In the first Olympic Winter Games featuring NHL players, the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team opened the 1998 XVIII Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan, with a matchup against defending gold medalist Sweden. After dropping a 4-2 decision in the team’s first game, the U.S. responded by knocking off Belarus, 5-2. Team USA would then lose to Canada, 4-1, before falling to eventual gold medalist Czech Republic by an identical score in the quarterfinal round.
The offered jersey was worn by forward Keith Tkachuk in Olympic completion in Nagano. One of the elite power forwards of his era, Tkachuk was known for his aggressive, physical style while consistently scoring points. Tkachuk had more than 100 penalty minutes in 10 of his 19 NHL seasons, including three seasons with over 200 penalty minutes. Tkachuk was known for his goal scoring prowess, scoring 30 goals eight times, including two 40-goal seasons and two back-to-back 50 goal seasons, the latter of which he led the NHL in goals, with 52. On hiatus from the Phoenix Coyotes while playing for Team USA, Tkachuk also played for the Winnipeg Jets, St. Louis Blues and Atlanta Thrashers before retiring in 2010. He is one of only five American-born players to score 500 goals, and is the sixth American player to score 1,000 points and is considered to be one of the greatest U.S.-born players in NHL history.
The jersey has Nike (size52) tag in the collar with a “Made in Canada” flap tag below. Construction includes white “dazzle” material from neck line to sleeve ends and large mesh underarms and sides. Fight strap is intact and shows wear. All lettering, numerals and patches are sewn on including Tkachuk’s name on back and alternate captain’s “A” on upper left breast. Decent evident wear includes sweat stained neckline, interior piling at back tail, stick marks on sleeves and front, pilling on front, and numerous abrasions from contact. Tkachuk has signed both numerals on back and added his inscription,”1998 Olympics Nagano My Game Used” to the number 1. A scarce Olympic gamer from one of the game’s all-time greats. Image attached is the white version he worn during the tournament.
Letter of provenance from the Newport Sports Museum. Autograph pre-certified by PSA/DNA.