Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Fall 2020
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/20/2020
Starring as a young teen with the Toronto Nationals during the 1975-76 MJBHL season, Wayne Gretzky would score 60 points in just 28 games, with 72 points netted the following season when the club was renamed the Seneca Nationals. Competing against players much older, Wayne showed he was dominant at any age, and was selected third overall by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the 1977 Ontario Major Junior Hockey League draft. Originating from the Cornish family, this twice-signed stick saw use in the young but especially capable hands of The Great One during the 1976-77 MJBHL season with Seneca, specifically on April 6, 1977, vs Stratford, where it was used to score four goals! A Victoriaville model with “SOM” and “2” over the upper shaft, the striping accent is in place, with the original white tape intact over the handle and knob. “Seneca Nats JR B” and “6/4/77” has been largely handwritten over the blade, with a second ballpoint inscription on the lower shaft that states “April 6 77 – 4 goal game against Stratford JR P’s”. An LOA from Shawn Chaulk will accompany this historically paramount lumber.
We should note that the stick was originally prepared for teammate Daryl Evans use, with “Evans” and “5” (his number) written in black marker over the top side of the lower shaft. Gretzky most likely ran out of sticks and borrowed one from Evans, something he was still doing in the 1990s while with the Rangers, using Darren Langdon’s Hespeler composite shafts whenever he ran out! We should further note that the Stratford opponent listed could possibly be the Stratford Cullitons, which Seneca played in the semi-final of the 1977 Sutherland Cup. Wayne has signed both sides of the upper shaft in ballpoint (with one signature dedicated to the “Cornish’s”, with the early signatures somewhat light but easily legible. White stick tape was placed over the handwritten “Evans” on the shaft, with the tape matching the aging tape over the handle perfectly in toned colour. The stick itself shows nice game-use, with wear to the blade including the underside, along with some chipping at the toe section. There are a few additional marks to the lower shaft including some light red paint transfer, with the stick remaining solid. Regarding the provenance with the Cornish family, we have sold a number of items that originate from Wayne’s time with the Cornish clan including his pee wee hockey gloves.
William (Bill) Cornish was named legal guardian of Wayne Gretzky in June of 1975 as his parents, Walter and Phyllis, had decided Wayne would play his junior hockey in Toronto, and he would be staying with the Cornish family (which he did so for a few years). Bill was the general manager of the Toronto Nationals bantam team and he is the one who came up with the idea of having Gretzky playing in the Jr. B when a legal battle arise for Wayne to play in the MTHL.
By clicking this button, you will IMMEDIATELY bid the amount selected.
By clicking this button, you will submit this amount as your MAXIMUM (absentee) bid. The auction software will place bids on your behalf up to this amount only as it is bid against competitively by other bidder(s).