This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 5/26/2016.
The 1998 Winter Olympics were held in Nagano, Japan and it was the first time NHL players were eligible for competition. Naturally, Canada selected the best hockey player to ever live for their roster in the country’s quest to take home a gold medal. Unfortunately controversy followed, as Gretzky was not selected for the shootout, which resulted in a loss to the Czech Republic. The Nagano Olympics marked Gretzky's eighth and final international appearance, finishing with four assists in six games. At the time “The Great One” retired from international play, he held records for the most goals, most assists and most overall points. This game-used stick was given to our consignor directly from Gretzky in Nagano. “HESPELER” manufactured tan stick. The model number “5500” appears in three sports on the shaft. Below the grip is the number “14” written in pen. “GRETZKY” is stamped in black on the upper third of the shaft on the front side. “FIBERGLASS” is in red in three locations on the bottom half of the shaft. On the front side of the stick towards the lower end of the shaft (adjacent to “MADE IN CANADA” reads, “STIFF” and the number “115-120” is stamped in black. On the back, lower half of the shaft, the number “55 11” is stamped in black. A defining feature of the stick is on the top of the handle, where the five Olympic rings are branded into the stick. Instead of the bottom two Olympic rings, a “W” and “G” replace the original design. Gretzky signed the stick above the blade on the right side in black pen with the added inscription, “Nagano 1998” and in our opinion, rates an 8 overall. This stick is properly tagged, was presented to us as game-used in the 1998 Nagano Olympics and in our opinion shows appropriate use. Accompanied by an LOA from JSA and an LOA from our consignor.