These black hockey gloves by Louisville were game worn by Hall of Famer Ron Francis while playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Francis began what would be a 23-year NHL career in 1981 with the Hartford Whalers after being selected 4th overall in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft. After 9 seasons in Hartford, Francis would spend parts of 8 seasons in the Steel City, representing the Pittsburgh Penguins before returning to the franchise where it all began, albeit in a new location, the Carolina Hurricanes.
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. He is 2nd on the all-time assists list trailing only the Great One in that category. His career totals are 549 goals, 1249 assists for 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 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.
It was a trade at the deadline in 1991 that sent Ron to the Penguins and proved the missing link that led to back-to-back Stanley Cup titles for the Steel City. His leadership qualities were never in doubt and Francis would eventually inherit the Captain’s “C” from Mario Lemieux.
These black Louisville gloves have the player name “Francis” stitched on the side.
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