NIKE, CIRCA 1986-87

Babe Ruth, Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, Wilt Chamberlain, Serena Williams, and Mickey Mantle. The names of these athletes belong to an elite population who receive special consideration within the history of their respective sports. Some for their record shattering statistical achievements or for having led their teams to multiple championships. Still others for enduring a unique level of longevity in a sport. However, a succinct requirement for consideration of 'membership' within this extraordinary group can be best described by one word, aura. These athletes not only carved their names into the history of their respective sports but did so in such a fashion that affected popular culture at large. Their successes on the field were met with equal success off the field inclusive of influencing those who came after them. One athlete who is an undisputed pillar of such a club is Wayne Gretzky. "The Great One" popularized the sport of hockey and revolutionized its style of play unlike any before or since to take the ice. His accolades and career statistics are equaled by scant few, in any sport. While game used items with relation to a significant event do occasionally enter the marketplace it is exceedingly scarce for a singular piece relating to multiple such occurrences. Presented within the Irsay Collection is one of the most important hockey jerseys extant, Wayne Gretzky's 1986-87 game-worn home white Edmonton Oilers worn during the regular season and the Stanley Cup Playoffs. White mesh with blue on orange tackle twill "99" present on back and both shoulders. "Oilers" team insignia patch faded from extended use and wash wear affixed to the front alongside of original "C" captain's patch on front. Fight strap found within the interior and Nike manufacturer mark screened on tail perimeter. Nike tag inside the collar with XL/TG designation and "Made in Canada" designation. Use is remarkable to include surface puckering, black marks on shoulders, loose threads, and pilling to interior. Team repairs and black marks are visible on both left and right sleeves. The jersey has been conclusively photo matched to Gretzky's 500th NHL career goal on November 22, 1986 during a game against the Vancouver Canucks. Notably, the shirt is also conclusively matched to Game #7 of the 1987 Stanley Cup finals when the Oilers defeated the Philadelphia Flyers to win their third Stanley Cup in four seasons on May 31, 1987. Additional match to a game played against the Philadelphia Flyers on December 28, 1986 is documented from a photograph published on the cover of June 1987 "Hockey Scene Magazine". Superlative game worn jersey from one of the greatest athletes in the history of sports that certainly ranks among the most significant documented examples of its type. Includes LOA from MeiGray (Photomatch) and additional supportive documents including copy of the original letter of provenance from the Edmonton Oilers: EX