These are just a few of the jerseys that have passed though my collection over the years. As any collector will tell you, jerseys come and jerseys go, but it's the thrill of the hunt that keeps us in the chase.
1990s University of Pittsburgh HOME WHITE AK Mesh
An attractive style with the classic Pitt script logo, albeit these gamers are made using a replica weight Atheltic Knit jersey and no fight strap is present. All sewn crest, numbering, and captain's C give this one a quality appearance at a price that was affordable for a club team. Interestingly enough, the same Pittsburgh freelance artist by the name of Bob Gessner was responsible for designing the Pitt script logo as well as the Penguins skating Penguin logo.
Learn more about Bob Gessner's impressive work by simply clicking the link below.
http://pittsburghhockey.net/PensPages/LogoHistory/LogoHistory.html
http://pittsburghhockey.net/PensPages/LogoHistory/LogoHistory.html
Got this gamer directly from the equipment manager after being unable to locate one being offered for sale anywhere else in the hobby. Being an alumnus helped me get in touch with him directly. He was very reasonable with his asking price and actually delivered the jersey to me personally. This one is likely a forward #25 with the Captain's C but the player(s) remain unknown.
2010-11 Deryk Engelland HOME BLACK Rbk Airknit 1st GAME AT CONSOL ENERGY CENTER SET 1
This is Engell's home jersey worn in the first game ever at Consol Energy Center. This set 1 jersey was used in the preseason and in regular season home games until Deryk's fight with Colton Orr on December 8th, 2010 when Colton's grip tore an incredible gash in the right shoulder just at the end of the nameplate. This tear can be clearly videomatched to footage from the game and from HBO's 24/7 series. Many who watched the series will recall that following the fight Engelland retired to the dressing room for a few stitches from the team doctor, while this jersey received a few stitches from Dana Heinze. The repair work is actually quite exceptional and not immediately noticeable considering the size of the tear that was closed. The jersey could have easily been worn again with the repair, but by this late in the season Dana had already had a backup shirt made for Deryk so he returned to the ice with that jersey and this one was retired for good. While Deryk earned a spot on the Penguins' roster by showing a profound willingness to do whatever was necessary to protect the league's best player, his game has evolved considerably and he's become a solid part of the Penguins' defensive corps.
This jersey has it all, a killer 6" long videomatched fight repair, popped stitches in the collar, a sewn repair on the sleeve, the Consol Energy Center inaugural season patch on the sleeve, which is also popped loose on the bottom from fight abuse and it even has a bit of leftover blood on the sleeve from Jody Shelley's face! A true enforcer jersey in every way, but it's a neat touch that Deryk also happened to score his very first NHL goal in this jersey against Tampa Bay on November 12th, 2010.
1989-90 Jay Caufield ROAD BLACK CCM Ultrafil by Century Sports
I picked this jersey up from a private collector who has had the jersey in his possession since the early 90s. Originally obtained from Milt Byron, along with a Kevin Stevens and Phil Bourque from the same set, this jersey has been unseen by anyone in the hobby for 20+ years. While it's a style almost identical to another Caufield already in my collection, his all sewn jerseys are difficult to source so I didn't mind adding a similar example to my collection. This jersey shows wear in the form of board burns and unrepaired holes. You can still faintly read the original penned on size 50 on the Maska collar tag, as well as Latin's faded #16.
Shoulder to shoulder nameplate sewn below the shoulder seam. Century Sports embroidered into the rear hem. I will need to do some more research to determine when exactly this jersey was worn, but I suspect it was to begin the 89-90 season. Fight strap shows color transfer from repeated washings as well as the backing on the Century Sports logo. Salt residue remains in the snap.
1993-94 Kevin Stevens ROAD BLACK CCM Ultrafil
This is a Kevin Stevens road black jersey from the 1993-94 season. It has MeiGray vintage documentation calling it a 92-95 jersey, however I used to own a photomatched and heavily worn 92-93 road Stevens and it still had the fight strap attached. This jersey has the fight strap clipped off at the reinforcement as was common with Stevens jerseys following his facial injury in the '93 playoffs. I think this jersey is from 93-94 as it also has the numbers sewn with only the outside layer showing through the jersey. In 94-95 the numbers were attached through both layers of twill showing a two color outline on the inside of the jersey. I will be seeking a photomatch to conclusively date this great looking gamer.
This size 54 jersey shows very nice wear with multiple cuts and burns on the elbows. Nice pilling on the collar and inside elbow areas. Some faint stick marks scattered throughout the jersey. Nice marks on the lower front hem and back numerals. No doubt this jersey saw some gritty action at a pivotal time in Kevin's career. A "comeback" jersey of sorts, and one that will fill a void left when I sold my 92-93 Stevens road to a local collector. In my opinion, this style jersey is the most attractive of the corporate logo era and I especially appreciate how it incorporates the classic diagonal P-I-T-T-S-B-U-R-G-H design made popular during the Penguins first season back in 1967. These are becoming modern classics.
2008-09 Matt Cooke POWDER BLUE Rbk AirKnit THROWBACK THIRD w/ A
This is Matt Cooke's Stanley Cup winning season powder blue alternate jersey with the assistant captain's A attached to the upper left breast. Cooke wore 2 jerseys of this style in 2008-09 and I've owned them both. This is the one that was used for games where Matt needed to wear the A.
This one has a nice repair on the elbow and team customized sleeves that have been darted in on the cuffs. Good wear on this one considering it is 1 of 2 of these alternate styles worn.
1988-89 Kevin Stevens ROAD BLACK CCM by Century Sports
This jersey is an unworn 1988-89 CCM Ultrafil Kevin Stevens jersey that was sold through Century Sports, who was the official customizer of the Penguins back then. Their logo is embroidered on the rear hem, which was a common sight back in these glory days of hockey jerseys. The jersey also has the rare gold toe Penguin crest. An overall beauty of a jersey that's for sure, and one that would delight any Artie fan.
The nameplate reaches from shoulder to shoulder. Century Sports is embroidered into the rear hem. It was 100% ready to go on the back of one of the era's best power forwards, it just never made it into use. I once owned a true gamer of Kevin's that was identical to this except for the wear. Wish I still owed it today but this is a nice consolation placekeeper.
1999-2000 Rob Brown ROAD BLACK Pro Player AirKnit w/ NHL2000 Patch
This is a very special jersey that comes to me all the way from Hawaii via a fellow collector. This jersey was worn by "Downtown" Robbie Brown during the 99-00 season shortly after the untimely passing of Rob's sister Krista. She tragically lost her life as the result of an automobile accident when the car she was driving was struck broadside by a pickup truck as she was turning into the liquor store where she was employed. Rob penned her name in Sharpie on the backside of the crest oft his game jersey shortly following the accident, as his means of carrying her with him throughout the rest of the season. These types of personalized jerseys rarely make it into the hobby. While I don't typically go for corporate logo Pens stuff, this jersey has undeniable aesthetic appeal. Pro Player had the NHL contract for only one year, and it was also a patch year with the NHL2000 patch on the right breast. Killer wear on both sleeves makes this one a keeper for sure. Thanks go out to Kurt Zwald for sending this one my way.
Nice overall filth colors the white portions a dingy gray. This is what happens when you wash a whole team's worth of jerseys together repeatedly and another trait that makes a gamer a gamer. Watch for these things in the crowd at your next hockey game. You might spot a true gamer on a fan's back. I spot them all the time.
It is also noteworthy that Pro Player had the NHL contract for only the 99-00 season, making gamers of that manufacturer few and far between. They made a nice heavyweight jersey, and maybe it was too heavyweight, as with 3 layer twill numbering, a double digit jersey like this can weigh over 2lbs dry. Imagine wearing that when it's drenched in sweat and feels more like a jacket than a jersey. For whatever the reason, Pro Player's deal as provider of NHL jerseys lasted just that single season.
It is also noteworthy that Pro Player had the NHL contract for only the 99-00 season, making gamers of that manufacturer few and far between. They made a nice heavyweight jersey, and maybe it was too heavyweight, as with 3 layer twill numbering, a double digit jersey like this can weigh over 2lbs dry. Imagine wearing that when it's drenched in sweat and feels more like a jacket than a jersey. For whatever the reason, Pro Player's deal as provider of NHL jerseys lasted just that single season.
Right-winger Rob Brown possessed a natural scoring touch that victimized many NHL goalies over eleven seasons. His anticipation and quick release allowed him to score almost at will in junior and in the minors and resulted in three 20-goal seasons at the big league level. Born in Kingston, Ontario, Brown headed to Western Canada as a teenager and averaged four points a game for the St. Albert Royals of the AAHA. He then tore up the WHL with the Kamloops Oilers/Blazers. After leading the league with 173 points in the regular season and 46 points in 16 playoff games in 1985-86, Brown was chosen 67th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Entry Draft. He was returned to junior and proceeded to win his second straight scoring title with an astonishing 212 points. Brown was named the Canadian Major Junior player of the year and placed on the WHL West first all-star team for the second straight season. The tricky forward scored 24 goals as a rookie in 1987-88 and then exploded for 115 points the next year as the full time sidekick of Mario Lemieux. He also scored eight points in the post-season as the Pens came within a game of reaching the semifinals after missing the playoffs six straight years. Brown scored 33 times in 1989-90, but Pittsburgh missed the playoffs. When he started slowly the next season, Brown was traded to the Hartford Whalers for Scott Young. He averaged nearly a point per game for his new club but was not as effective in the absence of the "Magnificent One." Halfway through the 1991-92 season, Brown was traded to the Chicago Black Hawks, a solid defensive team in need of a pure goal scorer. The veteran sniper came up with a few goals and helped the Hawks reach the Stanley Cup final against his ex-mates in Pittsburgh. During the early and mid-'90s, Brown spent five years toiling in the minors. He played a handful of games for the Dallas Stars and Los Angeles Kings but was best known for terrorizing opposing netminders in the IHL. Brown led the league in scoring three times and was the winner of the James Gatschene Memorial Trophy as the MVP of the "I" after scoring 155 points in 1993-94. Brown returned to the Penguins as a useful role player for three years beginning in 1997-98. He scored 17 power-play goals over that span and helped the club reach the second round of the playoffs in 1999 and 2000. He spent the 2000-01 season back in the IHL where he averaged nearly a point per game for the Chicago Wolves.
1992-93 Kevin Stevens HOME WHITE CCM Ultrafil w/ Stanley Cup Centennial Patch
This is a Kevin Stevens game worn home jersey from the 1992-93 season, the Pens best ever statistically speaking. It has the new for 1992 "corporate Pens logo" which has also been deemed the "Pigeon head" by many collectors. This particular jersey is absolutely killed with wear and is photomatched. This oddly timed redesign came following the Penguins' second consecutive Stanley Cup Championship winning season and was championed by then Penguins' owner Howard Baldwin. He urged the franchise to make a design switch at a time when the Penguins and their merchandise were at an all time high in terms of desirability, and he was the new owner so it was a done deal under his control. Baldwin was looking for something "more marketable" and even considered changing the name back to the Hornets. Baldwin said, "They're gonna kill me for changing the logo, why not the name?" Gary Adams, an artist with Vance, Wright & Adams Design Group was hired to create the new for '92 "corporate logo." Adams said, "We even looked at replacing gold with the Vegas Gold color scheme" a change that would be put on hold until the reintroduction of the skating Penguin logo on the alternate jerseys used in the 2000-01 season. The new Penguin head "corporate logo" design was met with much skepticism and superstition. Loyal fans thought the logo change was merely a gimmick intended to drive increased merchandise sales. Others, including Bob Gessner the designer of the original skating Penguin logo, thought the change would ultimately ruin the Pens' mojo. In the first year of the "corporate logo" the Penguins enjoyed their finest regular season and took home the NHL's President's Cup for the league's best regular season record, but were disappointingly upset by the New York Islanders in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, abruptly ending their run for a third consecutive championship. It was during this series that Kevin would suffer a career altering injury while being knocked unconscious from a hit and falling face first to the ice while not being able to put his hands out to protect himself. In many ways it was the beginning of the end for Kevin as a top power forward in the NHL. Learn more about the Penguins' "corporate" logo redesign here.
This jersey was worn in Kevin's highest goal scoring season, a year in which he tallied 55 goals and 56 assists for 111 points in just 72 games. He left evidence of game wear on this one in the form of many stick marks and several killer board burns on the Ultrafil fabric. Multiple team repairs are present on this one and it is photomatched. The original MeiGray Vintage LOA is still with the jersey. It also features the circular patch on the upper breast commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Stanley Cup, which was worn by all teams that season with the exception of the Pens on their road jerseys, as there was simply no place to fit it in an attractive fashion. They had to get special permission from the league to be allowed to omit it. Who doesn't remember the Pens 92-93 season? They seemed unstoppable until that fateful OT goal scored by New York Islanders left winger David Volek left most of Pittsburgh feeling dejected for the Summer of '93. It was one of only 4 goals he scored in the 1993 playoffs, but one that will forever leave an indelible mark in the minds of Penguin fans everywhere. It was also a precursor to many disappointing playoff exits that would come in the years to follow. A well worn example from the top of the mountain career wise for Stevens.
2007-08 Jordan Staal HOME BLACK Rbk Edge AirKnit SET 3
Worn in Jordan's sophomore season, this jersey exhibits some of the best wear I've seen on a modern jersey. Terriffic pilling on the exterior of the shooting elbow, some heavy black stick marks and transfers, and general filth are evident on the white portions of the jersey. Multiple team repairs on the sleeves and shoulders which are photomatched.
No doubt this saw some significant use, as these set 3 jerseys (really the 2nd set to be worn in the regular season) were worn for the majority of the season due to the Edge 1.0 jerseys being switched out prematurely. These AirKnit jerseys were worn from mid November through the end of the regular season, accounting for the vast majority of the 2007-08 Penguins regular season home games. Never again will we see a modern era set of jerseys see this much use. The Pens typically use one set from Oct-Jan, then another from Jan-April. With this set seeing action from late November until the end of the year...it's safe to say that this particular jersey has more wear than any other Jordan Staal Pens jersey he's worn before or since, seeing action in 31 games spanning from mid-November until the end of the season. Quite simply the most outstanding wear you will find on a Staal jersey of any style.
2001-2002 Robert Lang HOME WHITE CCM AirKnit w/ A
This home white jersey way worn by Czech center Robert Lang during the 01-02 season in which he scored 50 total points. This was Robert's last season in Pittsburgh and the jersey's lighter but very evident wear is appropriate for his games played considering Lang was somewhat injury ridden and missed 20 games this season. Jersey has the original A attached as well as trainer markings 20 A on the collar tag.
A few nice board paint transfers on this one. Some definite butt end of the stick tape transfer on the belly and scattered stick marks here and there. A nice representation of this one time Penguins' star.
1989-90 Phil Bourque ROAD BLACK CCM Ultrafil w/ Civic Arena All Star Patch SET 3
Another great example from the "Old Two Niner." This one is an all sewn set 3 that is a mate to the Stevens above. Shows great wear and has several bullet style sewn repairs. Obtained from well known collector Ken Mace. Thanks for letting go of this one for me Ken.
Good salting in the fight strap and a nice soft feel from repeated washings. Aesthetically one of the strongest jerseys in my collection. Mean crest and NHL shield on the rear hem denote set 3, but be careful as there is a 4th set out there that was prepared for the 1990 playoffs which were narrowly missed after a last game of the season loss to Buffalo. That set was carried over and worn for the beginning of the 1990-91 season with the All Star patches in place until a formal complaint was submitted by Chicago who was hosting the 1991 All Star Game, however most jerseys from that carryover set exhibit light wear due to their short window of use.
Great wear on this one in the form of many board burns and sewn repairs. A very rare 2nd set jersey with the nameplate up high. For some reason you just don't see many from this set.
1989-90 Jay Caufield ROAD BLACK CCM Ultrafil by Century Sports
I've actually had the pleasure of owning this one twice, first finding it as a BIN on ebay, and later selling after receiving an offer on it that I simply couldn't refuse. About a year later I saw it pop up on a GameWorn.net auction and decided to bring it back home. Not too many Caufields in the hobby and one of the only all sewn styles that I know of. A unique "gold toe" crest and below the shoulder nameplate date this jersey to the beginning of the 89-90 season, prior to the appearance of the Civic Arena All Star game shoulder patch. I was told this one originally came from Milt at a card show at Robert Morris.
This jersey measures to only a size 50, for a 6' 235 pound enforcer. As an ex football player, Jay liked to wear his jerseys very tight to limit the grabbing an opponent could do when he was engaged in a fight. Always willing to drop the gloves regardless of the opponent, "Jumpin Jay" was not beyond looking at jersey sizing for an extra little edge. Century Sports logo boldy embroidered into the rear hem. This logo would have likely been covered up with gold tape when worn on the ice as the league had put the kibosh on individual customizer names on the outside of jerseys by the beginning of the 89-90 season.
2007-08 Marc Andre Fleury GAME USED Rbk Stick w/ Autograph
This is a game used and autographed Marc Andre Fleury Rbk goalie stick. The stick comes accompanied with an LOA from the NHL Alumni Association. No doubt it was a well used stick going by the very evident game use it shows. The original blade and grip tape remains intact and there is some obvious red post paint transfer on the back of the handle. The autograph is exceptional and highly legible, applied by Marc Andre Fleury himself in brilliant silver paint pen along with his trademark #29. I haven't owned the stick very long, but I bet with some dilligent searching I will be able to photomatch it as it exhibits numerous unique characteristics. A great piece of memorabilia from a Stanley Cup Champion.
1982-83 George Ferguson SUNDAY GOLD General Athletic All Sewn
This is a very rare "Sunday Gold" version of the all sewn General Athletic jersey. These were worn only at Sunday home games. Naturally, due to their short run and limited scheduling, the Sunday golds typically show light wear as is the case with this "Fergie Flyer" jersey. You can't argue with the aesthetics of these great all sewn designs. The crest is a work of art.
Sized XXL with the custom trainer added fight strap reinforced through the back #1. Original screened on nameplate remains intact. Some light stick marks and game wear throughout. Heavy salting and rust in the fight strap. This is one of Ferguson's last Penguin jerseys as he was traded to Minnesota just 7 games into the 82-83 season. Thanks go out to Vince Dioguardi for letting go of this one to complete the GA trifecta for my collection.
2007-08 Sidney Crosby HOME BLACK Rbk AirKnit SHIRTS OFF THEIR BACKS NIGHT w/ C
Sidney Crosby "Shirts Off Their Backs" giveaway jersey. April 2nd, 2008 vs Philadelphia. Sid records 2 goals and is named #1 star of the game. Just another typical night's work for "Sid the Kid" but the fans certainly appreciated it, giving him a standing ovation as he was named the #1 star of the game.
Jersey has unique "Shirts Off Their Backs" tagging in the hem. 250 patch and captain's C. Game Issued to Sidney Crosby.
2007 Kris Letang Wilkes Barre Scranton Penguins All Star Skills Competition Game Issued
Kris was to wear this in the team's All Star Skills Competition held in late December, however he had been called up and was playing in the big leagues for the NHL Penguins at the time and was unable to partake in the competition. This one comes direct from the team with an LOA on WBS Penguin letterhead. A very attractive retro design with striping and numbering influenced by the 1967 Pittsburgh jerseys.
The numbering on this jersey is very eye catching and is inspired by the style used during the Pittsburgh Penguins inaugural season. They should have considered this jersey style for game use and not just a skills competition.
What can I say about this one? I've coveted it ever since I first saw it at an expo several years ago. I have made offers on it and waited patiently until my time came. I feel very fortunate to own what I feel is the best Sunday gold Pens game jersey in the hobby. Great player, great style, great wear, and the all sewn on original nameplate and Captain's C, which has become super soft and frayed around the edge from countless washings. The jersey has an incredible eye appeal and I will hopefully get some more detailed photos of it in place soon.
All sewn on hand cut name. Great looking jersey of Norris Trophy winning defenseman Randy Carlyle.
2009-10 Kris Letang HOME BLACK Rbk Airknit FINAL GAME @ MELLON ARENA SET 2
Kris Letang's 2nd set regular season home jersey that was also worn in the final regular season game ever held at Mellon Arena. (A separate set of jerseys were also worn for one period that evening and were given away to lucky fans as part of the annual Fan Appreciation Shirts Off Their Backs Night)
This jersey shows some very nice wear with 2 sewn repairs on one sleeve, several board burns and light paint transfers on both shoulders. These set 2 black jerseys were worn in 13 games 1/19/10 to 4/6/10, offering plenty of opportunity for this one to have picked up it's nice wear. There is a very distinguishable black stick mark on the back 5 which I've been able to successfully photomatch several times. No doubt this one will be a keeper, not only because of the way in which I received it, but also because it was worn in the latter half of the final season at Mellon Arena, or "The Igloo" as it will forever be known to true Pittsburghers. It also has a unique set tag with serial number and an additional smaller tag that denotes it as having been worn in that final historic game against the Islanders to close out the last season at Mellon.
1989-90 Paul Coffey ROAD BLACK CCM Ultrafil w/ Civic Arena All Star Patch Game Issued
This jersey features the mean Penguin crest and NHL shield beside the stencil style CCM logo on the rear hem. Also an unworn game issue from Latin/Leland's.
Note the slightly cocked placement of the back 7s. This jersey has the nylon fishing line type thread on the elbow reinforcements as well. Mint and unworn.
2008-09 Maxime Talbot ROAD WHITE Rbk AirKnit SET 1
This Set 1 jersey shows KILLER wear, with many many sewn repairs. This has white and gold repairs which makes it look particularly neat when viewed in person. The pre surgery Talbot would destroy the sleeves and shoulders of his jerseys. He's no stranger to the corners and this jersey shows it. Worn in 21 regular season games on the road spanning from 9/22/08 to 1/1/09.
This jersey was worn by Max to begin the 2008-09 Stanley Cup Championship season on the road. How can we forget how he ended it in Detroit?
1993-94 Peter Taglianetti HOME WHITE CCM Ultrafil
This home white jersey was worn by defenseman Peter Taglianetti during the 1993-94 campaign. Peter was traded to the Penguins in a deadline deal prior to their first cup run in 1991. He played an integral role while minding the blue line during both of the Penguins' back to back Stanley Cup Championship winning seasons of the early 90s. A great example of the punishment that was doled out during this era of "clutching and grabbing" the jersey exhibits wear in the form of a popped collar likely from fight abuse, multiple stick marks, board burns, paint transfers, and several substantial team repairs.
In addition to the great wear this jersey shows, it also has team customizations in the form of shortened and re-hemmed sleeves. This is a characteristic customization on many Taglianetti jerseys, as he liked the sleeves up on his elbow pads and out of his gloves. A rare aesthetic beauty, as is is very uncommon to see a modern era jersey get this much wear. Taglanetti was also selected by Mario Lemieux to participate in the Penguins' alumni game preceeding the 2011 Winter Classic at Heinz Field. A true blue collar Pittsburgher that is never afraid to get his hands dirty, Taglianetti still lives in the city and works for a local construction company which speaks volumes about his humble character and work ethic. We could use a few more defensemen like him on today's Penguin roster.
1998-99 Darius Kasparaitis ALTERNATE STARTER Knit Set 1
This black alternate jersey was worn by Darius Kasparaitis during the first half of the 98-99 season. A fan favorite in Pittsburgh for his trademark hard hitting style of gameplay, Kasparaitis jerseys are somewhat tough to come by as demand for his game worn items always seems to outweigh supply. This one is a Starter knit and shows some solid use.
You can't argue with the classic appeal of a Kasparaitis "4 color" jersey, the style he made famous with his OT win over Buffalo in the playoffs. This jersey has nice wear, is of a solid player, and is the unique Starter manufacturer. This one had enough going for it that when it came available I quickly moved my Japan One patched white CCM Kaspar in favor of making a play for this upgrade. This jersey came with both MeiGray and GameWornAuctions.net letters of authenticity. A great looking jersey of one of the modern era's most memorable Penguins. Who doesn't love Kaspar?
1991-92 Bruce Racine HOME WHITE 3 patch GAME ISSUE
This jersey is a true team issued jersey for goaltender Bruce Racine to have used for call up situations during the 91-92 season. Bruce played a number of games for the Pens in 90-91 and was even dressed in the Stanley Cup team photo. He played most of his career in the minors for teams like the Penguins' farm clubs the Muskegon and Cleveland Lumberjacks, but this jersey is evidence that the Pens had fully intended to call on him if necessary during their second Stanley Cup winning season, the highly decorated "3 patch" 1991-92 season this jersey was issued for.
A killer looking style, what's not to like in the white 3 patch? This one is minty fresh having never seen any action, but is 100% game ready. I wonder if Bruce knows this one is out there?
A true team issued, CCM pro line 56 goalie cut. Also interesting to note is that the collar tag has the player #30 marked in ballpoint pen as opposed to Sharpie. This is indicative of the jersey having been a part of the first set. The placement of the Badger Bob memorial patch however is about 1" above the shoulder yoke like the set 2s were done and not sitting right on the yoke as most of the set 1s were attached. This makes me think Racine was originally considered for call up duties early enough in the season that he had a jersey made for him in the first set, but that it didn't likely have it's Badger Bob patch added until much later when the 2nd sets had changed the placement. This makes me believe the jersey may have been prepped for possible playoff use in an emergency situation.
1991-92 Ulf Samuelsson HOME WHITE w/ Stanley Cup Finals patch AUTHENTIC
I like these jerseys so much, I wouldn't mind having one of every player on the roster. Here's a classic Ulfie. Don't wear this one in Boston.
With a name like Samuelsson, it'd better be the right narrow font or it won't fit!
1991-92 Kevin Stevens ROAD BLACK CCM Ultrafil w/ Stanley Cup Finals Patch Game Issued
This is a game issued jersey that was intended as a backup for Kevin should something happen to his primary jersey during the finals. This jersey was obtained through Leland's as part of their buyout of Steve Latin's holdings from his days as Pens head equipment manager. The jersey has the Pens 25th anniversary patch which mimics the design of the NHL's own 75th anniversary logo, which interestingly enough, has been covered with a piece of Ultrafil which has then had the 1992 Stanley Cup Finals patch attached on top of that. Along with the Badger Bob memorial patch on the opposite shoulder, this jersey has a whopping 4 patches! One of the most attractive styles ever worn by the Penguins. I wish the NHL would have kept with the tradition of keeping the Stanley Cup patch essentially the same each year, with the exception of the date. The bold silver, blue, and orange colors seemed to accent almost every team's jersey.
Leland's president Mike Heffner marked the inside of the CCM logo on these game issued jerseys with a black Sharpie so no one could later try to add wear and pass them off as game worn. Smart thinking...and now it acts as a sort of hidden indicator that it is in fact a true game issue that originated from the team but has since passed through Leland's.
2007-08 Maxime Talbot HOME BLACK Rbk Edge AirKnit PLAYOFFS
"The Gamer" himself wore this jersey for all 3 series including Ottawa, NYR, and Philadelphia. Having been worn in 8 total home games, the jersey shows great wear with killer repairs on the left shoulder. A board burn/tear in the sleeve and overall burns throughout show that Max was in the corners in this one.
Max scored the game 5 winner vs the Flyers in this jersey. To me, he truly is a "Superstar." The fact that he wore this shirt while helping to polish off my most loathed team in the league, make it all the more special to me. Who can forget his SHHH in the 2008-09 playoffs, the pivotal point in the series for which he will always be fondly remembered. Nice work Maxi.
1982-83 Paul Gardner HOME WHITE General Athletic All Sewn
This jersey comes from the former Ken Mace "Hammered Hockey" collection, as Ken sold it to a friend who in turn sold it to me. Gardner was a family friend of Mace's and Ken was able to convince him to sell this unique 82-83 General Athletic home jersey that the Pens had allowed Paul to retain. The jersey is one of my all time favorite Pens styles, and a highly desirable one as the set was worn for about a month and a half to begin the 82-83 season.
You just can't be the aesthetic of these all sewn beauties. This one shows great wear in the form of many stray stick marks to the body, and a number of burns to the sleeves. There is one sewn repair on the gold portion of one sleeve, which is the only sewn repair on any of the 4 General Athletics that I own. This one comes from a local collector who was kind enough to allow me the opportunity to purchase it in an outright cash deal. Paul signed the jersey cleanly below the back numbers at the time of the original transaction with Ken. While I don't typically collect signed gamers, this signature doesn't detract from the jersey at all and merely adds to it's unique provenance and collector appeal.
1992-93 Rick Tocchet HOME WHITE CCM Ultrafil w/ Stanley Cup Centennial Patch
This attractive Rick Tocchet jersey comes from the 92-93 season, both the Pens and Rick's statistical bests. Every Penguins fan will remember the 1992-93 season for it's all star roster of high caliber players, the 17 game winning streak, th Scotty Bowman optional practices, the "we're too stacked to lose mentality." Then along came the Islanders, upsetting the Pens would be 3-peat with a game 7 OT win none of us will ever forget. Making this jersey even more special is the fact that is comes from those memorable 1993 playoffs. In 92-93 in lieu of the velcro alternate captain's A that was passed around from player to player during the regular season, the Pens would have a separate jersey prepped with the A sewn on for players who would wear the A during the playoffs. This Tocchet is an example of this, videomatched to game 5 of the Pens/Islanders series. The placement of the Stanley Cup Centennial patch as well as the alternate captain's A are unique identifiers of this playoff jersey.
Tocchet wore number 92 when he first arrived in Pittsburgh at the trade deadline of that same year. He switched to his more recognizable and regularly worn 22 when Paul Stanton relinquished it for the 92-93 season. Stick marks pretty much litter the entire front of the jersey, a true testament to the hacking that went on back in the 90s, particularly under those tense playoff conditions inside the Igloo back in May of '93. I have to thank Tyler Piotrowski for his help in acquiring this one through another individual upon hearing I was in the market for a Tocchet and knowing of one for sale. This hobby has a lot of good guys who help one another and Tyler is definitely one of them. I'm fortunate to have a Tocchet in my collection as he seems to be a player whose popularity always exceeds the supply of his game jerseys, considering his relatively short time with the team. An outstanding example in terms of both aesthetics and pedigree. Came with it's original GameWornAuctions.net LOA.
1989-90 Kevin Stevens ROAD BLACK CCM Ultrafil w/ Civic Arena All Star Patch SET 3
Purchased from MeiGray Vintage, this 1989-90 Kevin Stevens gamer is photomatched to Kevin's 1990-91 Upper Deck hockey card. Easily matched to a board paint transfer on the sleeve #5. Mean crest with NHL shield on the hem. This is a set 3 jersey from this season and shows nice wear including board burns, stick marks, and a slightly popped collar. MeiGray Vintage Certified with accompanying LOA.
Good salting in the fight strap, and a nice soft feel from repeated washings. Pretty tough to find a better photomatch on a black jersey of this vintage. Lots of evidence left behind from Artie's gritty play. Not a lot of folks know it, but Kevin is actually the Penguins all time PIM leader with 1,048 career penalty minutes in a Penguins uniform.
1986-87 Phil Bourque HOME WHITE Cooper Mesh with Century Sports Logo
This was Phil's rookie sweater with the Pens. Obtained from a collector in Hawaii, now in the hands of a local collector. This was a neat shirt and one I will miss.
These jerseys are difficult to care for with their delicate aged and drying names and numbers. These won't last forever. True relics of Penguins' history.
1991-92 Jiri Hrdina HOME WHITE CCM Ultrafil "3 Patch"
This jersey, at the time of it's acquisition, was the most expensive game worn jersey I had ever purchased. Being a well worn example of one of the most coveted styles of Penguins game worns, I was thrilled to pull this one from a bin of gamers at a show at the Pittsburgh Expo Mart. I didn't have the funds available to pull the trigger that day, but after a near restless night thinking about it, I returned in the AM and was first through the door to bring it home. Sold in the Summer of '08 to a collector in a package deal with a Kevin Stevens road.
This is one of the only Pens jerseys from the 90s that I have ever seen in a size 50. 48 and 52 are common...but a 50 is very rare.
1991-92 Joey Mullen WHITE CCM Ultrafil "3 Patch" SET 3
I have always had a soft spot for the 1991-92 Penguin game jerseys, as they feature a trinity of patches that accent an already aesthetically pleasing jersey design. The Penguins were celebrating their 25th anniversary season in 91-92, and it was also the 75th anniversary of the NHL. In commemoration of the 75th NHL season, a special patch was worn by all NHL teams that season. The Pens mirrored the NHL's streaking 75th logo and shield with their own 25th anniversary design featuring a streaking 25 and an enciricled skating penguin logo. Talk about a cool looking pair of patches when put together...wow. Now it gets better. In November of 1991, upon the passing of Coach "Badger" Bob Johnson...the Pens added a Badger memorial patch to their jerseys as well. The collection of patches that adorn these jerseys is unique and likely never again to be matched. The NHL requires approval for the use of any patch on game jerseys during league play. I don't think we'll ever see a day again where there are 3 separate patches approved for the same jersey at the same time. I think we'll see advertisements on jerseys before we see 3 patches on the same shirt again. While I'm not one for cluttered jerseys, I must say this is an all time classic design and possibly the most eye catching set of Pens gamers ever.
Joey Mullen was the first American born player to score 500 NHL goals and was a tremendous part of both of the Penguins 1991 and 1992 Stanley Cup Championship winning teams. This jersey shows light wear in the form of several stick marks on the lower portion of the front belly. The Maska neck tag is also very soft from washings. Interesting to note, in celebration of the league's 75th season, the white jerseys were worn at home until the all star break, and then on the road for the remainder of the season, up until the playoffs when it reverted back to white at home. In 91-92 you got to see the Pens wear both the white and black jerseys at home on their way to a 2nd straight Stanley Cup Championship. This jersey also has an accompanying LOA written by Penguins expert Joe Toman. No doubt this one's a true piece of Penguins' history as it comes right off the back of an American born Hall of Famer and is from a Stanley Cup Championship winning season. All of that plus the beautiful design, fabric, and patches, it doesn't get much better than that.
1989-90 Kevin Stevens ROAD BLACK CCM Ultrafil w/ Century Sports Logo
I believe this jersey was an 89-90 Preseason-1st set. It showed nice wear with several burns and marks. It was likely one of Kevin's very first jerseys with the Pens. Having too many examples of similar styles forced me to sell this one off. In the hands of a Stevens specific collector.
Jersey had good salting and color transfer in the fight strap. Also very soft from repeated washings. Sold in Summer of 2008 to a GameWorn.net collector in a package deal including my 3 patch 1991-92 Jiri Hrdina.
1992-93 Rick Tocchet ROAD BLACK CCM Ultrafil PITTSBURGH Diagonal
This one was a tough one to let go, as I've always been a fan of Rick Tocchet. Gambling scandal aside, he was one of the leagues best 2 way forwards and could hang with anyone when the gloves came off. The only autographed gamer I've ever added to my collection, and even though it was a clean auto, it did always bother me that it wasn't as it last left the ice. I didn't like that the collar tags had been clipped either, but that was likely done while it was still being worn by Rick. I was fortunately able to photomatch the jersey to an old Hockey News I found on ebay and later sold it to a Tocchet specific collector when he made an offer I couldn't refuse. Hope you're taking good care of this one Vince.
This jersey showed a popped collar, stretched nameplate from fight abuse, and good salting and color transfer in the fight strap. Lots of stick marks and board burns littered the sleeves as well, including a popped cuff as Rick liked to push his sleeves up onto his elbow pads. In hindsight, I'd kinda like to have this one back.
Rick graced the April 23rd, 1993 cover of The Hockey News. The torn white stripe and red board paint transfer on the left sleeve was an easy match.
2004-06 Ryan Malone ROAD WHITE CCM/Rbk AirKnit ROOKIE
This jersey was very unique in that it was a CCM jersey that was worn in Ryan's rookie season pre lockout,but the Pens kept this set and recycled them into the first set of Rbk jerseys for the post lockout 05-06 season. They simply sewed an Rbk patch over top of the CCM logo, and added an upward slanted silver NHL logo patch over top of the embroidered one already present in the hem. An unique example of the Pens doing whatever it took to make a cheap set of jerseys for the preseason/first 12 road games of the year. Sold to a local collector who also owns Greg Malone's rookie Pens gamer.
2005-06 Dan Carcillo HOME BLACK Rbk AirKnit TRAINING CAMP
This jersey was cool because it had a nice mark on the hem that I was able to match to a rare photo snapped at Training Camp in '06. Carcillo was traded to Phoenix for Georges Laraque in an enforcer for enforcer type deal. As much as I hate the Philadelphia Flyers, I admire the grit and tenacity that Dan brings to their team.
Carcillo would have been an interesting addition to the Pens lineup. Maybe someday he'll pass back through. This one went via Ebay and is currently in the possession of an Arizona based collector who also owns several other Carcillo game jerseys from Phoenix and Philadelphia as well.
1990-91 Ulf Samuelsson ROAD BLACK CCM Ultrafil AUTHENTIC
Here's another great looking example of one of my all time favorite styles of Penguin jersey. Sinister road black with the mean logo Penguin. No patches and no extra frills...just killer design and super bold color contrast.
2008-09 Matt Cooke THROWBACK THIRD Rbk AirKnit
This blue alternate style was patterned after the Pens jerseys of the early 70s. With the introduction and subsequent popularity of the jersey following it's debut in the 2008 Winter Classic on January 1st at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo, the Pens adopted this style as an alternate to wear for select games.
This jersey is cool because it has been team altered for Matt and the modifications seem to accent the way he plays his game. The sleeve ends have been tapered tighter and resewn, to allow them to fit the elbow pads more securely. You'll see in the game photo below that Matt likes his sleeve ends pushed up onto the elbow pad and out of his gloves. The jersey also has several sewn repairs which is pretty rare considering the limited use of the blue set. Also, the black stick mark across the crest can be clearly matched to photos from the Florida game, so theres no debating the legitimacy of this one down the road, LOA or not. There were 2 sets of blue jerseys made for Matt, this one and another with the alternate captain's A. It seemed only appropriate that if I was adding a "Cookie Monster" jersey to my collection, that it should it be a blue one. The good wear and unique customizations didn't hurt either.
2008-09 Tyler Kennedy THROWBACK THIRD Rbk Airknit
This is a great example of how sometimes a jersey just finds you. This one in particular came to me in response to a want ad that I had posted on the Gameworn.net message board. I wasn't necessarily in the market for a modern era Pens jersey, but Kennedy shirts rarely seem to trade hands and this one was an attractive blue alternate from the Stanley Cup Championship winning season of 2008-09. The seller had just picked it up but had something come up and was looking to dump at a loss. Price, wear, and opportunity all played a factor in adding this one. It does show nice wear in the form of several sewn repairs, stick marks, a few minor cuts and board burns that prove it's no "one game wonder." Tyler has been a favorite of my wife since his debut in the NHL and was a major playoff contributor during the cup run. I actually let this one go back to the original seller from whom I had purchased it, as part of a 3 way trade that sent a Shane Doan Coyotes to a Manatoba Canada based collector in exchange for a Mario Lemieux game used and autographed stick that was obtained direct from Mario after he had used it in a 5 point night (3G, 2A) in Maple Leaf Gardens back on 12-21-88.
Kennedy at 5'11" 183 lbs is a near body double for me in size. He wears size 54 which is about as small as it gets in the modern era and he obviously prefers no extra bulk in his sweaters as this fits me quite reasonably without pads underneath. If Kennedy played in 90-91 when the Pens were hoisting their first Stanley Cup, he'd likely have worn a size 48. This is kind of cool because although I rarely if ever wear a gamer outside of the house, Kennedy's actually fit me without looking like I'm wearing a sleeping bag. It makes you appreciate the size of some of the opponents he regularly goes up against as well. Go get 'em TK!
2008 Ryan Malone WINTER CLASSIC Rbk Airknit Warmup/Team Photo Shoot
This is Ryan Malone's 2008 Winter Classic warmup and photo shoot worn jersey. I traded this one away after purchasing a 2nd period game worn Brooks Orpik Winter Classic jersey which will act as the Winter Classic placeholder in it's absence. A cool shirt though and one I will surely miss. I'm still plenty happy with the trade though, and as with many things in life...you've got to let go of good stuff to get good stuff in return.
The jersey was part of an NHLPA auction and was the first of 4 sets of jerseys worn by each player that day. This is the jersey Ryan wore for the warmup/team photo shoot...so it's the one that would have been first on the ice and the one you see hanging in the dressing room photos. This one came into my collection by way of a trade with Paul Shatlock for a Matt Cooke alt and left by way of a trade with Joe Bestic for a 2008-09 Jordan Staal home black set 2 with nice wear. Thanks to you both for working with me on the trades.
2007-08 Brooks Orpik ROAD WHITE Rbk Edge 1.0 Stretchy Fabric SET 2
This set 2 jersey was worn from the beginning of the regular season until mid November. There was for the first time in Penguins history, a dedicated preseason set created exclusively for use in preseason games. This set was tagged set 1. These first 2 sets of jerseys were constructed out of a special Rbk Edge material. This material has since been referred to as the 1.0 version as it was a stretchy, sweat wicking design that was quickly phased out for the traditional Rbk AirKnit material that the players had already become so familiar with. This jersey is an example of a rare and short lived design that the Penguin players quickly determined didn't perform quite like it was intended to.
Shows wear on the shoulders, some inner pilling, a nice stick mark on the back of the left shoulder and also has the Pittsburgh 250 patch, which was to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the City of Pittsburgh. Note the customizers at Cutting Edge Sports had difficulty getting the back 4s to fit within the white portion of the jersey. Sold this one via ebay to a fellow collector who happened to live in my own neighborhood. Small world.
2007-08 Erik Christensen ROAD WHITE Rbk Edge 1.0 Stretchy Fabric PRESEASON
This jersey is the very first of the Rbk Edge design. The tighter fit, the moisture wicking fabric, all were supposed to help the players move faster and with less restriction. Unfortunately the fabric wicked sweat directly into the players' gloves which makes it awfully difficult to grip a stick let alone fire a hard shot. This jersey was used for the preseason, and has dedicated Set 1 tagging in the hem.
Note the condensed font nameplate which has been attached at a pretty severe slant. Definitely matchable in the photos below. These jerseys also have the 250 patch up on the shoulder whereas it was moved to the sleeve for the regular season set per the NHL saying the Pens hadn't submitted a proper application for a "shoulder patch." Personally I like the original placement up high on the shoulder better, and it gave the sleeve numbers a better place for exposure in game situations.
1990s University of Pittsburgh ROAD BLUE AK Mesh
Traded this one to a local collector who had been chasing it for some time. Sad to see it go, but I know it is in good hands.
1992-93 Kevin Stevens ROAD BLACK CCM Ultrafil P-I-T-T-S-B-U-R-G-H Diagonal
This jersey is from a pivotal time in Kevin's career. It was during the 1993 playoffs that Kevin suffered a severe facial injury crushing his orbital bone which required him to have extensive reconstructive surgery on his face. He made a return to the ice the following season but was never really the same player after that devastating hit. One of my all time favorite Penguin power forwards, and in my humble opinion, "Artie" belongs on the Penguins All Time All Star Team. A unique style that first debuted this season, and was a design inspired by the Pens' first ever jerseys which featured similar cresting back in 1967. While I was never a fan of the "corporate" Penguin logo, these P-I-T-T-S-B-U-R-G-H diagonals have a unique look.
Great wear for a black jersey, with a fight wear repair to the nameplate and several matchable markings. Photomatched to at least 6 different photos and cards. From the Penguins' only President's Trophy winning season and also during the year in which they set the NHL record winning 17 consecutive games. 1992-93 would also mark the first 100+ point season in Penguins history, finishing the year with 119 total points and a 56-21-7 record after a long 84 game season. It should also be noted that Penguins did not wear the commemorative 100th Anniversary of the Stanley Cup patch on these black jerseys, as they received special permission from the NHL to omit it (from their road jerseys only) as there was no place for it with the placement of the P-I-T-T-S-B-U-R-G-H lettering. Just example of the Pens finding a way to be different. I guess it was sort of a jinx as they didn't leave a place for a Stanley Cup Finals patch on these either, and the Penguins were eliminated by the Islanders in the 2nd round with an OT goal we won't soon forget. Damn you David Volek...what could have been? Sold this one to a local collector, so although it will be one I miss for sure, hopefully I'll get a chance to see it again from time to time at local Pittsburgh jersey expos.
2008-09 Kris Letang ROAD WHITE Rbk AirKnit NHL PREMIERE
This road white jersey was worn for a single game by Kris in the 2008-09 season opener on October 4th, 2008 in Stockholm Sweden. In an attempt to popularize the sport and give fans abroad a chance to see NHL action, the league often selects 2 teams to begin their season in a neutral location overseas like Sweden, Japan, etc. The Penguins and Senators were chosen in 2008-09 and it turned out to be a good omen as the Pens went on to win the Stanley Cup that year. The Pens won the first game 4-3 in OT on a Tyler Kennedy goal while wearing white jerseys. Ottawa won the second game by a score of 4-1 while the Pens were wearing their black jerseys. Both jerseys were worn for a single game only and had the special NHL Bridgestone Premier patches that incorporated the Swedish national flag. It was a very attractive and colorful patch design, and makes for a unique and scarce collectible for those who focus on patched gamers. A unique and significant part of Penguins history as they were worn for the first win of their 3rd Stanley Cup Championship winning season in franchise history. The Pens started the season with a patched jersey, this Stockholm, and ended it with one, the Stanley Cup Finals patch. Wish we could be so lucky every year. Sad to see this one go, but I moved it in a trade + cash type deal for a Letang 2011 Winter Classic style vintage jersey that is also photomatched...just can't keep 'em all.
This jersey actually shows some pretty nice wear for a "one game wonder." Shows wear in the form of several paint transfers including a very noticeable and photomatched blue board burn/paint mark on the right sleeve and a small greenish colored mark on the left. I particularly like the look of the white Penguins' style and it's nice that they won the game in these jerseys but not the black. Just one more thing this great looking jersey has going for it. I think it's cool that the patch incorporates the Swedish national flag, Hollywood movie premier-type spotlights as well as the date that the games were held. A sharp looking jersey for sure, and one of a great offensive minded Penguins defenseman.
The board burn/paint transfer on the right sleeve can be matched to the celebration of T.K.'s game winner below.
2010-11 Kris Letang ROAD WHITE Rbk Airknit SET 2 w/ Consol Energy Center Inaugural Season Patch
This is Kris Letang's set 2 road jersey from the 2010-11 season. Although it was never worn at home in Pittsburgh, it features the Consol Energy Center patch on the right shoulder to commemorate the inaugural season in the new building. This jersey was worn on the road beginning in January and up until the last game of the season, including the debacle on Long Island that no Penguins fan will soon forget. Letang showed his reliability and durability by playing in all 82 games of the 2010-11 regular season and recorded a career high 50 points with 8 goals and 42 assists filling in for absent powerplay quarterback Sergei Gonchar who was lost during the offseason. Although he was not a finalist for the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman, Kris was named to the NHL's all star roster for the first time in 2010-11 and showed he is very capable of being one of the league's best in this position.
The jersey shows very nice wear with a very evident, and multiple photomatched stick mark just above the Consol Energy Center patch, as well as several sewn repairs to the lower portion of the left sleeve. Kris typically likes to wear his sleeves pushed up high over his elbow pads which results in this type of characteristic wear. Hated to see this one go, but it went to a local gentleman who wanted it as a gift for his son. I needed the cash for other additions to the collection and it was nice to see someone get their first gamer this way. Hopefully he'll hang onto it and appreciate it for years to come. Letang may never have another opportunity to score 50 points in one season.
2008 Brooks Orpik WINTER CLASSIC Rbk PERIOD 2
These special blue jerseys were a "throwback" design that were intended to pay homage to the Carolina blue Penguins uniforms of the past. That makes this style the first blue Penguins jersey to be worn since January 27th, 1980. The Pens were victorious in a shootout over the Sabres winning the 2008 Amp Energy NHL Winter Classic by a score of 2-1. My wife and I were in attendance having made the road trip up the night before in a rented Kia Sedona with some good friends. We narrowly made it home after the game when Mother Nature decided to blanket the northeast with over a foot of snow in just a few hours. A very memorable game...followed by an even more memorable road trip.
This jersey is one of 4 sets of jerseys worn by each player that day. This is the jersey Brooks wore for the 2nd period...so it's one of only 3 that saw actual game action, as their was a set that was worn exclusively for pregame warmups and the team photo shoot. I'll always remember how cool it was to see the Pens take to the ice that cold January afternoon in front of a roaring capacity crowd at Buffalo's Ralph Wilson Stadium. 71,217 fans were in attendance, which at the time, set a new record an NHL game. Obtained from AZ based jersey collector Joe Bestic who bought the jersey via MeiGray's online auction. These jerseys weren't even washed following their being worn per Barry Meisel owner of the MeiGray group, who drove the jerseys himself back to NJ immediately following the game as his flight was canceled due to the inclement weather. The jersey still retains the born on date sticker on the inside wash instructions tag. The original MeiGray auction listing for this jersey can be seen by clicking here. The original MeiGray LOA to accompanies it as well. I reluctantly sold this one to a good friend and local collector in a trade + cash type scenario. He collects patched gamers exclusively and had been eyeing this one for awhile. The timing was right following a couple of other high end purchases, and his offer was more than fair so I decided it was time to let go. I'm sure he will take good care of it and maybe one day he'll even give me the opportunity to buy it back. The jerseys will come and go, but the memory of attending this game with my wife and friends will last forever.
1980s Rick Kehoe ALTERNATE GOLD Sandow SK Mesh
This is a Sandow SK heavyweight mesh gold jersey that was worn by Rick Kehoe during the early 1980s. This gold style jersey was worn exclusively as an alternate specialty jersey in 81-82 and 82-83, but became the Pens regular home style for the 83-84 season. While I'm not entirely sure of the timeframe in which it was worn, this jersey is without a doubt a legitimate game used piece of Penguins' history as I purchased it directly from the Kehoe family via a local collector who was kind enough to introduce me to them. After speaking with the Kehoe family, I was pleased to learn that Rick had held onto this jersey from his heyday with the Penguins and was willing to sell it to me at a fair market value. Rick was also kind enough to speak with me a bit about his playing days and even signed an LOA I had typed up as well as a personalized 8x10 for my den when I had the opportunity to meet with him in person. Rick is as candid and cordial as any player I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, completing the deal face to face and in person without the assistance of any agent or middle man. I will say Mrs. Kehoe is quite the negotiator, doing most of the haggling when it came to establishing a value, but she too was a genuine pleasure to meet and deal with. If it weren't for the talent and sportsmanship of players like Rick Kehoe, the Pittsburgh Penguins organization may have never lasted long enough to see the Lemieux era. Part of the Penguins' Hall of Fame and All Time Team, as well as a formally honored name in the former Mellon Arena's Penguins' "Ring of Honor." The Kehoe name will always be synonomous with Pittsburgh hockey.
The jersey is a well preserved example with a few sewn team repairs, scattered stick marks, and abrasions to attest for it's use. It also retains its original single color silkscreened nameplate which has been neatly trimmed and sewn to the back of the jersey. Kehoe's famous #17 is silkscreened directly to the back and shoulders of this historic garment.
1984-85 Mario Lemieux ROOKIE SUNDAY GOLD PRESEASON CCM Mesh Pro Weight Authentic
I bought this jersey off of ebay many years ago as I used to scour the site for vintage Penguins jerseys. I can remember it came all the way from Chilliwack, BC where there is apparently a local team called the Penguins that inspired the original owner to have purchased this jersey. It is in amazing shape with the screened on crest showing no major cracking or damage. I had the 66 numerals heat pressed to the shoulders and back making a spot on authentic LEMIEUX rookie preseason out of it.
The sewn on red, white, and blue CCM* patch on the rear hem is a one year only design...and a good indicator that this is from the last year the Pens wore the Sunday golds...1984-85, Mario's rookie season. The long satin loop type fight strap remains uncut. Made of a great soft heavyweight mesh material. Doesn't get any bolder as far as "Pittsburgh Gold" goes. Hated to see this one go, but it went to a good home and moving it was necessary to fbring home a much more significant game worn acquisition. I've said it before...as much as we'd like to, you just can't keep 'em all.
1991-92 Rick Tocchet HOME WHITE 3 patch AUTHENTIC w/ 75th NHL
I've always been a big fan of Rick Tocchet. His two way game and willingness to drop the gloves and square off with anyone will always earn him a place in my heart.
This jersey is a true replication of Rick's on ice jersey from 1992. Note the placement of the nameplate...up above the shoulder seam just as Rick's was hastily sewn on as he arrived in Pittsburgh after a late trade deadline deal. It's details like these that set a jersey like this apart from a store bought replica. Since Rick's trademark #22 was already being worn by Paul Stanton, he decided to wear #92 as he felt it would be a big year for him. He was right...his name was stamped into the Stanley Cup during the Summer of 1992. This one went to a local collector and personal friend of Rick Tocchet, to ultimately be given to Rick's son. It will be well cared for and appreciated for sure, but still sad to see this one go.
2005-06 Maxime Talbot HOME WHITE Rbk AirKnit CALDER CUP PLAYOFFS
This jersey was worn by Max Talbot during the 2006 Calder Cup playoffs, and is a #21 which Max wore throughout his tenure in Wilkes Barre/Scranton as his now famous #25 was already spoken for by teammate Tomas Surovy. This particular jersey shows light but noticeable wear, with some nice burns and board paint transfers showing up on the home white airknit. There are also a few stick marks on the front chest, as well as a few spots and stains here and there. No doubt it saw some exciting action as Maxime scored 9 points (3G,6A) in just 11 games during those 2006 Calder Cup playoffs. You can always count on Max to score when it matters most...in big games and during the playoffs.
Purchased on ebay via a private collector who originally got the jersey directly from the team through a charity auction held shortly following the Penguins' elimination from the 2006 Calder Cup Playoffs. Has 2 RBK patches, the AHL patch on the hem as well as the ever important Blue Cross/Blue Shield patch. While this jersey does have a team provided set tag on the inside hem, the BC/BS patch has become the WB/S Penguins' unspoken way of keeping game worns readily distinguishable from a typical fan's replica. If you see someone sporting a WB/S jersey and it's got the BC/BS patch, it's most likely a gamer. They keep the BC/BS patches under lock and key, and don't sell them.
2006-07 Maxime Talbot ROAD WHITE Rbk AirKnit SET 2
This jersey shows the typical heavy wear that is associated with the type of play that has made Max a folk hero in Pittsburgh. A Frankenstein repair from fight damage extends all the way from the collar to the crest. More repairs are present on the shoulder. This jersey is also videomatched to a post game interview following his scoring the game winning goal in Ottawa on April 5th, 2007.
This was the last year for the traditional cut jerseys. The Rbk edge was phased in for the 2007-08 season.
2005-06 Maxime Talbot ROAD WHITE Rbk AirKnit SET 1 ROOKIE 1st Game & 1st Goal
This jersey is certainly a special one in the collection because it is Max's 1st ever regular season NHL game jersey as well as the one he was wearing when he scored his first NHL goal on October 14th, 2005 @ Philadelphia. Maxime is a household name nowadays but he was a fairly unknown player when he made his debut on October 5th, 2005 @ New Jersey. This jersey is unique in that it is from Max's rookie season when Steve Latin was the Penguins equipment manager. It has a unique Cutting Edge Sports set tag that denotes it as being a 2005-06 Set 1 as well as featuring Latin's facisimile signature on the tag. Interestingly enough, both sets of jerseys in 2005-06 had "Set 1" markings on the tags. They look virtually identical when compared side by side...but I have seen the Set 2 rookie jersey and it has since been autographed. That's an easy identifier that separates the 2 shirts even further. The redundant Set 1 tagging was an accidental oversight by Cutting Edge or Steve Latin and the Pens chose to ignore it and simply wore the Set 2s with the Set 1 tagging remaining intact. This jersey has the original team LOA on Penguins letterhead with raised seal showing it was sold to Joe Toman on March 13th, 2006...shortly after it was taken out of service by the Pens. This assures beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is in fact Maxime's 1st NHL regular season game jersey. If you watch the YouTube clip below you will see Max's 1st NHL goal scored while wearing this very shirt. It's a fluke goal scored off of the face off from the far side of the red line. Maxime was simply trying to clear the puck to allow a line change and caught Antero Niittymaki and most of the Flyers fans sleeping. I'm sure it is not a goal he will soon forget, and he even makes mention of it on his Max25Talbot.com website as a career highlight. I am honored and privileged to own this piece of Penguins history from a notable milestone in Max's career.
This jersey came to me all the way from a collector in Germany who had owned it since purchasing it directly from Joe Toman shortly after it had been taken off of Max's back. I obtained it in March of 2011 and am proud to display it in my Talbot collection. There's only one first game and first goal jersey in a player's career...and this shirt happens to carry both designations. Max would probably appreciate seeing this one himself. Thanks go out to Holger for letting go of it for me. It has found a home among 6 other Talbot jerseys currently in my collection. It shows good wear in the form of stick marks and board burns particularly on the sleeves. The NHL shield on the rear hem is a sewn on style that covers the pre lockout design that featured a downward sloping N-H-L namebar. It was also sewn on slightly crooked which also makes for a unique identifier on this particular jersey. This jersey is one of a kind in a number of unique ways. I absolutely love this milestone jersey.
2009-10 Maxime Talbot THROWBACK THIRD Rbk AirKnit
Strangely enough, this jersey came to me when I wasn't even really looking to add another Talbot to my collection. It came about by means of a trade after e-mailing with a local collector who also happens to reside in my very own neighborhood. We were able to meet up and make a trade that brought this beauty home to me. Photomatched x2 to pics Kurt took himself from against the glass at a game prior to his purchasing the jersey directly from Joe Tomon. The board burns and small black mark on the white shoulder area are no doubt a solid match. Pretty cool to have photomatches that are one of a kind and not the same professionally shot ones collectors typically rely on. Nice work Kurt. Thanks again for letting go of this one.
This one shows light wear as do most alternates, but has 2 very nice board burns on the white shoulder portions of the jersey, where Max seems to always leave wear on his shirts. Just enough wear to conclusively photomatch...so I'm ok with it. The original neck lace has small knots on the ends so it won't pull back through the eyelets, also photomatched to Max wearing it this way. This jersey fills the gap of a Talbot alternate in my collection, and having come by way of a trade that involved no cash exchange and being accompanied by 2 solid and completely unique photomatches made it the frosting on the cake.
2010-11 Max Talbot VINTAGE BLUE ALTERNATE Rbk Airknit
This is Max Talbot's "Vintage" blue alternate jersey that was worn in 2 select games during the 2010-11 season. It was worn on February 10th vs the Los Angeles Kings and again on March 12th vs the Montreal Canadiens, both on home ice at the Consol Energy Center during it's inaugural season. A welcome addition to my Max Talbot collection.
This jersey shows good wear for having been worn in only 2 appearances, as it has several unrepaired holes in the sleeves as well as a nice board burn on the right shoulder, an area of wear that is very common on Max Talbot gamers. It's no wonder he needed to have his shoulder reconstucted following the Pens' Stanley Cup winning 2008-09 season. A town favorite, and absolutely my favorite Penguin of the modern era. With Max signing a 5 year $9M deal with the Flyers on Friday, July 1st 2011 this jersey became the only alternate of this style that will ever be worn by Max at the Consol Energy Center. Sad to see Max head to Philly, but I wish him well and his time here will be well remembered and represented in this collection.
2005-09 Maxime Talbot BLACK Rbk Ultrafil PRACTICE JERSEY
This practice jersey was issued to and worn by Maxime Talbot for a number of special practice sessions which were open to the media, including several intra-team scrimmages. It is a heavyweight knit material similar to the Ultrafil jerseys of yesteryear. It has refelective piping on the sleeves and shoulders, as well as a single layer white heat pressed #25 on the rear. The nameplate is a removable Velcro type that also has Max's surname heat pressed on in single layer white vinyl. The collar tag is marked by the team trainer in Sharpie with Max's signature #25. Jersey is accompanied by a Spivak & Kraut LOA.
The rear of the jersey shows Talbot's signature #25. This jersey was worn for a number of years beginning with Talbot's rookie season in 2005-06 and carrying on until at least the 2008-09 Stanley Cup winning season. The jersey shows light wear in the form of several board burns and some fairly heavy inner pilling. The original Velcro nameplate remains intact and attached as it last left Max's back. This jersey makes for a unique addition to my Max Talbot collection, helping to round out the full spectrum of jerseys Max has worn during his time with the Pens.
2008-09 Jordan Staal HOME BLACK Rbk AirKnit SET 2
This home black set 2 jersey was worn for the second half of the 2008-09 Stanley Cup winning season. It shows excellent wear in the form of several sewn repairs to the sleeves and shoulders, as well as several unrepaired holes and friction burns. The jersey has some extreme exterior pilling on the right elbow as is consistent with other Staal jerseys. A small mark on the bottom of the crest is present as well. Overall this jersey exhibits nice wear for a modern era jersey, particularly a dark one. Jordan plays hard and his jerseys show it. Nice to have a home example from the Penguins' 3rd Stanley Cup Championship winning season. Hard to forget that year.
A great looking jersey of a solid defensive forward who was instrumental in the Penguins' cup run in both 2007-08 and 2008-09. Jordan plays well beyond his years and was basically a walk on right out of Peterborough. Scoring 29 goals in his rookie season, Jordan has been a fan favorite and a major contributor to the Penguins penalty killing unit right from the start. "Gronk" as his teammates call him, has both size and skill to compete in the modern NHL. One of 3 brothers currently playing in the league, and arguably the best, although big brother Eric seems to get most of the attention as team captain of the Carolina Hurricanes.
2005 Maxime Talbot WBS CHRISTMAS SPECIALTY Rbk AirKnit
Although it's one I'd love to have kept, my collection has steered in another direction so I was happy to send this one by way on a very serious Talbot collector who was happy to take the opportunity to own it. A cool and rare jersey with a crisp Talbot signature on the front crest. These jerseys were signed and auctioned right off the player's back after the game. Frenzied puck bunnies with daddy's deep pockets to back their bids a few days before Christmas usually means big $$$ prices and the jerseys then rarely circulate the secondary market. The WBS fanbase is incredibly strong and their jerseys don't seem to trade hands nearly as often as the big league NHL Penguins.
Very cool numbering on this one with the sewn twill Santa hats capping the back numbers. Candy cane shoulder patches and Christmas colors complete the theme. A nice looking style on this one with the front number and mid body striping. Blue Cross Blue Shield patch. Decent fraying on the name and a solid board burn on the elbow. About as good as it gets for a single game of use. This one is for the Talbot collector who has everything.
1991-92 Mario Lemieux HOME WHITE w/ Stanley Cup Finals patch AUTHENTIC
Absolutely without a doubt, hands down, no contest, the best looking Pens jersey in franchise history. This is likely the closest thing I'll ever have to a legit Lemieux gamer. It's a real pro weight jersey with proper team customization right down to the authentic Stanley Cup Finals patch being sewn to a separate piece of Ultrafil and attached on top of the existing NHL 75th anniversary patch. A true 4 patch jersey, with Captain's C as well, making it the most heavily decorated Pens jersey in team history, and one that was worn during the Pens second Stanley Cup run. When Mario was wearing this...he was untouchable. You can't wear one of these ANYWHERE in Pittsburgh without getting a thousand compliments. This shirt is 100% pure eyeball. Mean Penguin logo, why did they abandon you?
Note the LEMIEUX name font is a tight condensed type. Not like a Bruins jersey, not like any other team really. This is one of the toughest styles to have customized properly. It seems there's no one left that can do one right anymore. CCM and NHL shield on the rear hem. Silky sofy Ultrafil material. Poppin' home white colors...what's not to like? It's interesting to note that teams wore white on the road during the second half of the '92 season in celebration of the league's 75th anniversary...but with the Cup patch attached that makes this one a HOME version.
1991-92 Mario Lemieux ROAD BLACK 3 PATCH regular season AUTHENTIC
This is about as classic as they come. A true original Ultrafil in size 52, road black with proper Lemieux customization. Proper 3 patches include Badger Bob memorial, Pens 25th and NHL 75th. Skinny font name and matching Ultrafil nameplate. Captain's C on front chest. Wear this jersey to a game or around town on a casual Friday and be prepared to take a million compliments. Super Mario all the way, and just like he wore on the way to his second Stanley Cup.
Proper customization of these jerseys is an art form. This one looks spot on patches and all. If it had wear it would look like a legit game worn. Has there ever been a more attractive Pens jersey design?
1986-87 Mario Lemieux HOME WHITE Cooper Mesh by Century Sports
This isn't a gamer but it holds a spot in my collection as it is a one year only style and this one was sold out of the Century Sports store which was the outfit the Pens used at the time for their customization work. Screened on name and numbering, Century Sports embroidered into the rear hem. This is a pro weight replica intended for fan use, but is complete with fight strap and reinforced elbows just as the pros used. This jersey would have had the LEMIEUX name screened onto a twill nameplate if it were intended to be worn on the ice. It remains in 100% mint and unworn from circa 1986.
Purchased from a local collector who had kept it in storage since the day he bought it from the Century III mall in 1986. I've never seen another in this type of condition. Collar tags are crisp as the day they were printed. No cracking of the crest or numbering. A true time capsule.
1986-87 Mario Lemieux ROAD BLACK Cooper Mesh w/A
This road black Cooper mesh jersey dates to the 1986-87 season. This is a pro weight authentic that originally sold out of the Gerry Cosby pro shop in Madison Square Garden, as evidenced by the tagging sewn into the neckline. The jersey came to me via ebay years ago, and I was just recently able to locate an appropriate heat press kit for it. An identical mesh jersey was found and sacrificed for the nameplate material and backing for the alternate captain's A which is attached pro style as well. This one came out superbly, as it is as close to a Mario gamer of this era as you will get. Loop type fight strap is still intact and uncut.
The jersey has an embroidered Cooper logo on the hem and is a one year only style. 10 inch heat pressed numbers adorn the rear of the jersey, with 4 inch ones up high on the shoulders. Silkscreened mean Penguin crest shows the slightest of age cracking. No doubt this one is legit...the style is defunct and has never been reproduced in any manner. A very cool looking jersey from an era where quality and durabilty took a back seat to saving a few bucks for the team. Mario did some of his finest work wearing a jersey just like this during his 3rd NHL season. Hockey jerseys always look nice to me when they're constructed of a big open mesh material like these early Coopers.
1987-88 Mario Lemieux ROAD BLACK AirKnit Pro Weight Authentic
AirKnit with screened crest and screened/pressed on name and numbers. Cheap, flimsy, and not really built to last...much like the franchise was in it's pre-Mario days. All joking aside, this style jersey is a tough one to souce as not many folks would pony up the $ for a pro weight authentic in those days. Take a look at game photos or tapes, very few fans in the stands were wearing even replica jerseys.
This jersey is sized 52 but seems to have extra length to it as well. Mint and unworn with the original size 52 marked in blue ballpoint pen on the collar tag, as was the practice at CCM back in the early days. It's somewhat rare to see one that hasn't been washed out. A neat jersey that I'll likely hold on to as part of my Lemieux focus.
1970-71 Robin Burns/John Stewart HOME WHITE Wilson Durene
This milky white durene is a fantastic piece of Penguins history. Worn in 1970-71 by Robin Burns and John Stewart. The jersey shows repair work on the back where the nameplate was on and off for televised games. Stick markings adorn the sleeves and there looks to be a washed out blood stain on the belly, right below the crest. While it's well worn, it does still have an excellent shine to the durene. It has great character and just oozes hockey history. Original unrestored crest, neck tagging and neck lace remain on this 40+ year old relic made by the Wilson sporting goods company. I'd like to thank Mike Hogan of IceViolence.com for working with me on this one. He had owned it for some 8 years prior.
The two layer sewn on tackle twill numbering is all original. Repairs are evidence that it had a TV nameplate(s) at some time. Reinforced elbows but no fight strap in this one. The weight and feel of the mercerized cotton/durene material in your hands is unlike anything from the modern era. They just don't make 'em like this anymore. This is the "circle crest" style of jersey that inspired the Pens 2008 Winter Classic throwback jerseys which were so popular among fans that the Pens kept wearing it as an alternate for the following 3 seasons. These jerseys are quite rare and nicely preserved examples like this one don't trade hands too often. Below you will see the jersey photomatched to an old program being worn by TV 11 newsman Ray Tannehill. I am proud to include this one in the collection.
1999-2000 Dennis Bonvie ROAD BLACK Pro Player AirKnit w/ NHL2000 Patch
I am very pleased to have located this jersey as it makes a perfect pair of bookends with the white I already owned. This road black Pro Player jersey shows great fight wear with a popped collar, collar tag, and hand sewn team repair to the back of the neck. The right sleeve cuff is broken as well, undoubtedly from one of the many fights Bonvie had while wearing this jersey. There are also plenty of board burns and paint transfers, as well as what appears to be dried blood as well. NHL2000 patch on the upper chest indicates this is a 99-00 jersey.
Bonvie name is fully sewn on in glacier twill. The white portion of the numbers is glacier twill as well. To my knowledge this style jersey was the first time the Pens ever used glacier twill, but I will say it looks nice and shows the wear well in terms of light fraying, etc. Nice to see this one wasn't intended for reuse the following preseason as the Pro Player hem logo has been left intact and has not been covered with a piece of fabric. It's a rarity to see a Bonvie Pens jersey in the hobby considering the short time he spent with the team, but it's like lightning struck twice when I landed the second one for my collection. The PIM King.
1988-89 Paul Coffey ROAD BLACK CCM Ultrafil Game Issued
This is also from the "Latin load" obtained via Leland's President Mike Heffner. A true game issue jersey intended for Hall of Famer Paul Coffey but unfortunately it never saw any use. Paul wore a snug size 48.
Note the scrabble style CCM hem logo and the gold toe crest on this jersey. Has the alternate captain's A as well.
1989-90 Zarley Zalapski ROAD BLACK CCM Ultrafil w/ All Star Patch Set 3
This is Zarley Zalapski's road black 89-90 jersey which was worn to finish the 89-90 season. I purchased this jersey through MeiGray's Vintage program, and it comes with their raised stamp photo LOA and lifetime money back guarantee. Zalapski Pens jerseys are a bit of a rarity due to his cult following, and when this one came up for grabs it was just too attractive to pass up. Zarley's #33 made him part of the "Double Trouble" lineup the Pens were fortunate to have back then with Mario Lemieux wearing #66, Robbie Brown #44, Paul Coffey #77, and Larry Murphy #55.
The jersey features the shoulder to shoulder nameplate, All Star Patch, and mean Penguin crest with NHL shield on the rear hem. It shows wear in the form of scattered stick marks and board burns on the sleeves. The elbow reinforcement stitching is broken on one sleeve. There is a scuff mark across the first few letters of the ZALAPSKI name. The fight strap shows nice salt residue in the snap, and the jersey and numbering have softened from repeated washings. Some fraying around the numbers and name. A well represented example of this rare "ZZ Top" of hockey names.
1989-90 Phil Bourque ROAD BLACK CCM Ultrafil w/ Civic Arena All Star Patch AUTHENTIC
This jersey is a replica of the gamer I also own. Exact in every detail including the All Star patch. If this had game wear on it you'd think that Bourquey himself might have had it on. Definitely a favorite when it comes to old timey Pens jerseys.
Black Ultrafil with proper shoulder length nameplate.
1982-83 & 1983-84 Rick Kehoe ROAD BLACK Sandow SK Mesh
You're looking at a 1982-83 & 1983-84 Rick Kehoe road black Sandow SK heavyweight mesh jersey. This particular example came directly from Rick Kehoe's own personal collection and once hung in a glass case at a local Pittsburgh bar he owned during his heyday as a Penguin player. This jersey has an aesthetic appeal that is tough to beat, as the crest is one of my all time favorite Penguin designs with the mean looking hooked beak, determined eye, and bold white outline. In my opinion, a throwback jersey like this would be a welcome addition to the Penguins current unforms, replacing the bland "Vegas Gold" with the bold "Steelers Gold" of yesteryear. Kehoe is #3 in all time scoring for the Penguins franchise, behind only Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr and is also #4 on the all time most games played list having played in 722 contests while a member of the organization.
Well worn with over a dozen hand sewn team repairs, this jersey is solid proof of Kehoe's gritty playing style in an era where hooks, slashes, checks and the like were all in a night's work. Rick told me himself that his teammates used to say that "if your jersey wasn't getting torn or holes left in it, you weren't playing physically enough." No doubt there was some physical play performed in this one as the lasting battle scars on it are very evident and simply add to it's aesthetic appeal and collectibilty. I can't say I've ever seen another Kehoe jersey with this heavy wear and as many sewn repairs. Having been worn for 2 of Kehoe's last full seasons with the Penguins, makes this is easily one of the most hammered and historically significant Kehoe gamers in the hobby. The jersey also has my own hand typed LOA with Kehoe's signature of approval documenting the entire transaction from him to myself. A truly one of a kind Penguins artifact, right off of the back, or should I say right out of the closet of a true Penguin legend. It even came in one of Kehoe's Montreal based dry cleaners' garment bags that it had been stored in for years. Proudly displayed now as part of the Steel City Gamers collection.
1989-90 Phil Bourque ROAD BLACK CCM Ultrafil by Century Sports
This road black jersey was worn by Phil Bourque during the 88-89 regular season. Well worn this jersey shows many stick marks, board burns, and loose threads. A very attractive jersey from this legendary Penguin. Photomatched to the 2 hockey cards below. Loose threads on the sleeve numbers as well as a puck mark on the left sleeve are solid matches.
This jersey is from the era of team customizers still being permitted to advertise their business on the team jerseys. Shortly after this brief time period the league prohibited the practice. I think it makes for a unique addition to the jersey and another thing that helps to date the jersey.
1988-89 Rob Brown ROAD BLACK CCM AUTHENTIC from Gerry Cosby
This is one of the first all sewn Ultrafil styles. Features the error "gold toe" Penguin crest, and "Scrabble" block type CCM logo on the hem.
The Gerry Cosby logo silkscreened on rear hem indicates this jersey was originally sold out of the legendary Gerry Cosby Pro Shop inside New York's Madison Square Garden. Gerry Cosby's has been the supplier and customizer for the New York Rangers for years.
1982-83 Roberto Romano GOLD ALTERNATE Sandow SK Mesh
This is a "Sunday Gold" jersey which was Pittsburgh's original alternate jersey. These were originally reserved to be worn exclusively during weekend home games, and then in later seasons, they saw use during regular weekday home games as well. They made for a neat look combined with the gold helmets and socks and are a very bold and memorable design. This is a widely popular re-issued style with fans today. Roberto Romano NOBR size 48 G. Loop type fight strap.
The jersey has screened on numbering, as well as screened on Sandow SK (for "sporting knit") logo on rear hem. Light but evident goalie wear. These jerseys have the unique elliptical elbow reinforcements which are unique to the Sandow brand. Heavyweight mesh and one of the best looking Penguins crests ever used in my opinion.
1991-92 Kevin Stevens HOME WHITE 3 patch AUTHENTIC w/ NHL 75th patch w/ A
Gotta have a home white version too. This one's in regular season trim so it's got the 75th patch and no Stanley Cup patch covering it. Alternate Captain's A adorns the left chest.
2004-05 Marc-Andre Fleury HOME WHITE SP AirKnit SET 1
This is Marc-Andre Fleury's 2004-05 regular season Set 1 jersey from his only full season in Wilkes Barre/Scranton. He wore this jersey during the NHL's lockout season, while honing his game in the AHL, prior to being called up permanently to the big league Penguins organization. It was rare for me to find this example as the fan base in WB/S is extraordinary and the WB/S Pens typically auction their game jerseys off during in game promotions, from which they rarely seem to ever resurface. This jersey comes from the collection of a WB based collector who had purchased this jersey among others directly from the team through such an auction back in 2005. Fortunately for me he was willing to sell, and now I am able to proudly display it here in the Steel City Gamers collection.
Plenty of wear on this one including many scattered puck marks on the front and lots of post paint transfer on the back. Some skate cuts on the rear hem too. Significant post paint can be seen on the fight strap reinforcement area as well as under the right arm. Fleury obviously likes to rest his stick side arm on the crossbar fairly often. This one has the Blue Cross/Blue Shield patch as well as the NHL Penguins logos on both shoulders. AHL logos on back collar and rear hem, along with SP manufacturer's embrioidered logo. Embroidered WB/S set tag sewn into the inside back hem. Excellent wear on this jersey throughout, especially on the ends of the sleeves and on the chest/crest area. Sized 58G, it's gigantic.
2009-10 Sergei Gonchar HOME BLACK Rbk Airknit FINAL GAME @ MELLON ARENA PLAYOFF SET w/A
This jersey is Gonchar's last as a Penguin and is from the last set of jerseys to be worn off of the Igloo ice after losing a game 7 vs the Montreal Canadiens. The jersey has 2 sewn repairs on the shoulder as well as numerous blood stains on the white portion of the sleeves. A cool and historic jersey that came to me by way of trade.
This jersey has standard playoff tagging and has no additional Mellon Arena tag inside as the last regular season game jerseys did. This set made it through 2 rounds (7 home games) and was last skated off the ice in dramatic fashion following the game 7 loss to the Habs. The alternate captain's A adorns the right breast. The Penguins powerplay has never quite been the same in Sergei's absence.
2000-01 Darius Kasparaitis HOME WHITE CCM AirKnit GAME ONE JAPAN Exhibition Set w/ Patch
This Darius Kasparaitis jersey was worn during the start of the 2000-01 season in Tokyo, Japan against the Nashville Predators. The NHL Game One Japan patch is sewn on the right chest of the jersey and there is Latin's #11 written in the collar tag as is commonplace with these shirts. Some nice stick marks on both the front and back of the jersey, and some noticable staining near the beak of the Penguin crest. There are a few small holes in the sleeve that were left unrepaired. Kasparaitis will always be a fan favorite due to his physical style of play and fondly remembered as one of the Penguins most legendary aggitators.
Who doesn't remember Kaspar's golden blonde hairdo or his OT winner against Buffalo when he swam across center ice in celebration? A nice noticeable stick mark on the back of this one add's to it's character. Thanks go out to local collector Kurt Rush for bringing this one into my collection. I'd been wanting to add a Kasparaitis for some time so it feels good to cross him off of the list. I used to sit near his wife in the wive's section during 3rd periods when I briefly worked for the Pens taking Platinum Master Card apps in an attempt to see a portion of all of Mario's home games post comeback. It got me a lot of free T-shirts too.
1989-90 Jamie Heward HOME WHITE CCM Ultrafil w/ Civic Arena All Star Patch PRESEASON
This is Jamie Heward's first NHL sweater, worn during the 1990-91 preseason where he was trying out for a spot as a defenceman after the Pens drafted him in the first round (16th overall) on June 17th, 1989. Home white with the Civic Arena All Star patch as these jerseys were recycled carryovers from the 1989-90 season in which the Pens hosted the 41st Annual NHL All Star Game and 1st ever NHL All Star Skills Competition. The Hockey Hall of Fame site claims Jamie never actually played for the Pens, however this jersey is evidence to the contrary.
Heat pressed nameplate is 100% original and remains attached with velcro which is as temporary as Jamie's stay was in Pittsburgh. Jamie has gone on to play for a number of NHL teams and this jersey was the first one he had a chance to wear in the big leagues.
1991-92 Ron Francis HOME WHITE w/ Cup Patch
Here's a jersey of one of the classiest players to ever lace them up, and it's only fitting that when Mario went down "Captain Class" was passed the C.
This is one of the few jerseys in my collection that I will actually wear regularly. So if you see this one pass you by at a Pens home game, tap me and say hello.
1990-91 Rob Brown ROAD BLACK CCM Ultrafil
This road black jersey was worn by Rob Brown during the 90-91 season. It shows nice wear considering his limited play of only 25 games that year. There are numerous stick marks and board burns present. The nameplate is also torn loose on the upper right corner and the collar tag exhibits the typical #44 in Sharpie as well as faint reminants of a size 50 in ballpoint pen. Jersey measures to a 50 as well.
Robbie Brown became a fan favorite in Pittsburgh playing wing alongside Mario Lemieux and unfortunately left just as the Pens were about to win the first of 2 back to back championships. This was his last jersey as a Penguin before returning again to Pittsburgh for the 97-98 season. A mean crest road black CCM Ultrafil from 90-91 is a great representation in my opinion of a Rob Brown gamer.
1977-78 Greg Malone ROAD BLUE Stall & Dean Mesh
I am going to miss this one for sure as it was always a favorite, but a persistent buyer and an attractive jersey coming my way in trade finally made me say ok to letting this one go. It is a very well worn example with many sewn repairs. The sleeves in particular show a mass of team repairs on both elbows. Paint transfers and board burns also abound on this exceptionally attractive shirt from the very physical era of the late 1970s. Greg wore this jersey for the entire 77-78 season as the Pens wore only one set of jerseys in each color back then. Their frugality has only heightened the desirability and rarity of these outstanding looking shirts as there was only ever one example of each player in home white and road blue at best, not counting some jerseys that were recycled when players were traded or acquired mid-season. Flash forward nearly 35 years and now you have a very rare collectible and seldom seen example of Penguins' history in this game worn jersey.
The name, numbers, and crest on this jersey are all sewn on, making this one of the more attractive and high quality jerseys that were used during this era. The intricately embroidered crest is one of the most attractive designs ever worn by the Pens in my opinion. Road blue with contrasting white sleeves makes for one eye catching combination. Original double garter type fight strap with metal clips remains perfectly intact, with the attaching elastic showing obvious signs of fight abuse. The jersey is photomatched multiple times and Paul was kind enough to include several original slides and negatives of the jersey being worn by Greg himself. An undeniable part of Penguins history, and one I am proud to include in the Steel City Gamers collection. Greg Malone remains 14th in franchise history in scoring with 364 points in 495 career games with the Penguins.
1989-90 Troy Loney HOME WHITE CCM Ultrafil w/ All Star Patch Set 2
This home white Ultrafil jersey was worn by Troy Loney for the second half of the 1989-90 season. It is heavily worn and shows evidence in the form of multiple stick marks, board paint transfers and over 10 sewn team repairs. The jersey is by far the most well worn of any of the All Star patched shirts in my collection. It is alo very soft from repeated washings. There is no doubt this jersey saw many battles as it's condition is a true testament to the gritty player Loney was at the time.
In addition to the fantastic wear this jersey exhibits, it also carries a player customization in the form of a custom fight strap with added skate lace reinforcement. While Troy wasn't one to drop the gloves on a regular basis, this modification is evidence that fighting was something he was completely prepared for. A beauty of a jersey, one of my favorite styles of Pens gamers.
1991-92 Paul Stanton HOME WHITE CCM Ultrafil 3 Patch Set 1
This home white Paul Stanton jersey exhibits excellent wear in the form of many stick marks, pulls, pills, including 3 sewn repairs, one of which is multi-colored. The inside of the jersey shows much pilling behind the crest and in the arms as well. Very much a well worn set 1 with the Badger Bob memorial patch placed right on the shoulder yoke. A quite attractive jersey not only because of the decorated "3 patch" style but also because of the overall wear and markings that make it a unique game worn item. Paul Stanton Penguins items seem to be somewhat scarce as well with his relatively short stay of just 3 seasons here in Pittsburgh.
Great wear and character for a 3 patch, even in these seldom traded set 1s which saw the majority of the wear during the 91-92 season. Photomatched to a Topps Stadium Club hockey card and MeiGray registered with accompanying LOA. The white Ultrafil fabric shows the stick marking and repairs exceptionally well. Stanton was only in his sophomore season when he wore this and was already on his way to cup #2 with the Penguins. An exceptional example of a highly sought after style. A special thanks goes out to Matt Megonnell for putting me in touch with the owner of this one.
1980-81 & 81-82 Ron Stackhouse GOLD ALTERNATE Sandow SK Mesh
This rare alternate style jersey belonged to the Penguins' veteran defenceman Ron Stackhouse, and was worn in his last of 9 seasons with the team. The game wear on this Sunday gold sweater is immediately evident, consisting of stick marks, board burns, board paint transfer as well as areas of pilling particularly around the collar. The hand cut, all sewn, two layer nameplate is a highly desireable attribute to many descerning collectors of this rare style, as so many of these jerseys left the team with their names stripped from the back. Subsequent Sunday gold sets also used a screened on name in single color, which just doesn't lend to the vintage personalized and instantly recongnizable style the hand cut lettering adds.
The all original, hand cut, sewn on nameplate makes this one a visual standout, and a great example of these tough to find gold styles. Sadly, Ron Stackhouse was sort of the Ryan Whitney of his day. Fans got on his case often and didn’t appreciate his offensive-minded game while he was in town. Still, for the pre-Lemieux days of the Pens, Stackhouse was one of the top players in franchise history to that point. He tied an NHL record for defensemen when he tallied 6 assists in one game while wearing a Pens sweater and also had season point totals of 60 and 71, higher point totals than any defenseman except Coffey, Carlyle, and Murphy for franchise history. Three times Stackhouse scored more than 10 goals in a season. Stackhouse’s 621 career games as a Penguin rank him 1st in franchise history among all defensemen, and his 343 career points rank him 17th in franchise history and second among defensemen behind only Paul Coffey.
1989-90 Mark Kachowski HOME WHITE CCM Ultrafil w/ All Star Patch
This jersey is an attractive one especially because of the overall "general filth" that gives it such instantly recognizable eye appeal. This is a typical heavyweight fighter jersey, complete with customized shortened fight strap, an odd shirt for a call up guy who played only 14 games with the Pens in 89-90. A true enforcer willing and able to drop the gloves with most anyone in the National Hockey League at the time he wore this jersey, Mark Kachowski is a seldom heard but significant name in the Penguins' enforcer history. Happy to bring this one home from Boston based collector Kurt Zwald, a collector with whom I've had the pleasure of doing several Pens jersey deals. Prior to his owning it, the jersey had resided in a private Deleware based collection for many years.
This jersey has sort of followed me as I had the opportunity to purchase it back in 2009 when the Pens were playing the Flyers in the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. I'll never forget it was the same evening that Max Talbot Shh'd the crowd and the Pens put on their amazing comeback effort to close the Flyers out on the road in game 6. I had a chance to see it in the trunk of the seller's car at the same time I was purchasing a 79-80 white/blue Kim Clackson and didn't have the cash for any additonal shirts. I knew then I wanted this jersey and it wasn't until 5 years later when I'm browsing ebay late one evening when I stumbled upon Kurt's listing for it. A quick click of the "buy it now" button ensured I wouldn't miss this second opportunity at such a unique and attractive game jersey.
1999-2000 Dennis Bonvie HOME WHITE Pro Player AirKnit w/ NHL2000 Patch
This gamer is one of only a few NHL Pens jerseys worn by Bonvie, and comes from the private collection of a personal friend of Bonvie. Worn in a number of his greatest NHL battles, this jersey shows excellent fight abuse and it's no surprise that the collar is stretched out from being tugged on in fights leaving the elastic knit rippled as a result. The interior Pro Player tag is completely popped loose on the one side. 54 size flag tag is still attached with 16 written on it in black sharpie. NHL2000 patch on the right chest. Some multi colored board transfers and unrepaired tears and cuts add to this jersey's already attractive appearance. Bonvie is the all time PIM leader for all of professional hockey, and an avid collector of his own game worn jerseys, so I feel privileged to have one of his very few pro NHL jerseys in my private collection.
Original nameplate and numbering are untampered with. Nice pilling all over the jersey, especially the cuffs. Obvious fight abuse from the multiple battles Dennis had while wearing this shirt. Heavily stretched fight strap, popped collar tag attachment. These Pro Player jerseys are tough shirts, and after watching the fights Bonvie had in this jersey I'm surprised it has held up as well as it has. A super cool addition to my sub theme of Penguins heavyweight enforcers.
2001-2002 Billy Tibbetts ROAD BLACK KOHO AirKnit
This road black air-knit gamer by Koho was worn by Billy Tibbetts during the 2001-02 NHL season. This native of Boston, MA began his NHL career in 2000-01 with the Pittsburgh Penguins where he played for 2 seasons before moving onto the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers. All told, Tibbetts spent a mere 3 partial seasons in the NHL, despite enjoying a 2 decade long playing career that spanned the minor leagues and Europe. Tibbetts was a rough customer who racked up PIMS at every turn. His short 82-game NHL career saw him compile 269 PIMS. Billy amassed 300 PIMS in 58 games with the Johnstown Chiefs in 1995-96 and had similar outputs throughout his minor league career. In 62 career games over two seasons with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Tibbetts racked up a most impressive 378 PIMS. Many have heard the urban legend of how he once hit Mario Lemieux in the face with a cheeseburger.
The game wear on this sweater is solid and consists of stick marks, loads of board burns, un-repaired burn holes, stitch pops and inner pilling. Sewn into the collar is the official Pittsburgh Penguins game worn jersey tagging, complete with a black sharpie signature by the team’s equipment man Steve Latin. This jersey is also accompanied by a Penguins team letter. It is interesting to note that due to Billy's status as a registered sex offender, he was unable to participate in road games in Canada. If there ever was a modern day Ogie Oglethorpe type character to skate onto the Igloo ice it was this guy. I can hear Jim Carr now, "This young man has has had a trying rookie season, what with the notoriety, the arrest and subsequent deportation to Canada and that country's refusal to accept him..." Love 'em or hate 'em he's left an indellible mark on Penguin's history. His jerseys are also quite rare due to his limited stay with the organization.
Few remember this troubled enforcer from the early 2000s. He was called up by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2001 after scoring 38 points in 38 games for their AHL affiliate. While he never did much for the Penguins, the fact that he even played in the NHL is a miraculous feat.
This is because in 1994 he was charged and convicted for raping a 15-year old girl. Following this, he was arrested again for assault and battery with a BB gun, disorderly conduct and witness intimidation. Overall, Tibbetts served 39 months in prison.
Fortunately for him, after paying his dues in prison, he was given a second chance and was able to make a short NHL career out of it. An interesting twist in Tibbetts' story is that he was not able to play in any games in Canada because of his status as a sex offender in the country.
After a short stint with the New York Rangers in 2003, Tibbetts has gone on to play for the ECHL's San Diego Gulls, Las Vegas Wranglers, and Idaho Steelheads, the UHL's Rockford Icehogs, along with a variety of European teams.
Why Tibbetts' arrival in the NHL is ranked in The 10 Biggest Scandals in NHL History: Tibbetts is obviously not the first athlete to be charged with sexual assault, but not many are found in the NHL. In recent history, Tibbetts is one to come in mind, but he's not a notable player so this is why he gets the tenth spot.
Article by Andre Khatchaturian
This is because in 1994 he was charged and convicted for raping a 15-year old girl. Following this, he was arrested again for assault and battery with a BB gun, disorderly conduct and witness intimidation. Overall, Tibbetts served 39 months in prison.
Fortunately for him, after paying his dues in prison, he was given a second chance and was able to make a short NHL career out of it. An interesting twist in Tibbetts' story is that he was not able to play in any games in Canada because of his status as a sex offender in the country.
After a short stint with the New York Rangers in 2003, Tibbetts has gone on to play for the ECHL's San Diego Gulls, Las Vegas Wranglers, and Idaho Steelheads, the UHL's Rockford Icehogs, along with a variety of European teams.
Why Tibbetts' arrival in the NHL is ranked in The 10 Biggest Scandals in NHL History: Tibbetts is obviously not the first athlete to be charged with sexual assault, but not many are found in the NHL. In recent history, Tibbetts is one to come in mind, but he's not a notable player so this is why he gets the tenth spot.
Article by Andre Khatchaturian
2000-2001 Martin Straka HOME WHITE CCM AirKnit w/ A
This CCM AirKnit jersey was worn by Marty "The Sauerkraut Kid" Straka during the 2000-2001 season. It is one of the most heavily worn jerseys of the modern era in my collection today. It is literally killed with stick marks and board burns. There isn't a square inch of this jersey that doesn't show wear. Although there are unfortunately no sewn repairs present on the shirt, there are several board burns that went completely through the fabric leaving unrepaired holes. While I'm not a big fan of the corporate era logo jerseys, this one was just too special to not add to the collection. I was always a fan of Marty when he was in Pittsburgh and I was fortunate to attend many games during the 2000-01 season as I was attending the University of Pittsburgh at the time and the Pens were doing their student rush program. Marty never failed to entertain and was always one of the hardest working Pens on the roster. I am proud to have him represented in my collection with this fine example that comes from his career high season in which he scored 95 points and played in all 82 regular season games as well as an additional 18 playoff games. He is #9 on the all time most games played as a Penguin list having played in 560 games with Pittsburgh.
This jersey also comes with a letter of authenticity from Rich Ellis and his Spirit of the Game website. He apparently authenticated it in 2005 and the LOA still accompanies the jersey. Sized a 50, this is one of the smaller jerseys in my collection, as Marty wasn't a big frame by any means. That never stopped him from doing battle with some of the biggest and strongest opponents in the league. Marty never played scared and played a physical game much larger than his physical build who suggest possible. He was also one of the fastest skaters on the team and was always exciting to watch when he carried the puck.
1979-80 Orest Kindrachuk ROAD BLACK Stall & Dean Mesh w/ C
This jersey is a great example from the Pens very first set of black & gold jerseys. The Pens made the switch to their now famous black & gold color scheme in late January of 1980. They did this in an effort to align themselves with the then World Champion Steelers and Pirates. This is a screened on jersey that has a sewn on captain's C and the nameplate letters are also sewn on as well. The crest is screened on a piece of mesh and then sewn to the jersey. Garter type fight strap. These Stall & Dean jerseys all seem to have the tapered hem seen on this Kindrachuck. A rare example from Orest's time in Pittsburgh, and one of only 2 black and gold Pittsburgh Kindrachuk jerseys publicly known in the hobby today. At the time Kindrachuk wore this jersey, he was only the 5th player to be appointed team captain in franchise history.
The jersey shows team repair work, with the fabric backed sewn repairs typical of jerseys of the era. Some nice heavy stick marks remain, as well as some minor board burns and abrasions. My wife's lucky #26.