This road black air-knit gamer by Starter was worn by Ron Francis circa the 1996-98 NHL seasons. Francis began what would be a 23-year NHL career in 1981 with the Hartford Whalers. He would later spend parts of 8 seasons in the Steel City representing the Pittsburgh Penguins before returning to the franchise where he began, albeit in a new location, the Carolina Hurricanes. It was a trade at the deadline in 1991 that sent Ron to the Penguins and proved the missing link that led to back to back Stanley Cup titles.

During his career, Ron assaulted the NHL’s record books and retired as the 4th all-time leading scorer in NHL history behind only Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier and Gordie Howe. He is 2nd on the all-time assists list trailing only the Great One in that category. His career totals are 549 goals, 1249 assists for 1798 points. Francis won 3-Stanley Cups, the first two coming with the Pittsburgh Penguins and his last coming with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Ron played in 4 NHL All Star games and his hardware includes the Frank Selke Trophy for the leagues best defensive forward, 3 Lady Byng Trophies which is awarded to the player judged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability, the Alka Seltzer plus award and the King Clancy Memorial Trophy awarded to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to his community.

Sewn to the left breast of this sweater is the alternate Captain’s “A”. A notation in the collar indicates that this was a 1st set gamer. Game use consists of stick marks, board burns, un-repaired burn holes and inner pilling. Worn during one of Ron’s final seasons in Pittsburgh.