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.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Friday, February 15, 2013
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
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
Friday, February 8, 2013
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.
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.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
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.
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.
-----------
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.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
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..
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..
Friday, February 1, 2013
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).
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).
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