This pair of gloves by Cooper was worn by Mike Bossy during the formation of the New York Islanders dynasty. During this era, Bossy became only the 2nd player in the history of the league to score 50 goals in 50 games, tying a record established by Maurice “Rocket” Richard. Bossy is one of the most gifted goal scorers to ever lace on the skates, ranking 1st in NHL history in goals scored per game. Bossy holds the NHL record for consecutive 50-goal seasons with 9. Amazingly, this was accomplished in his first 9 NHL seasons. This makes Mike the only player to ever score 50 or more goals in every single full season in which he played. The only other player to ever score 50 goals in as many seasons was Wayne Gretzky, also with 9. Mike also scored 60+ goals in a season 5 times, again with only Wayne Gretzky equaling this mark. Bossy’s 160 career playoff points rank him 15th all-time. A debilitating back injury prior to his 10th season ended this remarkable goal scoring streak and ultimately his career.

Similar to baseball’s Sandy Koufax, injury forced Bossy into retirement in his prime. 573 career goals, a Calder trophy as the leagues top rookie, a Conn Smythe trophy as playoff MVP, (3) Lady Byng trophies for the combination of sportsmanship and high ability, (4) Stanley Cup trophies and (8) selections as 1st or 2nd team NHL All Star are some of Bossy’s many Hall of Fame achievements.

Adhered to the upper thumb area of these orange, blue and white Cooper gloves are Bossy’s player number 22. These gloves show heavy game use. The original leather palms remain intact without any holes or repair work. These gloves protected what may have been the most gifted goal scoring wrists that ever gripped a hockey stick, during what was a special time for this young right winger and his New York Islanders. Shown above are two photo matches of Bossy; one on the cover of a magazine dated April 1981, and the other on the back cover of the 1981-82 Hockey Illustrated season preview issue wearing these exact gloves. It is only on rare occasions that player equipment from this vintage is made available, as the vast majority of it did not survive. These gloves would make a wonderful addition to any Hall of Fame collection and are the only pair of Mike Bossy game worn gloves we've ever seen come to market.