This white mesh gamer was worn by Sergei Makarov during his pre NHL years while playing for the Soviet Red Army. Makarov’s talent was unmistakable, and from the outset this youngster represented the Soviet Union in all of their most important international competitions. His first important international roles were to take place during the 1977 and 1978 World Junior Championships as the Soviets took Gold in both competitions.

The following year, at the age of 20, Makarov made the Central Red Army team, joining the likes of Tretiak, Kharlamov and the rest of the legendary Russian players. That season the Russian National Team traveled to North America to square off in a 3-game series with the NHL All Stars in the 1979 Challenge Cup. The Russians won 2 games to 1 and Makarov gave the world a glimpse of what was to come, scoring a goal and 2 assists. Back at home, the 1979-80 regular season saw Makarov dominate the Soviet Union scoresheets as he scored 29 goals and 68 points in 44 games. Then, during the infamous 1980 Lake Placid Olympics, Makarov scored 5 goals and 11 points in 7 games as the Russians lost to Team USA in the “Do You Believe In Miracles” game.

Sergei would continue to shine in Russia as well, dominating with 42 goals and 79 points in a 44 game regular season in 1980-81. The 1981-82 regular season saw Sergei net 32 and tally 75 points in 46 games. Makarov would next play a key role in the 1981 Canada Cup as the Russians defeated Team Canada, once again flexing their worldly muscles.
 
All told, Makarov partook in 11 World Championships, the 1981, 1984 and 1987 Canada Cups, the 1980, 1984 and 1988 Olympics, 4 tours of the NHL, the 1979 Challenge Cup and Rendezvous '87. He teamed with Igor Larionov and Vladimir Krutov, forming the deadly “KLM” line, which, to this day, is considered one of the greatest in the history of the sport.

In 1989-90, at the age of 31, Sergei joined the NHL’s Calgary Flames and won the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year with an 86 point season. Sergei would play in the NHL for 7 seasons which spanned into his upper 30’s, all the while showcasing his still appreciable skill set.
    
Sergei was a 3-time USSR Player of the Year in 1980, 1985 and 1989. Makarov was a USSR First Team All Star for 8 consecutive seasons spanning 1981-1988. He won the Ivestia Trophy as the USSR’s leading scorer an astounding 9 times between 1980 and 1989. His statistics leave an unmistakable stamp marking Sergei as one of the most dominant Russian hockey players of all time.

This important game jersey features the autographs of Sergei Makarov and Igor Larionov on the back in black sharpie. Solid game use includes many heavy stick marks, board burns, pilling and washed out bloodstains. The history behind this jersey suggests that it may have been originally brought to market by Makarov’s 2nd wife Mary who met and married Sergei during his San Jose Sharks years. This is an awesome representation that will surely do any international collection proud.