This Northland Custom Pro hockey stick was game used by defenseman Bob Ash wihile playing for the Winnipeg Jets in the 1st year of the WHA's existance. After a long minor league career starting in 1961-62, Ash finally made the "big time" when he joined the Winnipeg Jets for the 1st year of the WHA in 1972-73.  Ash would play for the Jets in 1972-73 and 1973-74 and then one season for the Indianapolis Racers. All told Ash would play in 200 WHA games before calling it a career.

This stick is fully taped on the butt and blade. The player name "Ash" is stamped on the side. This 1st year WHA and 1st year Winnipeg Jets game used stick has been team signed by the 1972-73 Jets. There are 18 signatures all told with them being listed in order from the top of the stick to the bottom. The photos above were taken in this same order. The signatures read:  Ernie Wakely, Steve Cuddie, Bob Ash, Dan Johnson d. 1993), Joe Zanussi, Brian Cadle, Bob Woytowich (d. 1988), Norm Beaudin, Jean-Guy Gratton, Ab McDonald, Freeman "Duke" Asmundson, Cal Swenson, Larry Hornung (d. 2001), Gord Tumilson, Milt Black, Dunc Rousseau, Bobby Hull and Chris Bordeleau. It is easy to distinguish this from a 2nd year team signed stick as Steve Cuddie (Playing for the Toros), Brian Cadle and Gord Tumilson were not on the 1973-74 team.

There can't be many WHA team signed sticks around. Add to that this is a 1st year WHA team signed stick that includes Bobby Hull and 3 deceased players and you have one amazing piece!