1987-88 Phil Bourque ROAD BLACK CCM AirKnit SET 1
This "Old Two Niner" jersey is from the first set of the 1987-88 season as can be determined by the closed openings on the shoulder numerals. The second set had larger numbers with a visible opening inside the 9s. This jersey shows great wear with heavily shredded sleeves and is a fairly early example from Phil's career in Pittsburgh. Stick marks are apparent throughout and it's very soft from repeated washings. Photomatched to the 1988-89 Penguins media guide.
Heavy screened on name and numbering on these jerseys held up much better than most. No signs of cracking or peeling on this jersey despite it's obviously heavy use.
I showed this shirt to Phil at the Pittsburgh expo and he got a real kick out of it. Phil is one of very few players to have played both forward and defense during his career as a Penguin. He's also one of the most gracious and polite, willing to sign a beautiful autograph for anyone who asks. He let me try on his 1991 Stanley Cup ring. It's magnificent. While I had the chance to speak at length with Phil, I asked about the urban legend of his having scribed his name on the inside of the Stanley Cup during his day with the cup in the Summer of '91. He explained he heard something rattling around inside the cup, so he unscrewed the cover on the bottom and found a piece of hardware attaching the top portion of the cup to the barrell had come loose. While he was in there "fixing it"...he scribed a crude "Bourque 29" on the inside of the barrell...when he saw the signatures of the engravers enscribed inside. Bourque went on to explain that shortly after he returned the cup it was dismantled for a proper cleaning and repair, where his signature was discovered and he received a call from the NHL. He claims he's the reason there is now a "keeper of the cup" that travels with it on all player's personal days with the cup. So he can claim he's the only player with his name on the inside and outside of the cup.
When I showed this media guide photo to Phil, he laughed and said he wore the goofy mustache at the time because the coach had a "no beards" rule. It seems Bourquey was always finding a way around the rules.
Playing defense throughout his junior and early minor league career, Phil Bourque made an impact on the left wing of the Pittsburgh Penguins checking line during their championship season in the early 1990s.
Bourque played junior in the OHL for two seasons but was never drafted. He was signed by the Penguins in 1982 as a free agent. He played almost exclusively in the Pens minor league system for the next 6 years, gradually improving to the point that he was named as the IHL's most outstanding defenseman in 1988. It was after that great season in Muskegon that Phil was elevated to the NHL on a full time basis.
However he didn't find a regular spot on the Pens blueline, but rather patrolling left wing. Why? Two reasons - he was an aggressive player who loved to hit, but too often he put himself out of position to make the physical play. Secondly, he was a poor skater in terms of mobility and agility. He had great straight ahead speed and that could be better utilized on the wing.
With his speed and tenacity, Bourque proved to be a good forechecker and penalty killer. His upbringing as a defenseman made him a naturally defensive forward, but he added some surprising offense - twice scoring 20 goals.
Phil played an important role in both of the Pens Stanley Cup victories in 1991 and 1992. On a crash and bang defensive line with Troy Loney and Bob Errey, Bourque did a lot of the mucking and grinding for the more skilled players on the Pens team. He also would take an occasional shift on the blueline when the Pens were in a pinch.
The New York Rangers signed the hard working Bourque as a free agent for the 1992-93 season, but he struggled to put up the numbers he did in Pittsburgh. This led to his trading to the lowly Ottawa Senators early the following season. By this time however Bourque's best days were over, and he actually ended his North American pro career in the minors, unable to make the expansion Senators squad. He also spent some time in Europe after his NHL career was over. Perhaps he was happy to soldier on in the game he loved because he nearly died in a hiking accident in the summer of 1994.
All said, Phil Bourque transformed himself from a NHL long shot to a two time Stanley Cup champion who played in 477 NHL games with 88 goals, 111 assists and 199 points. He was a hard working and honest player. Pittsburgh fans always appreciated the zestful contributions of "the ol' two-niner."
By the way, Phil Bourque is of no relation to Hall of Fame defenseman Raymond Bourque. However, when people ask if his brother is Ray Bourque, fun-loving Phil often answers with a yes. Why? Because he does have a brother named Raymond - just not that Raymond Bourque!
Article by Joe Pelletier
Bourque played junior in the OHL for two seasons but was never drafted. He was signed by the Penguins in 1982 as a free agent. He played almost exclusively in the Pens minor league system for the next 6 years, gradually improving to the point that he was named as the IHL's most outstanding defenseman in 1988. It was after that great season in Muskegon that Phil was elevated to the NHL on a full time basis.
However he didn't find a regular spot on the Pens blueline, but rather patrolling left wing. Why? Two reasons - he was an aggressive player who loved to hit, but too often he put himself out of position to make the physical play. Secondly, he was a poor skater in terms of mobility and agility. He had great straight ahead speed and that could be better utilized on the wing.
With his speed and tenacity, Bourque proved to be a good forechecker and penalty killer. His upbringing as a defenseman made him a naturally defensive forward, but he added some surprising offense - twice scoring 20 goals.
Phil played an important role in both of the Pens Stanley Cup victories in 1991 and 1992. On a crash and bang defensive line with Troy Loney and Bob Errey, Bourque did a lot of the mucking and grinding for the more skilled players on the Pens team. He also would take an occasional shift on the blueline when the Pens were in a pinch.
The New York Rangers signed the hard working Bourque as a free agent for the 1992-93 season, but he struggled to put up the numbers he did in Pittsburgh. This led to his trading to the lowly Ottawa Senators early the following season. By this time however Bourque's best days were over, and he actually ended his North American pro career in the minors, unable to make the expansion Senators squad. He also spent some time in Europe after his NHL career was over. Perhaps he was happy to soldier on in the game he loved because he nearly died in a hiking accident in the summer of 1994.
All said, Phil Bourque transformed himself from a NHL long shot to a two time Stanley Cup champion who played in 477 NHL games with 88 goals, 111 assists and 199 points. He was a hard working and honest player. Pittsburgh fans always appreciated the zestful contributions of "the ol' two-niner."
By the way, Phil Bourque is of no relation to Hall of Fame defenseman Raymond Bourque. However, when people ask if his brother is Ray Bourque, fun-loving Phil often answers with a yes. Why? Because he does have a brother named Raymond - just not that Raymond Bourque!
Article by Joe Pelletier
From the collection of a personal friend of the Caufield family comes this beauty of a home white late 80's Ultrafil, all sewn gamer. Shows nice wear with solid burns on both elbows, breaking the reinforcement stitching on both sleeves. Good salting in the fight strap snaps as well as a few solid stick marks with a nice bold one up by the crest. I will have to do some digging but I suspect I can photomatch this jersey as it has many unique characteristics and markings. Overall, a great example of this heavyweight enforcer. Caufield’s 714 penalty minutes still rank him 9th overall on the Pens all-time list
The nameplate stretches from shoulder to shoulder and is sewn below the shoulder seam. Century Sports and Scrabble style CCM logos are embroidered into the rear hem. Size 50 still faintly visible on original Maska collar tag, a snug football style fit just the way Jay liked them. Comes out of a private collection where it had resided since 1991.
1989-90 Jay Caufield HOME WHITE CCM Ultrafil w/ All Star Patch PLAYOFFS/CARRYOVER to 1990-91 Set 1
This is a likely a 1989-90 playoff set that was used to begin the 1990-91 regular season after the Pens narrowly missed the 1990 playoffs by losing their last regular season game to Buffalo. The jersey features the highly desireable Civic Arena 41st Annual NHL All Star Game patch on the left shoulder. Shows light wear in the form of a board burn on the elbow, which has broken the stitches of the elbow reinforcement. Latin's handwritten #16 in black Sharpie remains clearly visible on the collar tag. A great looking all sewn, patched, mean crest style from this legendary Penguins enforcer.
Purchased from a private Brookyln, NY based collector, this light wear Ultrafil jersey has CAUFIELD spelled out boldly above his famous #16 on a shoulder length namplate. I suspect this was a carryover shirt that was worn to begin the Pens 1st ever Stanley Cup winning season. A faint ballpoint pen size 54 remains on the collar tag. Caufield Pens jerseys rarely seem to trade hands and sewn versions seem to be the most rare. I am proud to add this patched home jersey as the second "Jumpin' Jay" example in the Steel City Gamers collection.
At 6'4" 240lbs, Jay Caufield looked like a linebacker on skates. That's because he was! A linebacker in college, Jay also liked to play hockey, though he never played it too seriously until 1985-86 when he signed as a project of the New York Rangers. Just out of college with no prospects to continue his NHL career, Caufield played in the minors for the next two years.
Caufield did play in 13 games for the Rangers in 1986-87 with the Rangers, but was traded early in 1987-88 to Minnesota where he played just one game, spending the rest of the year in the minor leagues. It was with the Stars farm team in Kalamazoo that Caufield accepted the role of tough guy/policeman, earning 273 PIM in 65 games.
Caufield was picked up via the waiver draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins just prior to the 1988-89 season. The Pens were looking for a "designated sitter" to protect the likes of superstars Mario Lemieux. He played in a career high 58 NHL games and compiled 285 PIM in his first of 5 full years with the Pens.
Caufield was a good fighter, though never a truly feared heavyweight. He was incredibly strong and in excellent muscular condition (he was the heaviest player in the league, all of it muscle), he wasn't even that feared by other NHL tough guys. He willingly took on all comers but because of a lack of balance on skates he couldn't get all his strength into his punches, thus making him more of a clutch and grabbing wrestler than a true heavyweight fighter like Dave Brown or Bob Probert.
If Caufield was an average fighter, he was below average as a player. He had little agility or speed on his skates at all, which prohibited him from bodychecking effectively. He had little hockey sense and couldn't handle the puck while skating. His only goals, 5 in total, came from a loose puck in front of the enemy net.
A likeable person off the ice, Caufield was a good guy to have in the dressing room, always keeping the guys loose. That and his willingness to fight kept him in the NHL. Few players worked as hard in practice to improve himself as a player
When it comes right down to it, Caufield played in 208 NHL games, scored 5 goals and 13 points and twice has his name engraved on the Stanley Cup. That's better than what many accomplished!
Caufield gained a lot more respect in retirement when it became known he was serving as Mario Lemieux's personal physical trainer and emotional confidante when #66 was making his comeback to the National Hockey League.
Article by Joe Pelletier
Caufield did play in 13 games for the Rangers in 1986-87 with the Rangers, but was traded early in 1987-88 to Minnesota where he played just one game, spending the rest of the year in the minor leagues. It was with the Stars farm team in Kalamazoo that Caufield accepted the role of tough guy/policeman, earning 273 PIM in 65 games.
Caufield was picked up via the waiver draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins just prior to the 1988-89 season. The Pens were looking for a "designated sitter" to protect the likes of superstars Mario Lemieux. He played in a career high 58 NHL games and compiled 285 PIM in his first of 5 full years with the Pens.
Caufield was a good fighter, though never a truly feared heavyweight. He was incredibly strong and in excellent muscular condition (he was the heaviest player in the league, all of it muscle), he wasn't even that feared by other NHL tough guys. He willingly took on all comers but because of a lack of balance on skates he couldn't get all his strength into his punches, thus making him more of a clutch and grabbing wrestler than a true heavyweight fighter like Dave Brown or Bob Probert.
If Caufield was an average fighter, he was below average as a player. He had little agility or speed on his skates at all, which prohibited him from bodychecking effectively. He had little hockey sense and couldn't handle the puck while skating. His only goals, 5 in total, came from a loose puck in front of the enemy net.
A likeable person off the ice, Caufield was a good guy to have in the dressing room, always keeping the guys loose. That and his willingness to fight kept him in the NHL. Few players worked as hard in practice to improve himself as a player
When it comes right down to it, Caufield played in 208 NHL games, scored 5 goals and 13 points and twice has his name engraved on the Stanley Cup. That's better than what many accomplished!
Caufield gained a lot more respect in retirement when it became known he was serving as Mario Lemieux's personal physical trainer and emotional confidante when #66 was making his comeback to the National Hockey League.
Article by Joe Pelletier
1990-91 Tom Barrasso ROAD BLACK CCM Ultrafil
I can never seem to get around to taking pics of this one, but it's a pretty awesome jersey. Worn for the 90-91 regular season, when Tommy B was in his prime for sure.
Typical black road jersey devoid of any patches or additional "pieces of flair." Could this be the best looking Pens jersey of all time?
1990-91 Larry Murphy HOME WHITE CCM Ultrafil
This incredible Murphy jersey is the first #55 he was issued as a Pittsburgh Penguin. He wore this jersey in his 2nd game as a Penguin on 12-13-90, after wearing #4 in his 12-11-90 debut. Larry was a large man in stature and apparently the Pens didn't have any blank size 54 jerseys in stock when he arrived in Pittsburgh via a trade from Minnesota, so amazingly enough this jersey is actually a recycled Mario Lemieux gamer. The collar tag has Latin's distinctive Sharpie 66 and there is evidence of both nameplate change and number change. There are repairs below the Murphy nameplate where damage was caused when removing the Lemieux plate. The fight strap reinforcement shows signs of the previous 66 being attached as well.
Killed with wear, this Murphy jersey is a standout in the collection. Multiple sewn repairs on both sleeves, below the nameplate, on the shoulder area, and also from removal of the back 66 numerals. What a cool piece of Penguins history with direct ties to 2 separate Hall of Famers and All Time Penguin greats. From a very pivotal time in both Murphy's career as well as that of the entire Penguins organization as they'd celebrate their first Stanley Cup Championship just a few months after this jersey was issued. Purchased from a private collector who had owned it since around 1993-94. Special thanks goes out to Casey Samuelson of Penguins Chronicles for helping to photo and video match the jersey. Murphy remains the 5th highest scoring defenseman in National Hockey League history.
1991-92 Phil Bourque HOME WHITE CCM Ultrafil 3 Patch
Pics coming soon!
1991-92 Jay Caufield ROAD BLACK CCM Ultrafil 3 Patch
Pics coming soon!
Learn more about the Penguins "corporate" logo redesign here.
1992-93 Ulf Samuelsson ROAD BLACK CCM Ultrafil
Pics coming soon!
Pics coming soon!
Brockton, Massachusetts is the birthplace of legendary middleweight boxing champion "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler. The boxer with the best chin ever was never knocked down in his entire 14-year professional career.
Brockton, Massachusetts is also the birthplace of Kevin Stevens, hockey's ultimate power forward in the early 1990s. The hockey player who was knocked down several times during his 13-year professional career.
Kevin grew up in a sports oriented family back in Massachusetts. His father Arthur was a good baseball prospect who played in the Cincinnati Reds minor league system. Even though Kevin was good at other sports, especially baseball, it was hockey that was his passion. He played one year at Silver Lake high school and played so well that he was drafted 112th overall by Los Angeles in 1983.
Kevin decided to finish his college education and picked Boston College where he played for four years, earning a degree in economics. There was still some question then whether Stevens would play hockey or baseball. He actually attended rookie camps for both the Toronto Blue Jays and the Philadelphia Phillies. The LA Kings didn't have the patience to wait for him so they traded him to Pittsburgh later for journeyman Anders Hakansson.
During his four years at B.C. Stevens scored 71 goals, 99 assists 170 points in 158 games. He was the captain at B.C. where his teammates included Craig Janney and Brian Leetch. Kevin set a B.C. record in 1986-87 when he scored 15 power play goals. He was named to the Second Team All-America, First Team Hockey East and First Team All-New England.
After his college career was over he was invited to the US national team to fight for a spot on the Olympic team. He represented USA in the 1987 Pravda Cup in Moscow and the 1987 World Championships in Vienna. Kevin played really well in the 44 games he played, scoring 45 points including 22 goals. This earned him a ticket to the 1988 Olympics in Calgary.
Kevin played a few games for Pittsburgh after the Olympics and then started the following season in IHL, playing for the Muskegon Lumberjacks. After a while he was called up to Pittsburgh and finished the 1988-89 season there.
He once again represented USA in the 1990 World Championships and played well, scoring 7 points in 10 games. Playing alongside the great Mario Lemieux, Kevin soon emerged as not only one of Pittsburgh's best players but also as one NHL's premier power forwards. He helped Pittsburgh win their first Stanley Cup in 1991 and scored 86 regular season points and another 33 in the playoffs.
He set an NHL record for most points by a left wing, 123, in 1991-92 and finished second in league scoring behind line mate Mario Lemieux. His 123 points was also an NHL record for an American born player in the NHL. He was also the first NHL player to score 50 goals, 100 points and 200 penalty minutes in one season. He helped Pittsburgh to their second straight cup picking up 28 points in the playoffs.
Kevin's stellar play continued the following season as he scored 55 goals, tying the NHL record for American born players. His 111 points was good enough for 12th overall in the league.
Stevens was about much more than scoring. At 6'3" and over 215lbs, he had the size coaches covet and opponents dread. He was a deceptive skater and he relished the physical game. He was a weak defensive player, but he made up for that with goals and hits, and lots of them.
But then came the most famous knock out essentially ended his career. During the 1993 playoffs he was checked hard by NY Islanders Rich Pilon. Pilon's visor actually hit Stevens in the face, knocking him out instantly. Then he fell face first on the ice breaking numerous facial bones. During the off-season he had reconstructive surgery on his forehead and nose. It was a nasty injury and even though he managed to score 41 goals and 88 points the following season it was evident that it wasn't the same old Kevin Stevens.
He seemed to shy away from the physical contact that he used to love. He didn't initiate much of the physical play which of course isn't so strange looking back at his injury. But it was such an integral part of his game. Kevin never was a great skater, but he always had a good shot with a quick release. In the past he never thought twice about where his shot was going, which made him dangerous. He had great hand-eye coordination and was especially dangerous on power plays. But after the injury some of these things were missing from his game.
With Steven's deteriorating play and Mario Lemieux's growing absence due to injuries and illness, Pittsburgh traded Stevens and his big contract to Boston on August 2, 1995. Many people, including Kevin thought that his trade home to Boston would be an injection to his career. Unfortunately Kevin turned out to be a bust in Beantown and was even benched by Steve Kasper at one point. He only lasted a half season before Bruins quickly traded Kevin to Los Angeles in exchange for Rick Tocchet.
After the 1995-96 season was over Kevin went on to represent USA in the 1996 World Championships in Vienna. Kevin led all scorers on the US team as they picked up a Bronze medal. Their first medal in 34 years (1962). That was Kevin's last high point as a player.
Kevins on ice, and perhaps off ice troubles began in LA. His career was on the downside and the life in the fast lane in LA may have been too much for Kevin. He was pretty much a bust in LA as well and was shipped to NY Rangers on August 28, 1997 for Luc Robitaille. In New York Kevin never got his act together either. At this time Kevin was seen as an overpaid player who played on the third and fourth line. NY Rangers tried to ship Kevin to other clubs, but with his hefty salary and age there weren't any takers.
Halfway through the 1999-2000 season hockey fans around the world were shocked to learn about the sad story involving Kevin Stevens. On January 22, 2000 he was caught at a sleazy motel room in East St. Louis with a prostitute, a glass pipe and crack cocaine. How could an NHL player with a million dollar salary could sink so low? Apparently Kevin had battled problems with drugs years earlier and had been in substance abuse programs. The greatest victims aside from Kevin is his wife (Suzanne) and two children (son Luke and daughter Kylie). Suzanne was pregnant with their third child.
From the outside it seemed as though Kevin Stevens had everything going for him. He was a popular multi sport star in college and a good student who graduated with an economics degree. He went on to the Olympics and the NHL, establishing himself as one of the best players in the game he loved. Money and adoration quickly followed, as did alcohol and drugs.
Stevens entered the NHL/NHLPA substance abuse program to clean up his act. He briefly returned to the NHL, first with the Philadelphia Flyers then returning to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He retired in 2002, staying in Pittsburgh first to work on radio broadcasts and later as a scout.
Article by Joe Pelletier
Brockton, Massachusetts is also the birthplace of Kevin Stevens, hockey's ultimate power forward in the early 1990s. The hockey player who was knocked down several times during his 13-year professional career.
Kevin grew up in a sports oriented family back in Massachusetts. His father Arthur was a good baseball prospect who played in the Cincinnati Reds minor league system. Even though Kevin was good at other sports, especially baseball, it was hockey that was his passion. He played one year at Silver Lake high school and played so well that he was drafted 112th overall by Los Angeles in 1983.
Kevin decided to finish his college education and picked Boston College where he played for four years, earning a degree in economics. There was still some question then whether Stevens would play hockey or baseball. He actually attended rookie camps for both the Toronto Blue Jays and the Philadelphia Phillies. The LA Kings didn't have the patience to wait for him so they traded him to Pittsburgh later for journeyman Anders Hakansson.
During his four years at B.C. Stevens scored 71 goals, 99 assists 170 points in 158 games. He was the captain at B.C. where his teammates included Craig Janney and Brian Leetch. Kevin set a B.C. record in 1986-87 when he scored 15 power play goals. He was named to the Second Team All-America, First Team Hockey East and First Team All-New England.
After his college career was over he was invited to the US national team to fight for a spot on the Olympic team. He represented USA in the 1987 Pravda Cup in Moscow and the 1987 World Championships in Vienna. Kevin played really well in the 44 games he played, scoring 45 points including 22 goals. This earned him a ticket to the 1988 Olympics in Calgary.
Kevin played a few games for Pittsburgh after the Olympics and then started the following season in IHL, playing for the Muskegon Lumberjacks. After a while he was called up to Pittsburgh and finished the 1988-89 season there.
He once again represented USA in the 1990 World Championships and played well, scoring 7 points in 10 games. Playing alongside the great Mario Lemieux, Kevin soon emerged as not only one of Pittsburgh's best players but also as one NHL's premier power forwards. He helped Pittsburgh win their first Stanley Cup in 1991 and scored 86 regular season points and another 33 in the playoffs.
He set an NHL record for most points by a left wing, 123, in 1991-92 and finished second in league scoring behind line mate Mario Lemieux. His 123 points was also an NHL record for an American born player in the NHL. He was also the first NHL player to score 50 goals, 100 points and 200 penalty minutes in one season. He helped Pittsburgh to their second straight cup picking up 28 points in the playoffs.
Kevin's stellar play continued the following season as he scored 55 goals, tying the NHL record for American born players. His 111 points was good enough for 12th overall in the league.
Stevens was about much more than scoring. At 6'3" and over 215lbs, he had the size coaches covet and opponents dread. He was a deceptive skater and he relished the physical game. He was a weak defensive player, but he made up for that with goals and hits, and lots of them.
But then came the most famous knock out essentially ended his career. During the 1993 playoffs he was checked hard by NY Islanders Rich Pilon. Pilon's visor actually hit Stevens in the face, knocking him out instantly. Then he fell face first on the ice breaking numerous facial bones. During the off-season he had reconstructive surgery on his forehead and nose. It was a nasty injury and even though he managed to score 41 goals and 88 points the following season it was evident that it wasn't the same old Kevin Stevens.
He seemed to shy away from the physical contact that he used to love. He didn't initiate much of the physical play which of course isn't so strange looking back at his injury. But it was such an integral part of his game. Kevin never was a great skater, but he always had a good shot with a quick release. In the past he never thought twice about where his shot was going, which made him dangerous. He had great hand-eye coordination and was especially dangerous on power plays. But after the injury some of these things were missing from his game.
With Steven's deteriorating play and Mario Lemieux's growing absence due to injuries and illness, Pittsburgh traded Stevens and his big contract to Boston on August 2, 1995. Many people, including Kevin thought that his trade home to Boston would be an injection to his career. Unfortunately Kevin turned out to be a bust in Beantown and was even benched by Steve Kasper at one point. He only lasted a half season before Bruins quickly traded Kevin to Los Angeles in exchange for Rick Tocchet.
After the 1995-96 season was over Kevin went on to represent USA in the 1996 World Championships in Vienna. Kevin led all scorers on the US team as they picked up a Bronze medal. Their first medal in 34 years (1962). That was Kevin's last high point as a player.
Kevins on ice, and perhaps off ice troubles began in LA. His career was on the downside and the life in the fast lane in LA may have been too much for Kevin. He was pretty much a bust in LA as well and was shipped to NY Rangers on August 28, 1997 for Luc Robitaille. In New York Kevin never got his act together either. At this time Kevin was seen as an overpaid player who played on the third and fourth line. NY Rangers tried to ship Kevin to other clubs, but with his hefty salary and age there weren't any takers.
Halfway through the 1999-2000 season hockey fans around the world were shocked to learn about the sad story involving Kevin Stevens. On January 22, 2000 he was caught at a sleazy motel room in East St. Louis with a prostitute, a glass pipe and crack cocaine. How could an NHL player with a million dollar salary could sink so low? Apparently Kevin had battled problems with drugs years earlier and had been in substance abuse programs. The greatest victims aside from Kevin is his wife (Suzanne) and two children (son Luke and daughter Kylie). Suzanne was pregnant with their third child.
From the outside it seemed as though Kevin Stevens had everything going for him. He was a popular multi sport star in college and a good student who graduated with an economics degree. He went on to the Olympics and the NHL, establishing himself as one of the best players in the game he loved. Money and adoration quickly followed, as did alcohol and drugs.
Stevens entered the NHL/NHLPA substance abuse program to clean up his act. He briefly returned to the NHL, first with the Philadelphia Flyers then returning to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He retired in 2002, staying in Pittsburgh first to work on radio broadcasts and later as a scout.
Article by Joe Pelletier
1993-94 Rick Tocchet HOME WHITE CCM Ultrafil
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This 93-93 Rick Tocchet home jersey shows excellent wear on the form of many stick marks and several sewn repairs. Very proud to have this tough customer represented in the collection, as he was always my favorite Penguin player to root for while watching as a kid. Alternate captain's A still being intact is a rare extra treat. Thanks go out to Rob Fitchett for sending this one my way. It's immediately one of my favorite shirts in my collection.
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1995-96 Francois Leroux HOME WHITE CCM Ultrafil
This 95-96 Penguins home white jersey was worn by legendary Pens enforcer Francois "Frankie" Leroux. Easily one of the most well worn jerseys in my collection, this one is peppered with stick marks, board burns, unrepaired holes, paint transfers, a popped collar, you name it this one has it. This size 54 jersey also has a strange star penned onto the collar tag where the player # is typically found. Looks another notation blacked out on the backside.
I had been wanting to add a Leroux jersey to my collection for some time, but there aren't a lot of them out there considering the short time he stayed with the team, and his fan base far outweighs that limited jersey supply so his stuff just don't seem to trade hands often. When this shirt became available I snapped it up quickly, as it was not only the legit Leroux gamer I had been waiting for, but the wear on it alone makes it a stand out piece in any game worn collection. The fight abuse, popped collar, and general filth immediately remind you of the type of game Frankie brought to the Pens. Comes with the original LOA from the Penguins signed by Craig Patrick. An overall outstanding jersey, and a 9+ in terms of wear.