1997-98 Wayne Gretzky New York Rangers Game-Used Jersey

Wayne Gretzky’s New York Rangers Jersey: A Testament to Hockey Greatness

The Legacy of “The Great One”

Wayne Gretzky, affectionately known as “The Great One,” stands as the leading point-scorer in NHL history. His remarkable career is highlighted by his unparalleled ability to assist, with more assists than any other player has points. Gretzky is the only NHL player to have scored over 200 points in a single season, a feat he accomplished an astounding four times. Over his illustrious career, he tallied over 100 points in 16 professional seasons, with 14 of those being consecutive. Upon his retirement in 1999, Gretzky was immediately inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, bypassing the usual waiting period, a testament to his extraordinary impact on the sport. The NHL honored him by retiring his jersey number 99 league-wide, a unique accolade that underscores his legendary status.

A Jersey of Historical Significance

This particular jersey, worn by Gretzky during his tenure with the New York Rangers, is a remarkable piece of hockey memorabilia. Inside the back below the collar is the “STARTER” manufacturer’s tag, accompanied by a white strip tag reading “56-R”. A patch on the inside back middle tail reads “New York Rangers 1997-98 Season MeiGrayGroup”. The front of the jersey proudly displays “RANGERS” diagonally, while the back features the iconic name “GRETZKY” sewn directly onto the fabric. The player number “99” is prominently displayed on both sleeves and the back, all crafted in red on white tackle twill.

Unique Features and Provenance

• Captain’s “C” Patch: The jersey bears the outline of the Captain’s “C” patch, which was briefly worn by Gretzky when captain Brian Leetch was injured.
• Game-Used Characteristics: Presented to us as game-used, the jersey shows appropriate use with board burns and stick marks, adding to its authenticity.
• Additional Wear: There are indications of additional non-hockey related wear present, enhancing its narrative.

Notably, the jersey is sans the velcro insert typically seen on Gretzky’s game-used jerseys. The back right and left tails feature the embroidered “NHL” and “STARTER” logos, and the fighting strap remains intact. This jersey is accompanied by a MeiGray Group Letter of Authenticity (LOA) and formal certification documents, ensuring its place in their esteemed database.

An Opportunity to Own a Piece of Hockey History

This jersey is more than just a garment; it is a piece of hockey history, a testament to the unparalleled career of Wayne Gretzky. For collectors and enthusiasts, this is a rare opportunity to own a piece of memorabilia that embodies the essence of “The Great One’s” legacy. Explore more about our sports memorabilia auctions and discover other exceptional items in our hockey collection consignment. Whether you are looking to sell NHL items or simply appraise your treasures, Grey Flannel Auctions is your trusted partner in the world of sports collectibles.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.