This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/27/2002.
Wayne Gretzky burst onto the scene in 1978, a skinny 160-pound, 17-year-old kid from Brantford, Ontario. He played hockey as if he learned it on a more advanced planet. He possessed a magical feel for the game and its flow. Always thinking three moves ahead. Where others saw chaos, he saw the play unfold in slow motion. He loved to create, to control the puck, to drive the defense back. Gretzky led the Edmonton Oilers to four Stanley Cups in a reign during the mid-to late eighties that figured to continue indefinitely. Through it all, Gretzky's drive never allowed him to take a night off once he pulled on a hockey sweater. He revered the game, respected his opponents and loved to win. For all his majestic performances on the ice, Gretzky off the ice, has been the finest ambassador hockey has ever known because of his class and dignity. This one-of-a-kind item is Wayne Gretzky's 1983 game-worn All-Star jersey. The game was played in Long Island at the Nassau Coliseum on Feb. 8, 1983. Gretzky scored an All-Star game record four goals in one period and was named MVP. The jersey is elastic knit. Inside the neck of the jersey is a "Maska" tag sewn in the collar and to the left of the Maska tag is a "Cosby" label which is glued in with size "XL". Sewn below the Cosby tag is a white Made In Canada label (100/polyester). On the front of the jersey is the name "Campbell" sewn on diagonally. The reverse of the jersey is the name "Gretzky" with the player number "99" below. All the letters and the number on the reverse side are made of white tackle twill on a black tackle twill backing, giving a drop shadow appearance. The number "99" appears on each sleeve of the jersey as well and are made of orange tackle twill on a white tackle twill backing. The right shoulder supports the embroidered "NHL" patch which is sewn on. This jersey exhibits strong All-Star game use and has no alterations of any kind. The Jersey includes a letter from the ex. aquisitions/appraisals specialist of the Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum. The inside left arm of the jersey bears this gentleman's initials. Also included is a color team photo of the 1983 Campbell All-Stars with a young Gretzky in the back row wearing this exact shirt and copies of the original newspaper clippings describing his amazing accomplishment. This item would make for a wonderful addition to any serious sports collection!