The stick Wayne Gretzky used in the 1988 Stanley Cup Finals, where the Edmonton Oilers clinched the title, was sold for a whopping $336,000, setting a new record for the most expensive NHL-used hockey stick ever sold. Sotheby’s confirmed the authenticity of the stick, which was originally owned by Rick “The Stick” Elaschuk, a longtime employee of the Oilers. The stick bears Gretzky’s signature with a personalized message dated May 26th, 1988.
This sale comes on the heels of other Gretzky memorabilia auctions, including his final Oilers jersey that fetched $1.452 million and his gloves from the same game that sold for over $200,000. The stick was sold just before Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Oilers and the Florida Panthers, adding to the excitement of the event.
The 1988 Finals saw the Oilers sweep the Boston Bruins, with Gretzky putting up impressive numbers, including 13 points, setting a series record that still stands today. Gretzky’s performance in that series solidified his status as a hockey legend, and the sale of his iconic stick only adds to his legacy in the sport.
It’s worth noting that the 1988 Finals had a unique twist when Game 4 was suspended due to a power outage at the Boston Garden. The game was never completed, leading to a series-clinching victory for the Oilers in Game 5 back in Edmonton. This victory marked the Oilers’ fourth title in five seasons and was Gretzky’s last championship with the team before his historic trade to the Los Angeles Kings later that year.
Gretzky’s impact on the sport of hockey goes beyond his on-ice achievements, as evidenced by the record-breaking sales of his memorabilia. His legacy as a nine-time league MVP and a record-setting player continues to resonate with fans and collectors alike, making items like his championship-winning stick highly coveted in the world of sports memorabilia.
The sale of Gretzky’s 1988 Stanley Cup Finals stick serves as a reminder of his unparalleled career and the lasting impact he had on the game of hockey. As fans and collectors clamor for a piece of hockey history, Gretzky’s memorabilia remains a symbol of his greatness and enduring legacy in the sport.