The Michigan Stags came into franchise existence to begin the 1974-75 WHA season. Formerly the LA Sharks, the team was purchased by a pair of Detroit businessmen late in the 1973-74 campaign. The new owners moved the struggling franchise to Detroit in the summer of 1974. The teams’ financial problems were not solved by the move. Poor attendance, day to day expenses and mounting payroll debt proved too much for the team to overcome. In January of 1975, the Stags became wards of the league as their owners left amidst a sea of debt. The WHA immediately folded the Stags and relocated them to Baltimore to finish out the 1974-75 season.

The new owners had been counting on their two star players to vault the Stags to success in their new Detroit digs. The tandem was counting on Gary Veneruzzo and Marc Tardif to solve the franchise’s woes. Tardif was an early season disappointment and was traded thus leaving Veneruzzo as the Stags lone star player. 

This home white dureen gamer by Wilson was worn by Gary Veneruzzo during the 1974-75 WHA season. Veneruzzo began his pro career with the St. Louis Blues before finding greener pastures in the newly formed WHA. An original member of the LA Sharks, Gary was the franchise’s main offensive weapon. In the initial WHA season of 1972-73, Gary led the Sharks in goals with 43 which placed him 6th in league scoring. The 1973-74 season saw Gary net 39, a goal behind teammate Tardif and good for 7th in league scoring. The tumultuous 1974-75 season again saw Veneruzzo lead the franchise in goals with 33, while wearing this very sweater. His stellar play during the 1974-75 campaign earned him his 2nd appearance in a WHA All Star game.

Proudly sewn to the left breast of this gamer is the alternate Captain’s “A”. The game wear is solid consisting of stick marks, board burns and colorful red and blue board paint transfer from Detroit’s Cobo Arena. In addition there are washed out bloodstains, inner pilling, un-repaired holes and a team-sewn repair on the left elbow. The Michigan Stags existed as a franchise for a total of only 3 months, thus making their game worn jerseys one of the rarest and most desirable of all WHA gamers. Worn by the franchise’s lone superstar, with a letter of honor sewn to the chest, makes this all original jersey the hobby’s finest known example. Simply outstanding!