Some Thoughts on a Terrific 2012-13 NHL Season and a Fabulous Final

With the ugly lockout far behind us, the 48-game sprint of a marathon regular season a memory, and a phenomenal four rounds that proved the best team sometimes wins, there are some lessons to be gained from the 2012-13 NHL season.

We know that 82 games are a necessity in today's sports fiscal climate, but wasn't it great to see a compact season in which every game mattered?  The absence of long travel due to the conference-only schedule made for better hockey, better pace to games, and many more critical games. And that's good for players and fans.

I could not help but think, though, as I read as much about broken legs and fractured faces, sprained knees and separated shoulders, punctured lungs and concussions, that the NHL is perilously close (like 5-10 years) from having to re-assess four rounds of best-of-sevens with the Stanley Cup at stake.

Yes, it's a war of attrition. Yes, depth and health and luck are more important than ever. But is it safe and smart to ask players who have played an 82-game season just to make the playoffs to gear up for two months of high-intensity, high-pressure, critically important hockey?

A long time ago, it took three rounds to win the Cup. In 1979-80 the league expanded to 21 teams, 16 of which made the playoffs, and the playoffs expanded to four full rounds ... but the first round was a best-of-three. Then a few years later a best-of-five. Ever since 1986-87, every round has been a best-of-seven, meaning it has taken 16 really difficult wins to capture the Cup for the last 26 years.

I saw firsthand as a New York Daily News sportswriter covering the NY Islanders in the mid- to late 80s what four straight Cups and an unsuccessful Drive for Five in 1984 did to a dynasty's collective physical state. I saw firsthand over the last two weeks what Patrice Bergeron and Zdeno Chara, Nathan Horton and Milan Lucic, not to mention the rest of the Bruins and the Chicago Blackhawks, too, endured to reach the Final.

It was great hockey. It was compelling theater, with the comebacks and the rallies and the overtimes and the gut-wrenching one-goal games. I'm wondering, though, if the 48-game season was why these two teams were able to squeeze out what they did in May and June.

We shall see next season when the 30 teams play 82 ... and then 16 try to thrive for two months playing for the greatest trophy in sports. 

Stanley Cup Final Game 6 Report

A stunning finish to Game 6 and the Chicago Blackhawks won their second Stanley Cup in four years. Their 3-2 victory in Game 6 of the Final at TD Garden in Boston ended the Bruins' quest for their second Cup in three years.

The Bruins wore Black Final Set 2, which remains the team's set. Five players wore two jerseys in the game:

-Zdeno Chara wore an extra Black Final Set 2 jersey, which will be retained by the team along with the original Black Final Set 2. switched after the second period. He did not wear Black Final Set 1 in this game.

-Dennis Seidenberg alternated period by period, wearing Set 2 in the first and third periods. He wore Set 1 in the second period.

-Johnny Boychuk alternated period by period, wearing Set 2 in the first and third periods. He wore Set 1 in the second.

-Nathan Horton switched after the second period ... and wore his Set 1 in the third period.

-Patrice Bergeron switched after the second period ... and wore his Set 1 in the third period.

I authenticated both complete sets of Black Final jerseys after the game, and took possession of the 29 Black Final Set 1 jerseys. I will be returning to TD Garden tomorrow to authenticate the White Final jerseys that were packed and ready to fly to Chicago with the Bruins, had they won Game 6 and forced a Game 7.

Congratulations to the Blackhawks on winning the Stanley Cup, and to the Bruins for a spectacular run that fell only two wins short.

Stanley Cup Final, Pregame 6 Report

Welcome to Game 6 from TD Garden in Boston, where the Bruins trail the Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup Final, three games to two. The Bruins will be trying to do to Chicago what they did to the Vancouver Canucks two years ago ... win Game 6 at home and Game 7 on the road to win the Cup.

Chicago will be trying to do to Boston what it did to Philadelphia three years ago ... win Game 6 on the road to clinch the Cup.

Since we are in a clinching situation tonight, the Bruins are wearing Black Set 2 Final. The five Bruins who have worn two jerseys in games throughout the series, will start in Black Set 2 Final and switch into Black Set 1 Final. The five are Patrice Bergeron (in the lineup despite suffering an undisclosed injury in Game 5 that sidelined him for most of the final two periods), Johnny Boychuk, Zdeno Chara, Nathan Horton, and Dennis Seidenberg.

From the pregame warmup: Because of Bergeron's injury, 23 Bruins took warmup. Besides the regular 20 players in the lineup, defenseman Matt Bartkowski and forwards Jordan Caron and Jay Pandolfo took warmup and did not play. Center Carl Soderberg, who took warmup in Games 1 through 4 before being inserted in the lineup in Game 5 for Kaspars Daugavins, was in the lineup last night. Daugavins did not take warmup.

If the Bruins win, they will be wearing White Set 2 Final in Game 7 at Chicago on Wednesday.

Stanley Cup Final Game 5 Report

The only good news for Bruins' collectors is that after Chicago captured Game 4 in overtime, 6-5, to tie the 2013 Stanley Cup Final at two games apiece, Boston will again wear White Final Set 1 in Game 5 Saturday from Chicago.

Just as they did in 2011, the Boston Bruins lost Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final on the road to fall behind three games to two, and forcing themselves to win Games 6 and 7 to win the Stanley Cup.

The Blackhawks' 3-1 victory at United Center means Boston is forced to win Monday at TD Garden just to force a Game 7. And now that Chicago has three victories and is in a clinching situation, the Bruins will wear Black Final Set 2 on Monday.

After authenticating the White Set 1 Final jerseys following Chicago's game 5 victory, I can report that four Bruins (Johnny Boychuk, Zdeno Chara, Nathan Horton, and Dennis Seidenberg) wore more than one jersey in the game:

-Chara switched after the second period ... and wore his Set 2 for the third.

-Seidenberg alternated period by period, wearing Set 1 in the first and third periods. He wore Set 2 in the second period.

-Boychuk alternated period by period, wearing Set 1 in the first and third periods. He wore Set 2 in the second.

-Horton switched after the second period ... and wore his Set 2 in the third period.

Patrice Bergeron wore his White Set 1 Final for two periods, and then left the game with an injury and did not play in the third period.

Carl Soderberg played for the first time in the series, and his jersey moved from a $750 Game-Issued to a $2,500 Game-Worn.

As they did in each game, the Bruins dressed 22 players for warmup, including defenseman Matt Bartkowski and forward Kaspars Daugavins, who did not play.

For the second time in three seasons, MeiGray's Final Sets got the maximum five games of use (three white, two black). And since Boychuk, Chara, Horton and Seidenberg wear two jerseys in a game, these Set 1 jerseys will get use in Game 6 and (if there is a seventh game) Game 7.

Bergeron will also wear two jerseys if he is healthy enough to play in Game 6.

See you Monday from TD Garden.

Back to Chicago for Game 5, Pregame Report

Back to Chicago, and the final game in which jerseys available through Boston-MGG will be worn.

Tonight, the third and final game for White Final Set 1. Black Final Set 1 was complete after Games 3 and 4.

A 21st White Final Set 1 game-worn was created when Carl Soderberg was inserted into the Bruins' lineup.

For the fifth straight game, the Bruins dressed 22 players in warmup. Defenseman Matt Bartkowski dressed for warmup, but did not play. So his White Final Set 1 becomes a three-game warmup only. Forward Kaspars Daugavins, who played in Games 1-4, warmed up but did not play Game 5.

The same five Bruins who have worn two jerseys in Games 1-4, Patrice Bergeron, Johnny Boychuk, Zdeno Chara, Nathan Horton, and Dennis Seidenberg, again are scheduled to wear two different jerseys in Game 5.

We'll be back after the game.

Stanley Cup Final Game 4 Report

The only good news for Bruins' collectors is that after Chicago captured Game 4 in overtime, 6-5, to tie the 2013 Stanley Cup Final at two games apiece, Boston will again wear White Final Set 1 in Game 5 Saturday from Chicago.

A wild and wacky night at TD Garden ended when Brent Seabrook fired a slapper past Tuukka Rask at 9:51 of OT.

After authenticating the jerseys following Chicago's victory, I can report that six Bruins (Patrice Bergeron, Johnny Boychuk, Zdeno Chara, Nathan Horton, David Krejci and Dennis Seidenberg) wore more than one jersey in the game:

-Krejci wore an extra Black Final jersey in the first period, which was donated by Boston-MGG to the Hockey Hall of Fame for their annual Stanley Cup Final display.

-Chara switched after the second period ... and wore his Set 2 for the third. He switched back to his Set 1 for OT.

-Seidenberg alternated period by period, wearing Set 1 in the first and third periods. He wore Set 2 in the second period and OT.

-Boychuk alternated period by period, wearing Set 1 in the first and third periods. He wore Set 2 in the second period and OT.

-Horton switched after the second period ... and wore his Set 2 in the third period. He switched back to his Set 1 for OT.

-Bergeron switched after the second period ... and wore his Set 2 in the third period. He switched back to his Set 1 for OT.

As they did in each game, the Bruins dressed 22 players for warmup, including defenseman Matt Bartkowski and forward Carl Soderberg, who did not play.

See you Saturday from United Center.

Stanley Cup Final, Game 4, Pregame Report

Welcome to Game 4 from TD Garden in Boston, where the Bruins lead the Stanley Cup Final, two games to one.

The Bruins again will be wearing Black Set 1, which they wore in their 2-0 victory in Game 3.

David Krejci is expected to wear an additional Black Final jersey tonight, to be donated by Bruins-MGG to the Hockey Hall of Fame. And as they have done all series, five Bruins (Patrice Bergeron, Johnny Boychuk, Zdeno Chara, Nathan Horton, Dennis Seidenberg, and Shawn Thornton) are expected to wear two jerseys in this game, switching at some points between periods.

Update: Krejci wore a Black Final jersey for the HHOF for the first period, then switched back to his Final Set 1. Seidenberg and Boychuk switched into their Final Set 2 jerseys after the first period.

From the pregame warmup: For the fourth straight game, 22 Bruins took warmup. As they did before Games 1 through 3, defenseman Matt Bartkowski and forward Carl Soderberg skated during the pre-game warmup. Neither is expected in the lineup, as the Bruins have used the same 20 players all series.

Stanley Cup Final Game 3 Report

The Bruins were the better team in their 2-0 victory over the Blackhawks in Game 3 at TD Garden. You could tell from the jerseys how hard they worked ... the Black Final Set 1 jerseys were drenched.

After authenticating the jerseys following Boston's victory, I can report that five Bruins (Patrice Bergeron, Johnny Boychuk, Zdeno Chara, Nathan Horton and Dennis Seidenberg) wore more than one jersey in the game:

-Chara switched after the second period ... and wore his Set 2 for the third.

-Seidenberg alternated period by period, wearing Set 1 in the first and third periods. He wore Set 2 in the second period.

-Boychuk alternated period by period, wearing Set 1 in the first and third periods. He wore Set 2 in the second period.

-Horton switched after the second period ... and wore his Set 2 in the third period. His Set 1 jersey had some nice marks on the right shoulder, which hopefully will outfight the washing machine tonight.

-Bergeron switched after the second period ... and wore his Set 2 in the third period.

Daniel Paille, who has been a force in this series, had a sweet board burn on his left arm after the game.  So did Chris Kelly and David Krejci.

As they did in Games 1 and 2, the Bruins dressed 22 players for warmup, including defenseman Matt Bartkowski and forward Carl Soderberg, who did not play.

See you Wednesday from the Garden.

From Boston's TD Garden, Welcome to Game 3

Welcome to Game 3 from rainy Boston, where the Bruins and Blackhawks will probably go into overtime again.

For the second consecutive Stanley Cup Final, Games 1 and 2 both were decided in OT. Unlike a year ago, when the LA Kings won both games in OT at New Jersey, the teams split the pair of overtimes in Chicago.

I spent the morning pre-authenticating the two sets of Black Final jerseys the Bruins will be wearing. Black Set 1 will be worn tonight, and until either team reaches three victories.

As has been their custom, five or six Bruins (Patrice Bergeron, Johnny Boychuk, Zdeno Chara, Nathan Horton, Dennis Seidenberg, and Shawn Thornton) are expected to wear two jerseys in this game, switching at some points between periods

Update: As they did in Game 2, Boychuk and Seidenberg switched after the first period.

Update: As they did in Game 2, Boychuk and Seidenberg switched back to their Final Set 1s for period three ... Chara, Boychuk and Horton switched into their Final Set 2s after wearing their Final Set 1s for the first two periods.

An additional black Final jersey has been prepared for David Krejci. He is expected to wear it for one period tonight so that Boston-MGG can donate it to the Hockey Hall of Fame's annual Stanley Cup Final exhibit.

Update: Krejci did not change jerseys in the third period, sticking with Final Set 1.

From the pregame warmup: For the third straight game, 22 Bruins took warmup. As they did before Games 1 and 2, defenseman Matt Bartkowski and forward Carl Soderberg skated during the pre-game warmup. Neither was in the lineup for Games 1 and 2, and neither dressed for Game 3.

Could this Stanley Cup Final Be Any More Even?

The Blackhawks and Bruins played OT again. And it was fitting that Daniel Paille evened the series at a game apiece because these two teams are equally worthy Finalists playing fabulous hockey.

So we head to Boston for Game 3 tied 1-1, which assures the Bruins' Black Set 1 of getting two games of use.

After authenticating the saturated with sweat white jerseys following Boston's 2-1 victory in Overtime, I can report that the same five Bruins (Patrice Bergeron, Johnny Boychuk, Zdeno Chara, Nathan Horton and Dennis Seidenberg) wore more than one jersey in the game:

-Chara switched after the third period ... and wore his Set 2 in OT.

-Seidenberg alternated period by period, wearing Set 1 in the first period, third period, and second overtime. He wore Set 2 in the second period, first OT and third OT.

-Boychuk alternated period by period, wearing Set 1 in the first period, third period, and second overtime. He wore Set 2 in the second period, first OT and third OT.

-Horton switched after the second period ... and wore his Set 2 in the third period and OT.

-Bergeron switched after the second period ... and wore his Set 2 in the third period and OT.

For the second straight game, the Bruins dressed 22 player for warmup, including defenseman Matt Bartkowski and forward Carl Soderberg, who did not play.

On to Boston. See you Monday from TD Garden.

A Few Questions During Game 2

Two questions asked during the game:

Why do the Bruins dress two extra for warmups?

It's not unusual for a team to dress an extra player or two when a player in the lineup might not be 100% and the team wants to keep alive the possibility of making a late change due to the health of a player.

It also serves to keep the opposition guessing about injuries, lineup, etc.

Where do players not in the lineup watch the game?

Players not in the lineup watch games from a variety of places: The press box, an auxiliary locker room, or an empty suite.

What happens when a team can win the Cup?

When the Bruins won the Cup in 2011, the extra players started getting into their uniforms late in the third period, so that they could skate with the Cup although they did not play. Their equipment is with the team, of course, because they are practicing with the club.

Welcome to Game 2

Welcome to Game 2, where the Bruins and Blackhawks will try to avoid playing five hours tonight.

Game 1 ended at the stroke of midnight, Central time, so it was quite beneficial for the NHL to have scheduled two games off between Games 1 and 2.

We go to Boston after this one, so another three OTs will certainly not help ... unless you're thinking about game use.

I will be authenticating the Bruins' Set 1 Final jerseys again tonight, and 6 periods in Game 1 certainly helped game use.

From the pregame warmup: Nathan Horton is in the lineup, despite the shoulder injury that knocked him out during OT No. 1 on Wednesday.

As they did before Game 1, defenseman Matt Bartkowski and forward Carl Soderberg took warmup. Neither was in the lineup before Game 1 and neither will be in the lineup for Game 2.

Having spent 16 years in NHL dressing rooms authenticating jerseys, I have learned that the equipment managers can be as superstitious as the players they assist. In virtually every locker room, jerseys must be hung and rehung a certain way: With the jerseys centered on hangers, and the jersey facing crest out.

Hangers are precious, too: Most equipment managers make sure their hangers are thick, plastic, and color-coordinated, as in team colors. Rarely do you see a wire hanger in an NHL locker room.

After the game, different story. I am usually handed a laundry cart to be taken to a quiet, spare room. Surgical gloves on my hands, I sift through every jersey logging authentication numbers while the washing machine awaits. Depending upon how quickly things must move after the game, I have several seconds to one second per jersey to read the tag number, log the tag number, and move on to the next jersey.

Occasionally I can examine a jersey for rips, tears and game use. And when a player uses multiple jerseys in a game, I get time to differentiate the period-by-period use, working with the Bruins' equipment team and watching the between-periods machinations when a few players have their jerseys taken to the dryer.

More later, once Game 2's jerseys take the ice for Game 2.

Stanley Cup Final Game 1 Report ... Enough Game Use for Ya?

The Blackhawks and Bruins played almost two full games ... and the Bruins' Final Set 1 jerseys were soaked with perspiration from nearly six periods of hockey.

Goalie Tuukka Rask's gamer weighed a ton ... and was littered with a few puck marks. That figured, considering he made 59 saves on 63 shots.

After authenticating the jerseys following Chicago's 4-3 victory in Triple Overtime, I can report that five Bruins (Patrice Bergeron, Johnny Boychuk, Zdeno Chara, Nathan Horton and Dennis Deidenberg) wore more than one jersey in the game:

-Chara switched after the third period ... and wore his Set 2 for all three overtimes.

-Seidenberg alternated period by period, wearing Set 1 in the first period, third period, and second overtime. He wore Set 2 in the second period, first OT and third OT.

-Boychuk alternated period by period, wearing Set 1 in the first period, third period, and second overtime. He wore Set 2 in the second period, first OT and third OT.

-Horton switched after the second period ... and wore his Set 2 in the third period and first overtime, before getting injured early in the first OT. He did not play in the second and third OTs.

-Bergeron switched after the second period ... and wore his Set 2 in the third period and all three OTs.

MeiGray will be authenticating the Bruins' Final jerseys throughout the series, and will be issuing reports from each game. Due to the lateness of the hour and the frenzy in the postgame dressing room I was unable to get a good look at game use on many of the jerseys ... but obviously after a game like this one, the jerseys got their money's worth.

The Bruins dressed 22 player for warmup, including defenseman Matt Bartkowski and forward Carl Soderberg, who did not play.

If Horton is unable to play in Saturday's Game 2, another Bruins forward will be in the lineup, and so another game-worn jersey will be available.

See you Saturday from the Madhouse on Madison.

Game 1, after period 2

Noticed a few nice marks on Rask's jersey as he stood for the Anthem, so undoubtedly came from warmup ... Lucic had stick mark on his back after second period, on the lower right of his jersey ... Will know after the game which Bruins wore two different jerseys in game. At least a few did ...

Stanley Cup Final Game 1, Pre-game Warmup and Puck Drop

With nine wins in their last 10 games, the Bruins kept their lineup intact.

Lucic-Krejci-Horton
Marchand-Bergeron-Jagr
Daugavins-Peverley-Seguin
Thornton-Kelly-Paille

Chara-Seidenberg
Ference-Boychuk
Krug-McQuaid

Rask, Khudobin backing up

They did, however, dress 22 players in warmup prior to Game 1. Swedish center Carl Soderberg and defenseman Matt Bartkowski joined the 20 regulars, upgrading two anticipated game-issued jerseys to warmup worn.

Welcome to My Stanley Cup Final Game-Worn Jersey Report Blog

Hello from Chicago. Long time, no blog.

I will be blogging throughout the Stanley Cup Final, beginning tomorrow night from United Center following Game 1, when I begin MGG's annual Stanley Cup Final Game-Worn Jersey Reports.

For those of you unfamiliar with MeiGray's Authentication Procedures, the procedures established in 2002-03 with the NHL-MGG Game-Worn Jersey Authentication Program, MeiGray authenticators are in the dressing rooms checking the jerseys worn by each of the program teams throughout the Stanley Cup Final.

Boston-MGG has prepared two sets of home and two sets of road jerseys for the Final. The first sets of home and road jerseys will be worn until either the Bruins or Chicago Blackhawks reach three victories in the Final.

Those home and road sets have been pre-ordered by many of you.

Once that happens, the Bruins will wear their Set 2 Final jerseys, which remain property of the team.

But like in the 2011 Final, because five or six Bruins wear two jerseys in a game (switching between periods to wear dry jerseys), I will be logging as best as I can the period-by-period use.

I will also be providing whatever game-worn jersey information is relevant throughout the series.

I look forward to your comments, questions, and requests.

For those of you who have pre-ordered jerseys, feel free to correspond with me here or at Barry's Blog.

MeiGray Suffers a Huge Loss in Its Family: Ryan Folger (1989-2013)

I am very sorry to bring you this sad, sad news from MeiGray.

Ryan Folger, who began working here as an intern from Rutgers University in January 2011, and recently joined our sales department to direct our ebay auctions and sales, died early Sunday morning in North Brunswick, New Jersey, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Ryan was 24.

Ryan, who graduated from Rutgers in June 2011, was a quiet, cheery, wonderful guy. He was a talented high school soccer player and an avid professional soccer fan. In the short time he was a member of the MGG family I know he communicated with a number of you, and I'm confident he enhanced your enjoyment of our hobby.

We are heartbroken here today.

MeiGray will be making a donation in Ryan's name to a charity of his family's choice.

We ask only that all of you remember to drive safely, and follow the automobile laws of our country that might seem annoying, but save lives.

Generalizing about Generalizations

Wow, it's been a month ... sorry about that , but it gets busy here as the hockey season heats up.

I want to talk a little about generalizations in the game-worn jersey world. I was having a conversation with a collector at the Northern Virginia Expo last Saturday, an Expo by the way that just finished its Seventh Year and is wonderfully handled by Francis Rady.

In the game-worn jersey generation that proceeded the MeiGray Generation, with team participation and absolute authenticity and serial-numbered tagging to ensure that collectors know exactly when their jersey was worn, generalizations abound.

Assumptions are made based on the available information, the good work done by credible (and the questionable work by not-so-credible) authenticators, and the astute observations of those who have collected the jerseys over the years.

While we believe that all information available can help, it's important that collectors and dealers not assume because something happened to one jersey, it happened to all. Or because something did not happen to one jersey that happened to another, that one jersey contains a problem. Or because something may have happened once, it could have happened 10 times.

That's the most dangerous generalization of all.

My point? When we authenticate jerseys from yesteryear, ones that lack the tracking, documentation, and information of today, we must tread very carefully. Research and information must be considered carefully, and each jersey needs to be examined individually. Because one generalization never fits all.

MeiGray Select

Have you seen MeiGray's newest department?

At MeiGray Select, we've created a virtual museum to show off the jerseys we often display at Expos and arenas around North America.

We figured that since so many historic items pass through our offices, we ought to share the most exciting ones with the hobby. We're starting MeiGray Select by uploading jerseys in our possession, the ones that have been fully authentic, with perfect provenance.

Our first display is Eddie Shore's 1927-29 Boston Bruins sweater.

We are unveiling Ken Morrow's 1980 Miracle on Ice Team USA jersey next week.

As we continue to acquire the best hockey items in the world, we will continue to build our museum. We welcome suggestions, comments, and ideas on how to make MeiGray Select the Hockey Hall of Fame of the Game-Worn Jersey Hobby Community.
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 Our 2012-13 ECHL Program is in full swing. The home and road jerseys worn in Set 1, over the first half of the ECHL's 25th Anniversary season, are starting to arrive at MGG for authenticating and delivery to those of you who have pre-ordered.

For those of you who like to see the jerseys first, we are starting to upload the jerseys team-by-team. The ECHL added the Evansville Icemen, Fort Wayne Komets, Orlando Solar Bears, and San Francisco Bulls this season, and these Inaugural ECHL Season teams have very cool jerseys.

Crunching Some Hobby Numbers

Recent comments on a few different Forums regarding the number of jerseys being worn nowadays by NHL teams, the racks of jerseys in stock in our Branchburg, NJ warehouse, and the health of the game-worn jersey market got me thinking today.

How well are game-worn jerseys selling? How robust is the market?

So I crunched some numbers.

Since MeiGray was formed in 1997, since we began working with the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils in 1997, and since we began partnering with the NHL in 2002, we have kept a database that records every jersey we have ever sold and logs every jersey we have in stock that is unsold,

Want some numbers?

MeiGray, since 1997, has acquired 61,071 NHL jerseys ... roughly 4,000 per season for 15 seasons. That number includes practice jerseys and game-issued jerseys.

Of those 61,071 NHL jerseys, MeiGray has sold 53,033, or 86.8 percent of the jerseys acquired.

Of the 8,038 unsold NHL jerseys currently in our warehouse:

1,828 are game-issued. Teams for years have made up extra jerseys (mostly high numbers) prior to training camp for players that never make it to the NHL With the turnover from Airknit to Edge 1.0 to Edge 2.0, and with so many teams tweaking their jersey styles, these are no longer able to be reused. So they make it to our warehouse.

   584 are practice-worn. We get approximately 50 per program team per season.

   422 are consignments, which means they are unsold now, but have sold previously.

What do the numbers tell us?

The NHL game-worn hockey market is robust, and jerseys are selling. And re-selling. Any business in a market with a sell-through rate of 86.8% is thriving.

More people are collecting than ever before, authentication procedures are better now than they were years ago, and the internet has made buying/sell/trading open to the world.

So for you collectors worrying about the game-worn hockey jersey market, relax. Our hobby is stronger than ever.

Seventh in an NHL-MGG 2012-13 Series: Philadelphia Flyers

Hi everybody,

The Philadelphia Flyers and MeiGray have enjoyed a great working relationship since 2002.

This perennial NHL Stanley Cup contender has one of the most veteran collecting bases, a large number of serious collectors who own and enjoy Flyers game-worn jersey collections dating to the 70s and 80s.

In fact, the Flyers' first style of game-worn jersey, dating to their Inaugural Season in 1967-68 and worn through 1969-70, with single-color sleeve and back numbers, is one of the rarest game-worn jerseys of the durene era.

Flyers captains jerseys have always been popular, and the first set jerseys of new captain Claude Giroux were pre-ordered within days of the start of the season, when the Flyers introduced the superstar forward as their new on-ice leader.

The Flyers will be wearing two sets of home orange and two sets of road white jerseys this season.

Set Dates:


White Set 1: January 20, 2013 – March 24, 2013

Orange Set 2: March 26, 2013 – April 25, 2013
White Set 2: April 4, 2013 – April 27, 2013

If Philadelphia qualifies for the playoffs, they are expected to wear set 2 jerseys

Autograph or no autograph?

There's supposed to be a tremendous snowstorm this weekend here in the Northeast, so of course I'm thinking about game-worn jerseys ... and a question that's been discussed for decades.

The autographed game-worn jersey.

It's probably the most commonly asked question I get from newer collectors. "Should I get the jersey signed?"

The reason people ask is because there are two very passionate views in our hobby. There are the collectors who consider an autographed game-worn jersey to be a devalued relic marred by the ink, and there are the collectors who consider the autograph the final element of a very personal and desired memento.

For years I have been telling collectors the same thing I believe today: "Do what will make you the happiest. If you are a collector who intends to hold the jersey for years, or hang it on a wall, or hand it down to the next generation, get the jersey signed if the attachment to the player is your prime desire.

On the other hand, I believe that for those in the hobby who buy and sell and trade and consider monetary values of each jersey, the autograph adversely affects the jersey. Here's why.

In MeiGray's experience, the autograph decreases the number of collectors who would be interested in the jersey, but increases its value to the smaller number of people who might want the jersey. In other words, many more collectors would not want it all with an autograph. The smaller number who do, might agree that the jersey is worth a little more.

And that's a generic autograph ... the player's name and number.

A personalize autograph virtually ruins the jersey to the vast majority of people. If your name is Mike and the jersey is autographed "To Mike," you are going to have a tough time finding another Mike who wants that jersey.

Did you know, though, that there are ways to safely remove an autograph. We don't do it at MGG, but there are a few dealers and collectors who can completely remove an autograph if the autograph appears on the garment and not the crest or numbers. So if you find a jersey you really want, with an autograph, you may be able to have the autograph removed.

For those of you who like the autograph but want to hedge your bets, get the jersey signed inside, on the fight strap or behind the crest. That seems not to irk collectors very much, even the ones who despise autographs. Or get the letter of authenticity signed. That's my favorite, seeing an unautographed jersey signed on the LOA by the guy who wore it.

Sixth in an NHL-MGG 2012-13 Series: Dallas Stars

MeiGray was proud to bring the Dallas Stars back into the fold this season, as the Stars were one of our first NHL team partnerships.

We began working with the Stars in 1998, and they proceeded to win the Stanley Cup in 1998-99. We think we were good luck!!!

We worked with the Stars from 1998-2011. When they went through its reorganization during the 2011-12 season, they did not have a game-worn jersey partner. We re-signed with them, acquired their 2011-12 inventory, and began our program as follows:

Set Dates:

Black Set 1: January 19, 2013 – March 18, 2013
White Set 1: January 20, 2013 – March 9, 2013

Black Set 2: March 23, 2013 – April 27, 2013
White Set 2: March 20, 2013 – April 23, 2013

If Dallas qualifies for the playoffs, they are expected to wear set 2 jerseys.
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Nothing better than a photo match, and nothing more rewarding than photo-matching a 36-year-old jersey. Stu Oxenhorn, our MeiGray Vintage Director, just photo-matched Bob Girard's 1975-76 home white No. 26 California Golden Seals game-worn jersey. This is the heavy knit softball style teal, white and gold jersey. Road teals are far more common than home whites, but we matched this one to a publicity photo of Girard, whose arms are sprayed with stick marks and visible repairs.

Fifth in an NHL-MGG 2012-13 Series: Washington Capitals

The NHL Lockoout and shortened 2013 season brings significant changes to the Washington Capitals' inventory this season.

The Caps are one of only two NHL teams (the Toronto Maple Leafs are the other) to sport a white Third jersey. The Caps' throwback jersey will be worn seven times this abbreviated schedule, all seven on the road.

Consequently, the Caps will wear two sets of home red jerseys during the 48-game regular season, but only one set of road white and one set of Thirds because both jerseys are white.

The Set Dates:

Red Set 1: January 22, 2013 – March 17, 2013
White Set 1: January 19, 2013 – April 9, 2013

Red Set 2: March 26, 2013 – April 27, 2013

Third Set 1: March 16, 19, 21, 22, 24, April 18 and 20

If the Caps qualify for the playoffs, they are expected to wear Red Set 2 and White Set 1 jerseys. Of course wearing only one set of whites over a 48-game season might necessitate some players to need a second road white jersey. That could happen on a player-by-player basis.

By the way, Caps game-worn jersey collectors are among the most loyal and rabid band of collectors. Each season we find the number of Caps' collectors growing and growing. The Northern Virginia Game-Worn Jersey Expo, scheduled this year for March 30 in Sterling, Va.,  is one of the most popular and successful area shows in the United States.

And during the previous two seasons, the Caps-MGG Program created a special Verizon Center set of game-worn jerseys that MGG sold in the Team Store during a regular-season home game. That idea is being contemplated again..
  

We're Back in Orlando Tomorrow Night

The Orlando Solar Bears-MeiGray Game-Worn Jersey Program will be at Amway Center tomorrow night, at Section 113, running a live auction of the Vintage jerseys the team will be wearing its in its 7 pm game vs. Trenton.

We invite all of you to stop by and say hello. The special jerseys will commemorate the team's 2001 Turner Cup title, the last game ever for the International Hockey League.

Not only will the Solar Bears "raise" their Turner Cup banner and display the Cup in the building, but fans who bid live on the concourse at Section 113 and win the jersey will be awarded their jersey BY THE PLAYER WHO WORE IT.

Autographs and photo ops will be available. It should be a great night.

Accordingly, the Orlando Solar Bears just issued this release:

SOLAR BEARS UNVEIL TURNER CUP CHAMPIONSHIP BANNER ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2

Orlando to Honor 2001 Turner Cup Championship Team

Orlando, FL - The Orlando Solar Bears announced further details of the 2001 Turner Cup Championship Banner unveiling scheduled for this Saturday, February 2, before the Solar Bears play host to the Trenton Titans at 7:00 p.m.

The pregame ceremony will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. and fans are encouraged to be in their seats early. A familiar voice from 2001, Scott McKenzie, will emcee the event and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will be in attendance and will make a special presentation during the pregame ceremony. 

The Turner Cup will be in the building, giving fans a chance to see the long-awaited trophy back in Orlando. Representatives from the Hockey Hall of Fame will be escorting the Cup and fans will have an opportunity to take pictures with the Turner Cup on the concourse level.

Orlando will wear special throwback jerseys reminiscent of the 2001 Turner Cup Championship team during the game. Fans will have a chance to bid on the jerseys throughout the game by going to The MeiGray Group booth on the concourse level (behind Section 113). Players will hand deliver their respective jerseys to the auction winners immediately after the game.

The Orlando Solar Bears won the Turner Cup on May 26, 2001, defeating the Chicago Wolves 5-1 in Game 5 of a best of seven series.  The International Hockey League (IHL) folded on June 4, 2001, and the Solar Bears never had an opportunity to unveil their Championship Banner in front of their hometown fans.
The first 3,000 fans in attendance will take home mini championship banners, courtesy of Ember.

Members of the 2001 Turner Cup team that are currently coaching in professional hockey include:  Todd Richards (Columbus Blue Jackets), Ben Simon (Rockford IceHogs), Jarrod Skalde (Cincinnati Cyclones), Brad Tapper (Florida Everblades), and Peter Horachek (Nashville Predators).

Members of the 2001 Turner Cup team that are currently still playing professional hockey include:  Bryan Adams (EHC Munchen - DEL), Hugo Boisvert (Dresden Ice Lions - Germany 2), Wade Brookbank (Rockford IceHogs - AHL), Brett Clark (Oklahoma City Barons  AHL), Jon Coleman (HC Eppon-Appiano - Italy), Darcy Hordichuk (Edmonton Oilers - NHL), Curtis Murphy (Linz EHC - Austria), Brian Pothier (Geneve Servette - Swiss-A), and Mike Weaver (Florida Panthers - NHL).

Fourth in an NHL-MGG 2012-13 Series: Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche and MeiGray have been doing business since 1998. We have had a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the team.

Their appreciation of the game-worn jersey community and their appreciation of and cooperation towards our authentication system makes them a pioneer in professional hockey.

A brief story, before I update their 2013 Program details, that shows their sincere understanding of what we are trying to do ...

A few seasons ago, one of their players was injured during a game. He was removed from the ice by stretcher and taken to a local hospital. Due to the nature of his injury and the speed with which the emergency medical technicians had to work to stabilize the player, his jersey was cut from his body.

We certainly understand those situations happen sometimes, so we never expected the jersey to be returned for authentication and sale when the set was retired from use. And it wasn't.

But a few weeks after we received the set of jerseys from the Avs, an envelope came to NHL-MGG Program Director Rob Grose from Colorado. In the envelope was a solitary program tag, the individually serial-numbered, counterfeit-proof, covert/overt tags were sew into every jersey before they are worn on the ice.

The tag belonged to the destroyed jersey from the injured player. Avs equipment manager Mark Miller made sure to retrieve the tag from the jersey when it was cut, destroyed and discarded by the EMT technicians ... to ensure full compliance of our program.

Now that's dedication and an understanding of our program. He didn't have to do that, we don't ask teams to do it, but we greatly appreciated it.

Now, for the Avs this season:

Their Set 1 jerseys are posted at www.meigray.com and available for pre-order. A 25% deposit holds any jersey.

Set Dates:

Burgundy Set 1: January 22, 2013 – March 12, 2013
White Set 1: January 19, 2013 – March 23, 2013

Burgundy Set 2: March 18, 2013 – April 27, 2013
White Set 2: March 27, 2013 – April 26, 2013

Third Set 1: February 4, 20, March 10, 16, 30, April 8 and 19

If Colorado qualifies for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they are expected to wear Set 2 jerseys.

These set dates are subject to change based on jersey availability from Reebok and the team’s on-ice needs. 

We will update any changes if we receive new information.

Check out Gameusedcollector.com

A new website with an open Forum and an open-minded approach to sharing information on our great hobby has been created by a pair of passionate game-worn collectors. I'd like to invite all of you to join.

The website is gameusedcollector.com

This new Forum was developed with the latest software innovations. It was designed with separate boards representing each sport so collectors don’t have to sift through numerous  threads.  Using social media as well, Game used Collector invites you to share your collection, and your ideas, with a broader audience.

GUC will endeavor to keep you updated of other developments in the world of game used collecting. Its charge is to provide the collecting community a new place to learn, share information and meet other collectors.

Forums are an interesting phenomenon in our hobby. I am a staunch proponent of free speech, and believe strongly that even when MeiGray is criticized on the internet, it helps make us a better company. I have also been a supported of Forums that put integrity and objectivity first.

MeiGray has learned plenty from its constructive critiques over the years, and I feel it has made us a better company. I believe that any company that shies from criticism, or gets into petty arguments due to its thin skin, does not serve itself or its customers well.

Of course, we prefer praise. Who doesn't? We take the good news and the bad news with equal doses of humility and perspective, and count every word written as evidence that collectors care about what we do, and how we conduct ourselves.

Gameusedcollector.com has set a goal of raising the standards for lively and honest discourse about all facets of our hobby. And that can only be seen as a good thing.

Third in an NHL-MGG 2012-13 Series: Edmonton Oilers

The up and coming Edmonton Oilers, chock full of first-round draft picks and budding superstars, will be wearing two sets of home blue and two sets of road white jerseys throughout their 2012-13 regular-season.

In addition, the Oilers will be wearing two new sets of home blue jerseys to be auctioned off for their charity foundation on January 28, 2013 and April 13, 2013. 

We have already taken pre-orders on the jerseys worn by Nail Yakupov and Justin Schultz in their NHL debuts.

The Oilers' Set Dates:

Blue Retro Set 1: January 22, 2013 – March 17, 2013
White Retro Set 1: January 20, 2013 – March 12, 2013

Blue Retro Set 2: March 20, 2013 – April 27, 2013
White Retro Set 2: March 25, 2013 – April 26, 2013

Promotional Game: January 28, 2013 in Blue Retro
Promotional Game: April 13, 2013 in Blue Retro

In addition, if the Oilers qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs they plan to wear a new set of jerseys.

These set dates and this information is subject to change based on jersey availability from Reebok and the team’s on-ice needs.

Our Opinion of Game-Cuts/Game-Issueds

So I'm talking to a team about a game-worn jersey deal (no hints, sorry) and the conversation turns to game cuts.

How many game cuts did I feel was appropriate for the team to supply, I was asked

I told them what MeiGray has believed since it was founded in 1997 ... none should be planned for supply. Some will inevitably be included in any team's year-end inventory because plans change, players get traded, players get hurt, and some jerseys do not get worn once they are prepared.

But we believe there is no good reason why a team should supply a game-worn jersey dealer with deliberately prepared game cuts. It is asking for trouble.

Did you know that when MeiGray sells a game cut or game-issued jersey it automatically stamps it inside the jersey "NOT GAME WORN."

Did you know that when MeiGray sells a game cut or game-issued jersey the letter of authenticity identifies the jersey as not worn and the MeiGrade Registration number logs the jersey as not game worn.

I am sorry to say that we have seen too many honest collectors ripped off by dishonest people who claim "they lost" the LOA of a game-issued jersey and sell the jersey as game worn. It's one of the many reasons why MeiGray encourages collectors to check with us before purchasing a jersey on the secondary market ... with just the serial number in hand, we can tell you what's being offered, and if the jersey is what the seller says it is.

There are good reasons why game issueds hit the hobby. Collectors who otherwise could not afford a game-worn jersey can get a jersey of their favorite player or team, from the locker room, when a jersey that was supposed to be worn is not worn.

Solid reasons why game issueds exist?

1. Teams make a backup for a player, and the players never gets to wear the jersey.
2. Player gets hurt before the jersey goes into circulation.
3. Player gets traded before the jersey goes into circulation.
4, Team prepares a new set for the playoffs and team misses the playoffs at the last minute.

Less solid reason why game issueds exist?
1. Player changed sizes and never wore the jersey. Occasionally it could happen, but most equipment managers know exactly what to prepare for their players, so this rarely happens. It's not impossible, but does not happen often.
2.  Player asked for additional jerseys. This happens, but MeiGray does not characterize those as game issued.

MeiGray's definition of a game-issued jersey is a jersey that was prepared for the player's use, but was never worn. A player ordering extra jerseys does not necessarily mean the player planned to wear them. We're usually careful and take it case-by-case.

You should be careful, too.

In from LA, out to Denver

Here's a first ... I'm bloggin' from midair.

We're on our way to Loveland, Colorado for the ECHL All-Star Game and Skills Competition, which pits the Colorado Eagles vs. the ECHL All-Stars.

The MeiGray team, including program director Jason Rubin, Rob Grose, Drew Wojciechowski and myself will be authenticating the one set of jerseys worn by the Eagles and the All-Stars in the Skills Competition tomorrow night, and the three sets of jerseys (one for ECHL-MGG Program Auction, one to the PHPA and one to the players) each side will wear in Wednesday's game.

Thanks to Southwest Airlines, because I never did take advantage of WiFi blogging before.

If I could have, I would have Sunday, when I returned back to New Jersey from Los Angeles in order for our team to organize the jerseys the defending Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings wore in their Banner Raising Season Opener on Saturday.

That unique set, with the Banner Patch worn by the Kings for one game, are now up for auction.

MeiGray is proud to say we introduced what we hope has become an NHL tradition a year ago, when the Bruins put a patch on their jerseys replicating the banner raised to celebrate their 2011 Stanley Cup. The NHL permits teams to wear this patch for one game, the Banner Night opener.

Wonder what Flyers owner Ed Snider thinks about this tradition?

Back in the '70s, the Flyers attempted to put a patch depicting their Stanley Cup on their jerseys prior to the season. In fact, the pictures taking for that season's hockey cards showed the team with its patch. But when the league honchos got wind of the idea, they ordered the Flyers to remove them.

I'd like to see the Stanley Cup champion permitted to wear a patch depicting the Cup all season. Why not? Teams already gun for the champs, it's not like seeing the Cup on a team's jersey will make a difference. Bragging rights are earned in this sport, so why not let the winners brag all season?

It's not easy lugging a set of one-game jerseys home from an arena. Although they are authenticated and packed in one huge hockey bag within minutes after the game (yes, I wear surgical gloves), I usually have to drag them to my rental car, drag them back to the hotel, lug them to the airport, and hold my breath to make sure nothing happens between takeoff and landing.

I usually lug a few of the big jerseys (this weekend it was Quick, Doughty, Brown, Richards, Carter, Williams and Kopitar) in my carry-on, shove the bag into the overhead bin, and make sure I do not fall asleep on the plane.

Who can sleep on planes anyway, nowadays? No leg room.

Second in an NHL-MGG 2012-13 Program Series, Los Angeles

The defending Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings will be wearing two sets of home black and two sets of home white jerseys throughout their 2012-13 regular-season defense of the Stanley Cup. Each set will be worn for approximately half the regular season.

In addition, the Kings will be wearing a special set of jerseys in Saturday's Banner Raising opener, with a special Banner Patch. That's an NHL tradition that started last season, when the Boston Bruins wore a Banner Patch to celebrate their 2011 Cup during the 2011-12 home opener.

I will be in Staples Center promoting the set, which goes up for auction at auction.nhl.com when the puck drops. And I will be authenticating the set immediately after the game and flying it back to New Jersey for the auction on Sunday.

As we did last season with the Kings, one set of white and one set of black regular-season jerseys will be available for retail sale through MeiGray and our pre-ordering process. We're getting Black Set 1 and White Set 2. Team LA, the Kings' store at Staples Center, will also have available this season White Set 1 and Black Set 2, after it is worn and authenticated by MGG.

As for the Retro Set of purple Vintage jerseys, we will keep you posted when a decision on that set is made.

First in an NHL-MGG 2012-13 Program Series: Boston Bruins

Hi everybody,

MeiGray is talking with each of its nine program teams as we prepare for the shortened 48-game NHL regular season.

Taking into account team jersey needs, the fewer games being played, contractual and charitable components of our deal, and each team's desire to do the right thing, we will be reporting each week on what each of our teams plans to do regardings its sets of game-worn jerseys.

Boston:

The Bruins will be thanking the fans for their patience and understanding during the lockout by opening up on Saturday, Jan. 19 vs. the NY Rangers at TD Garden with a Shirts Off Their Backs Night.

We will be preparing for the Bruins a special set, to be worn in the opener and distributed to fans after the game. Once the lineup is set, it will be determined if any players (specifically if any player makes his NHL debut) will wear two jerseys in the opener: One for the program and one for SOTB.

That information will be distributed once the game ends.

After this season-opening set, the Bruins this season are planning to wear two regular season sets in home and road, one or two Thirds over the course of the season (still to be determined), and a final game Shirts Off Their Backs Night set.

The Bruins are one of MGG's most popular teams, probably because of Boston's long-standing popularity in the NHL, their huge and loyal fan base, and their classic jerseys. Captain Zdeno Chara, rugged forwards Milan Lucic, and Shawn Thornton, budding superstar Tyler Seguin, and underrated defenseman Dennis Seidenberg regular sell out and are among the most popular sellers.

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Look for me in Los Angeles on Saturday when the Kings raise their 2012 Stanley Cup banner and celebrate last summer's thrilling Cup triumph.

MGG will be promoting two special Stanley Cup-related LA Kings auctions at the Kings' opener at noon Saturday vs. the Chicago Blackhawks at Staples Center. We will be set up outside the building around LA Live at Fan Fest, and in the main concourse during the game. We will be taking pre-orders for 2012-13 jerseys during the game, as well. I hope to see you Saturday.

Yes, You Can Photo Match a Football

The phrase photo-match gets thrown around a lot these days.

It's an important phrase, and in the game-worn authentication world it means that the EXACT item being authenticated is PROVEN authentic and game-used because a picture of the EXACT item can be produced to prove the item legit.

An item is NOT photo matched because the style matches, or the color matches, or the number on the player's back matches. An item is NOT photo matched if it looks similar.

MeiGray works with photographs and video to try and prove items real. We have photo matched jerseys and sticks and helmets, pucks and skates and even footballs.

Yes, footballs. They get scuffed. They get marred with white chalk from the yard lines and sidelines. And the referees mark the balls with their unique marks to ensure no ringers are snuck into NFL games. Those marks are done by hand and are detectable from photos ... if you look hard.

And basketball jerseys today are relatively easy to photo-match because the airknit holes in each jersey create a fingerprint in which no two jerseys are exactly alike.

We believe a photo-matched item is the best type of item to own in one's collection. Now we admit it's far easier to photo-match a jersey Robert Griffin III wore two weeks ago that the Washington Redskins delivered to us unwashed as part of our game-worn jersey program than it is to photo-match a jersey worn by Jim Brown 50 years ago.

Nevertheless, if a jersey was worn in an NFL or NHL or NBA game, it can be conclusively proven to be real ... if it's real.

It just takes time, effort, and a desire to let the facts take you wherever they lead.

Let the 2012-13 NHL Season Begin

Kudos to the NHL and NHLPA for getting a deal done.

Yes, I know, I know ... they should have gotten this deal done months ago. But I prefer to take the high road on a day in which MeiGray (and virtually every NHL partner) is scrambling to prepare after weeks and weeks and months of waiting and waiting, and hoping, and fearing, and doubting, and ...

Bottom line? We got our game back.

A 48-game regular season schedule eliminates more than one-third of the regular season games, but it will provide an action-packed three months in which EVERY regular season game will have meaning.

And although East will not venture West and West will not face the East, we will get a great amount of rivalry games and big games that will impact the playoff race.

The NHL long ago was ridiculed for its ultra-inclusive playoffs, but with 16 of 30 teams qualifying, there is a true sense of achievement to making the Stanley Cup Playoffs. And as we saw last spring when the No. 6 seeded New Jersey Devils faced the No. 8 seed Los Angeles Kings in the Stanley Cup Final, a hot team in April is more dangerous than a team atop the conference who accumulated many of its points early in the season.

I will be interested to see the quality of play early in the season. With players scrambling back from overseas teams, or their own workout regimens, and only 7-10 days of organized training camps, the early-season games figure to be interesting.

A team that gets hot early will put itself in position for a prime playoff seeding, because there will be less time for teams to play catch-up if they start slow. And that fact might jeopardize the chances of a more talented team if it does not get going early. Of course, a team that needs one or two months to jell can still sneak in and get hot in time for the full two-month Stanley Cup Tournament.

When we last played a 48-game season, back in 1994-95, I covered the New Jersey Devils for the NY Daily News and they won the Stanley Cup despite a 22-18-8 regular season and a No. 5 seed in the playoffs. The Devils were criticized in some circles for not winning in a legitimate season, but I can tell you from being there every day that the notion the 1994-95 season was not legit is ridiculous.

The 48-game season was more than enough to determine the eight deserving playoff seeds in each conference. And as we have all seen for decades, the four-round Stanley Cup Playoffs is the most grueling path for any professional team to take to win its league championship.

The Devils' first Stanley Cup was very, very deserved. They won 16 playoff games over four rounds. They defeated Boston, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia to emerge from the Eastern Conference and they swept the heavily favored Detroit Red Wings in the 1995 Finals.

Seventeen years later, here we are again with a shortened season and a long road to the summer, when the Cup will likely be lifted.

  

Wow ... 40 Years

I'm on my way in a few minutes to Binghamton, NY.

The trip takes three hours. But it takes me back 40 years.

The city celebrates 40 Years of Hockey tonight. Actually for me, it is 37 years since I moved into Binghamton, NY as a freshman at the State University of NY at Binghamton, now called Binghamton University.

Being a hockey nut from NY City who grew up in Madison Square Garden's blue seats, I loved going to the sparkling new Broome County Veteran's Memorial Arena to watch the North American Hockey League's Broome Dusters fight with other NAHL teams.

Being a journalism student who wanted a career as a sportswriter, I wrote a few freelance pieces on the Dusters in Susquehanna Magazine, the Sunday section of the Press and Sun-Bulletin. I covered games as sports editor of Pipe Dream, the school's paper. Then I interned at the Press and S-B as a senior.

And then I got a job covering the Dusters, who became the Binghamton Whalers. And it was my start to a career that landed me at the Morristown, NJ Daily Record covering the NJ Devils and finally the NY Daily News covering the NY Islanders, the NY Rangers, and eventually the NY Giants.

I started MeiGray in 1997 and left the business after 18 seasons ... and obviously I have a soft spot in my heart for Binghamton. So I will be bringing the old jerseys I began collecting in 1979 (my collection started because I wanted one gamer for every team I covered).

I will be bringing 37 years of fond memories, 37 years of stories, 37 years of hockey .... and there will be many old friends who will be bringing their 40 years of nostalgia.

Should be awesome. I can't wait.