This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/24/2014
On August 9, 1988, after nine years and four Stanley Cups in Edmonton, Wayne Gretzky was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. His new home was the major-market, star-studded, "City of Angels," but Gretzky quickly showed that the increased media attention would not interfere with his stellar play. He led the Kings to a second-place finish in the Smythe division and won the Hart Trophy as MVP for the ninth time in 10 years! Although he never won a championship in his seven seasons with the Kings, Gretzky reached new heights in individual achievement, becoming the NHL's all-time leading scorer in 1989 (breaking Gordie Howe's total of 1,850 points) and surpassing Howe's career goal record in 1994 with his 802nd goal. This extremely desirable game worn 1989-90 road jersey features the "Los Angeles Kings" logo crest centered across the front and Gretzky's captain's "C" sewn on the upper left breast in silver on white tackle twill. The reverse bears "Gretzky" in silver on white tackle twill letters above the oh-so familiar number "99" - also stitched onto each sleeve. Inside the rear collar is the “Maska Ultrafil” tag bearing the ink notation “54”. Inside the right rear tail is a white strip tag with “99” embroidered in black stitch. Adjacent is a Velcro double strip that Gretzky used to tuck in the right rear tail. On the outer tail is the dual “CCM” embroidered logos with adjacent NHL shields in orange-on-black embroidery. The Great One has signed in black marker on the back number, adding his No.99 inscription. The jersey shows light usage wear and has been authenticated by both Troy Kinunen of MEARS and hockey expert Rich Ellis. Accompanying documentation from Ellis/Kinunen attribute provenance to a gentleman who received it from Philadelphia Flyers trainer Pat Croce who claimed to have received it directly from Gretzky. Based on a review by Ellis/Kinunen, the jersey is deemed consistent with respect to style, manufacturer, numbering, and tagging as expected to be found on a game worn Gretzky jersey. Per the provenance and the timeline provided, the use is being evaluated as likely one game, and is appropriate for a jersey that was intended to be gifted. Includes a LOA from Rich Ellis and MEARS (A10).
Autograph Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.