This home white knit gamer by Maska was worn by Gilbert Perreault during the 1979-80 NHL season. The Buffalo Sabres made Perreault the 1st overall selection in the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft. He became the face of the franchise and is considered one of the NHL’s all-time greats thanks to his 17 seasons of service, all with Buffalo. Gilbert captured the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year in 1970-71. He was the recipient of the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 1972-73. In 1974-75 Perreault and his French Connection linemates, Rick Martin and Rene Robert, led the Sabres to their first ever Stanley Cup Finals appearance. The trio is still recognized as one of hockey’s all-time great lines. Perreault was twice a 2nd Team NHL All Star at center and played in 9 NHL All Star games. In 1191 games played, Perreault scored 512 goals, added 814 assists and ended his career with 1326 points. He is the Sabres all-time leader in virtually every scoring category and his player number 11 was long ago retired to the rafters in Buffalo. Gilbert is a most deserving member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, and a player whose grace and artistry will never be forgotten by those who had the pleasure to see him play.

The 1979-80 season was a special one for Pereault and his Sabres. On a statistical note, Perreault had his last great season, lighting the lamp 40 times and adding 66 helpers for 106 points. This was the last 40-goal and 100-point season of Perreault’s illustrious career. Furthermore, the Sabres exploded as a team under the guidance of new Head Coach and GM Scotty Bowman, who led them to an Adams Division title with 110 points. Bowman also installed a new defensive attitude into the minds of his charges and they went on to lead the league, allowing the leagues fewest goals against with 201. Buffalo went on to enjoy an incredible playoff run as they pushed the New York Islanders dynasty to game 6 of the Semi-Finals, completing one of the great seasons in team history.

Sewn to the right breast of this gamer is the 1980 Lake Placid Olympic patch. The game wear on this sweater is solid and consists of numerous stick and slash marks, board burns, board paint transfer, un-repaired holes, heavy inner pilling and and no less than 40 team-sewn repairs! Removed from the back, and lost to history, is the nameplate. Shown above is a photo match of Perreault wearing this exact jersey during the 1979-80 season. The 1980 Olympics are thought of by many hockey fans as the greatest moment in the history of the sport. Those historic Olympic games took place in Lake Placid, New York. The Buffalo Sabres were one of only 2 NHL teams, the New York Islanders being the other, who donned the 1980 Lake Placid Olympic patch on their game jerseys. Coveted in collecting circles everywhere, these Olympic patched gamers remain high atop many want lists. Offered here is the crown jewel for a Sabres collector, Gilbert Perreault’s hammered home white 1980 Lake Placid Olympic patched gamer, choice!