Historical Hockey and Sports Memorabilia Auction June 2023
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/27/2023
An NHL milestone handsomely rewarded, when longtime Los Angeles Kings trainer Pete Demers celebrated his 1,500 straight games with the organization, owner Bruce McNall honoured him with 1,500 Silver Eagle dollars, worth $10,000. The gracious Great One also contributed, gifting his game-used stick attributed from the contest, signed with a personalization to Demers. Taking place on Feb 26, 1991, the Kings thrashed the Pittsburgh Penguins 8-2, with Gretzky assisting three times, including on goals scored by Tomas Sandstrom, Tony Granato and Steve Kasper. An Easton Aluminum model, “Gretzky” factory graphics appear over the upper shaft, with this repeated on the stem of the inserted wooden Easton "Hand Made", "Pro Pattern" blade. The original Gripper is intact on the handle, with "A71" written to the knob. The blade tape has been removed to facilitate the large black marker Gretzky signature placed over the entire front side along with "To Peter, Congratulations on 1500 Games". The important stick shows moderate game use with marks to the blade and some wear to the lower shaft. There is also some minor tape residue to the upper and lower shaft. An LOA will accompany.
Beginning his career with Los Angeles in 1972, Pete Demers stayed with the organization until 2006, and holds the record for the most consecutive games as a hockey athletic trainer at 2,632. Demers also served as trainer at numerous international tournaments including the 1998 Olympic Games with Team USA, in addition to serving for three terms as president of the Professional Hockey Athletic Trainers Society (1994-2000). Well respected throughout his tenure, Demers is an honoured member of the Professional Hockey Athletic Trainers Society Hall of Fame and the Hockey Hall of Fame, as well as the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame and Rhode Island Hockey Hall of Fame.
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