This home white knit gamer by CCM was worn by Ed Belfour during the 1988-89 NHL season, his rookie year. This undrafted Hall of Fame goalie began his 18-year NHL career with the Blackhawks back in 1988-89. He tended goal for 9 seasons in Chicago, part of 1 season in San Jose, 5 in Dallas, 3 in Toronto and a final year in Florida. During that time Ed became the 3rd winningest goalie in NHL history, retiring with 484 Wins alongside a most impressive 2.50 GAA.
Belfour is tied with another Blackhawks legend, Tony Esposito, for 9th on the all-time shutouts list with 76. He won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 1990-91, (4) Jennings Trophies and (2) Vezina Trophies as the leagues best goalie. Eddie played in 5 NHL All Star games and was 3 times a 1st or 2nd team NHL All Star. The Eagle also is a winner of hockey’s most prized possession, the Stanley Cup which he won with the Dallas Stars.
Eddie “The Eagle” quickly became a fan favorite in Chicago where, in his first full season with the club, he played in 74 games. It wasn’t long before Belfour had backstopped his Hawks to the Stanley Cup Finals where they eventually fell to the great Penguins team in 1992 despite his playoff heroics. Eddie will forever be looked upon as one of the best of his generation and will always hold a special place in the hearts of Blackhawks fans.
This spectacular rookie jersey was “The Eagles” first home NHL jersey. Belfour wore this gamer during training camp, the 1988-89 pre-season and it was bench worn during the 1988-89 regular season until the Blackhawks retired Glenn Halll’s #1 on November 20th 1988. The game wear on this stunning goalie cut sweater consists of stick and puck marks, goal post paint transfer, crossbar paint transfer and pilling. On the inside crest is a black sharpie signature in Belfour’s own hand, only adding further appeal to this tremendous offering. Evidence of a nameplate change is worthy of mention and suggests that this jersey was likely also worn in a prior season by the last Hawk to wear the player number 1 on a regular basis, Warren Skorodenski. An incredible piece of goaltending and Chicago Blackhawks history, and your chance to own this Hall of Famer’s first home NHL jersey, choice!