This home white air-knit gamer by CCM was worn by Rick Middleton during the 1987-88 NHL season and thru the 1988 Stanley Cup Finals. Middleton was a 1st round draft pick by the Rangers in the 1973 NHL Amatuer Draft. After 2 seasons with the Rangers, Rick was dealt to the Bruins in exchange for Boston hero Ken Hodge. Rick would play in Boston for 12 seasons and quickly became a fan favorite. He remains among the most popular Bruins of all time to this day. Rick’s career numbers are rather impressive, with his 448 goals and nearly 1000 points. During the late 1970’s thru the mid 1980’s Middleton was among the more feared snipers in the entire NHL. His career totals would certainly have been Hall of Fame worthy had he played for a club other than Boston. The Bruins had solid forward lines top to bottom and “Nifty’s” playing time as well as his power play time was certainly lessened due to the strength of his own club and their philosophy in the smaller Boston Garden rink.

Nevertheless, Middleton ran off goal totals of 38, 40, 44, 51, 49 and 47 from 1978-79 thru 1983-84. During the 1983 playoffs, Nifty scored 33 points in 17 games! He was the Lady Byng winner for the combination of sportsmanship and high ability in 1982, was voted 2nd team NHL All Star in 1982 and played in 3 NHL All Star games. Rick represented Team Canada in both the 1981 and 1984 Canada Cup games. His popularity and leadership qualities earned him the title of team Captain, a title he shared, alternating the “C” and the “A” with Ray Bourque from 1985 thru 1988 when he eventually retired.

Proudly sewn to the left breast of this gamer is the alternate Captain’s “A”. Found alongside the “A” is some team-sewn repair work. The all original nameplate, which resides high atop the shoulders, is certainly a treat for collectors in the know. The game wear on this sweater is solid consisting of stick marks, board burns, smears of that lovable Boston Garden board paint transfer, heavy inner pilling and a couple of handfuls of team-sewn repairs.

This was the last home jersey that Middleton would ever wear, as he retired following the Bruins loss in the 1988 Stanley Cup Finals to the Edmonton Oilers juggernaut. This was also the final year of a bygone era, as the NHL would begin sewing Stanley Cup Finals patches onto their players’ jerseys beginning with the next years Finals. Shown above are photo matches of Middleton wearing this exact jersey during the 1988 Stanley Cup Playoffs and Finals. Also shown above are video highlights of Middleton wearing this exact jersey for what would be the final time during the 1988 Stanley Cup Playoffs and Finals. Middleton gamers have traditionally been among the more difficult star player jerseys to obtain from the era in which he played. We’re very pleased to offer “Nifty’s” last ever home jersey, worn during the 1988 Stanley Cup Playoffs and Finals at the Boston Garden. Spectacular!