1961-63 WHL San Francisco Seals Game Worn Wool Jersey

# 2 Bob Bailey (1961/62) and Larry McNabb (1962/63)

This jersey is truly a highlight of the Canadian National Hockey Museum. The only one of its kind, this gold wool specimens is from the first two seasons of the Western Canada Hockey League franchise, San Francisco Seals. They stopped wearing the gold wool jerseys after the 1962-63 season and went to a black dureen for the remainder of their time in the WHL. They wore a white dureen for road games of which we also have in the collection. The new franchise in 1961 was coached by Hall of Fame Builder, Bud Poile, whose son, David Poile has been the long time GM of the NHL Nashville Predators. Bud Poile would lead the new franchise to two straight WHL titles in 1962/63 and 1963/64. This jersey was worn in the very first season in the franchise's history and also the next year in their first Championship season. 

Bob Bailey wore the jersey in 1961-62. Bob played 20 years of pro hockey including 1953-56 with the Toronto Maple Leafs and with the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings 1956-58. 

Larry McNabb wore the jersey in 1962-63. He has been referred to by Don Cherry as the toughest opponent he ever faced.