This is Mark Messier's 1997 NHL All-Star Game Eastern Conference game-worn jersey. The NHL's second all-time leading scorer wore this shirt during the second period of the game on January 18, 1997 in San Jose, California in which the Eastern Conference defeated the Western Conference 11-7. It was the 12th out of a total of 15 All-Star games in Mark's career, and his last as a Ranger before he left for Vancouver. It also marked the first and last time that Mark Messier, Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux played together after the 1987 Canada Cup. The jersey shows light use with a large stick mark across the front hem, and two large clusters of stick marks on the left sleeve. It has the Rangers logo stitched onto the left shoulder and the 1997 All-Star Game logo stitched onto the right shoulder. The jersey is also autographed inside the jersey on the back of the crest. It was obtained from Classic Collectibles, and originated with an NHLPA executive.
The serial number stamped inside the fight strap indicates that this shirt was worn during the second period of the game, when Messier recorded two points (one goal and one assist). At the 1:56 mark of the second period Messier and Robert Svehla assisted on Mark Recchi's second of three goals, which eventually earned him MVP honors. Later in the period, at the 8:45 mark, Messier recorded the game-winning goal with assists from Kevin Hatcher and Daniel Alfredsson.
Photos of Mark in the jersey:
