ITEM DESCRIPTION
This game worn and photomatched Vaughn blocker was worn by Mike Vernon throughout the 1998-99 NHL regular season while a member of the San Jose Sharks. Highlights while wearing this include his 20th career shutout.
This game worn and photomatched Vaughn blocker was worn by Mike Vernon throughout the 1998-99 NHL regular season while a member of the San Jose Sharks. Highlights while wearing this include his 20th career shutout.
SHORT BIO: Born on February 24, 1963 in Calgary, Alberta, Mike Vernon was a standout prospect in the WHL, even winning the Memorial Cup in 1983. Drafted 56th overall by Calgary in 1981, Vernon made his NHL debut for them on December 12, 1982 against the Detroit Red Wings, stopping 11 of 17 shots in a 7-3 defeat. In that 82-83 season, he appeared in two NHL games. He played one additional NHL game with Calgary in 1983-84, ultimately spending the majority of the season in the CHL and the following season in the AHL.
In 1985-86, Vernon managed to earn 18 more NHL games, recording a 9-3-3 record with his first career shutout occurring in that stint as well. He played so well, in fact, he had secured the role of starter by the playoffs, eventually leading the Flames to the Stanley Cup Final where they were defeated by Montreal. He had taken over the full time starter role in Calgary and continued to play like he deserved the role. 1988-89 marked one of the best years of his career as he not only recorded an amazing 37-6-5 record, he also led the Calgary Flames to their first (and thus far only) Stanley Cup victory in franchise history. He continued to play for the Flames until the end of the 1993-94 season when he was acquired by the Detroit Red Wings. In his first season with Detroit, he once again got his team to the Stanley Cup Final, however, the Red Wings were swept by the Devils. In 1997, he again returned to the Cup Final where he led the Red Wings to a Stanley Cup victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, the second Cup of his career, and fourth Cup Final series of his career. He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy that year as playoff MVP. In the off-season, he was acquired by the San Jose Sharks for draft picks. He played a solid trio of years in San Jose, however, never led them beyond the first round of the playoffs. In the middle of the 1999-00 season, the Panthers acquired him from the Sharks and he played the remainder of the season with them. The team was eventually swept in round one of the playoffs. He was then reacquired by Calgary in the off-season. After two final seasons with Calgary, he retired at the conclusion of the 2001-02 season. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2023. In his NHL career, Vernon appeared in 781 games, recording a 385-273-92 record with 27 shutouts, 39 assists, a 2.98GAA, and a 0.890% save average. In an additional 138 playoff games, he recorded a 77-56 record with six shutouts, five assists, a 2.68GAA, and a 0.896% save average. |
YEAR: 1998-99
TEAM: San Jose Sharks GAME WORN? Yes MANUFACTURER/MODEL: Vaughn ACQUIRED FROM / LOA: Private collector DATES OF GAME USE: 1998-99 pre-season and regular season NOTABLE MOMENTS: 20th career shutout PHOTOMATCHED: Yes AUTOGRAPHED: No ESTIMATED REPLACEMENT VALUE (USD): $500.00 AVAILABILITY: THIS ITEM IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR SALE/TRADE/DONATION |