This home white heavy mesh gamer by Cosby was worn by Ed Hospodar circa 1981. “Boxcar” joined the Rangers in 1980 and spent the first 3 years of his 9 year career with the Blueshirts. This 6’ 2” 210 lb. defenseman was among the NHL’s elite enforcers during the decade of the 1980’s. Hospodar was a walking highlight reel to fight fans and is a staple on any good fight tape from his era. In 450 NHL regular season games, Boxcar accumulated 1314 PIMS. In 44 more playoff contests he racked up another 208 PIMS. Ed’s highest offensive output came in 1981 for New York when he tabbed 19 points in 61 games.

Sewn perfectly to the collar of this heavy mesh gamer is the Cosby, size and wash tagging. The game wear on this sweater is light, consisting of some board burns, stick marks, abrasions, pilling and washed out bloodstains. The absence of significant visible stick marks and the remnants of blood leave us to speculate that this sweater made its way to the dry cleaners following a bleeder and never returned to the ice. Boxcar jerseys don’t often find their way into the hobby, especially Rangers gamers, so it was a pleasant surprise when this one made its way into our offices.