This home white knit gamer by Starter was worn by Ron Francis during the 1996-97 NHL season. The Hartford Whalers selected Francis with the 4th overall pick in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft. Francis began what would be a 23-year NHL career in 1981 with the Hartford Whalers, his home for 9 seasons. A trade in 1990-91 sent Ron to the Pittsburgh Penguins where he played for 8 years and won a pair of Stanley Cups. In 1998-99, Francis returned to the franchise where it all began, albeit in a new location in Carolina and spent 6 seasons with the Hurricanes before finishing up his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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. Ron remains second on the all-time assists list trailing only the Great One in that category. His career totals include 549 goals, 1249 assists and 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 minus 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.
A historic trade at the deadline in 1991 sent Ron to the Penguins and proved the missing link that immediately led to back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in the Steel City. His leadership qualities were never in doubt and Francis would eventually inherit the Captain’s “C” from Mario Lemieux.
Proudly sewn to the left breast of this gamer is the alternate Captain’s “A”. Penned on the collar tag in faded black sharpie are Ron’s player #10 and “A”. The game wear on this size 54 sweater is solid and consists of stick and slash marks, board burns, board paint transfer, un-repaired burn holes, plenty of exterior pilling, heavy inner pilling and team-sewn repair work to both sleeves. Ron struck for an impressive 90 points in 81 games while wearing this sweater in front of the hometown fans. A terrific well-worn example, complete with the coveted letter of honor and ready to take a place in your Hall of Fame collection, choice!
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