470 and #174177367 – all matched to the black marks on the "99" on the left sleeve, particularly the dark black mark on the lower right edge of the first "9", to the washed-out mark on the lower right edge of the second "9" and to the pair of black marks just below the "99". Next, Getty Image #174177442 has been matched to the dark black mark on the lower right edge of the first "9" on the left sleeve and to the pair of black marks just below the "99", with this followed by Getty Image #174177471, matched to the particularities of the captain's "C" and to a number of it’s loose threads. Finally, Getty Image #53124996 has been matched to the dark black mark on the lower right edge of the first "9" on the left sleeve, with Getty Image #53124981 matched to the dark black mark on the lower right edge of the first "9", and to the washed-out mark on the lower right edge of the second "9" on the left sleeve.
An international prize befitting predominant placement within the world’s best collection, Please take note that this lot may be subject to a silent reserve.
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