This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/3/2020
The 1982-83 season saw the Edmonton Oilers make a run all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals thanks primarily to the heroics of star center Wayne Gretzky. By his fourth season, "The Great One" had proven beyond great and continued his relentless onslaught to the tune of 71 goals and 125 assists, falling just four points shy of 200. He, Messier and company would have to wait another year, though, to lead the Oilers to the franchise's first cup.
Gretzky used this offered Titan 'TPM 2020' left-handed stick during the 1982-83 campaign and gifted it to a Canucks employee following a game in Vancouver that season. He has signed the stick near the bottom of the shaft "To Lyn, Thanks for all the help Wayne Gretzky” in faded, but legible red ink. "W. Gretzky" is stamped on the upper shaft with "83" likely denoting the year. The "Dec 22, 1982" stamped on the rear side of the lower shaft (adjacent to the autograph) most likely stands for the date of manufacture. Coincidentally, that date marks the only game in Wayne's storied career in which he tallied the 'ole "Gordie Howe Hat Trick (goal, assist and fight in same game). Gretzky’s original tape jobs remain on the knob and blade, with both showing outstanding usage. The white and red painted stick remains uncracked. It's been in the same family's hands since the 1983 and survives as a wonderful early-career gamer at the forefront of the Oilers dynasty when Gretzky was was re-writing the NHL record books.
Autograph is certified by Beckett Authentication (Cert. #: A32024). Includes LOA from brother of former Canucks employee.