This home white mesh gamer by CCM was worn by Doug Bodger during his rookie NHL season in 1984-85. Bodger enjoyed a 16-year NHL career that began as a 1st round draft choice by Pittsburgh, 9th overall in 1984. The Penguins selected Mario Lemieux 1st overall in the same draft. Bodger would spend his first 4+ years in the Steel City. He was adept offensively and netted double digit goal totals in years 3 & 4. Doug was so highly thought of by the Buffalo Sabres that they dealt standout goalie Tom Barrasso for him early in the 1988-89 season, a move that paved the way to 2 Stanley Cup titles in the Steel City. Doug played for 8 seasons in Buffalo before finishing up his career with stops in San Jose, New Jersey, LA and Vancouver.

The CCM born on tagging in the collar of July 1984 suggests this would have been Doug’s first ever home jersey, worn alongside Mario Lemieux as they broke into the league together. Bodger would wear the player number 33 only during his rookie season, switching the #3 thereafter.This example hails from the first ever set of CCM jerseys in Penguins team history.

The game wear is solid consisting of stick marks, many board burns, fine inner pilling and approximately 20 team-sewn repairs, showing the fierce battles this rookie faced as he first touched NHL ice. A fine example that will always be held in high esteem by Penguins collectors as it was likely worn in Mario’s first ever home game.