This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/12/2023.
The Edmonton Oilers entered the NHL for the 1979-80 season as one of four World Hockey Association teams that joined the League. The Oilers immediately made the playoffs with a late-season winning streak behind the brilliance of Wayne Gretzky. In Gretzky’s first NHL season he captured the Hart Trophy as the league’s MVP scoring 51 goals and adding 86 assists for 137 points. “The Great One” continued his dominance throughout the rest of his career and was immediately inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, making him the most recent player to have the waiting period waived. The NHL retired his jersey number 99 league-wide, making him the only player to receive this honor. This very scarce Titan PRO stick was used during Gretzky’s first NHL season. “W. GRETZKY” is stamped on the upper shaft. The handle is taped in navy blue which matches photos from his rookie year photoshoot. The blade is currently not taped however it appears tape was removed. This incredibly unique and rare stick was manufactured in Finland. When Titan opened their Canadian factory all other sticks Gretzky used were manufactured in Canada from that point forward. This stick was acquired from Gary Bills who operated an Esso Gas Station in Ontario. The Bills family developed a longtime friendship with Gretzky’s teammate’s family Lee Fogolin who acquired the stick from Gretzky in the Oilers locker room. Fogolin’s father also operated an Esso Gas Station in Ontario and gifted it to Mr. Bills. The stick shows heavy use from repeated game use and is accompanied by a LOA from Joe Esposito.