1979-80 NHL Winnipeg Jets # 30 Gary "Suitcase" Smith

Game Worn Home Jersey - Worn in First win in NHL Winnipeg Jets First Season

This jersey is exceedingly rare. Only three known examples of a first year NHL Winnipeg Jets game worn jersey have surfaced. The other two were also white home jerseys worn by # 2 Mike Amodeo (19 GP) and # 23 Gord McTavish (10 GP).  Through extensive research and photo evidence it has been determined that the team's 1979-80 blue road set was recycled to the Tulsa Oilers of the CHL. 

This Maska Suprefil Knit jersey worn by goaltender, Gary Smith, has remained in amazing, all original condition. It shows nice wear in the form of loads of goal post transfer, puck marks, 2" split in the material on the left arm, snags to the front area knit material, fraying of the inner threads and material, loose threads in the hem, and custom goaltender alterations. Triangular custom material inserts were sewn into the sleeves and inseams.

The chest measures to a size 50 with the body being 32" in length. The Maska Superfil manufacturer tag is sewn into the collar and the large MASKA logo is embroidered on to the back hem. The sleeve # 30's are a double twill - creamy white over red. The collar is a V-Neck style. The fantastic oval crest is twill with embroidered accents and lettering. The original fighting strap base remains sewn inside while the strap was cut out. 

Gary Smith was a Memorial Cup Champion in 1964 with the Toronto Marlboros. While in the Toronto Maple Leaf system, he made his NHL debut with the Maple Leafs in 1965-66, playing 3 games and posting a 3.56 GAA. He played 2 more games with Toronto in the following 1966-67 season before being claimed by the California (Oakland) Seals in the 1967 Expansion draft. His NHL career had him spend time in several NHL cities earning him the monicker "Suitcase" Smith.

• Toronto Maple Leafs 1965-67
• Oakland Seals 1967-70
• California Seals 1970-71
• Chicago Blackhawks 1971-73 (Won Vezina Trophy with Tony Esposito)
• Vancouver Canucks 1973-76
• Minnesota North Stars 1976-77
• Washington Capitals 1977-78

WHA: Indianpolis Racers and Winnipeg Jets 1978-79 where he won the AVCO Cup.

Gary Smith played 20 total games with the Winnipeg Jets in 1979-80. A total of 9 home games and 11 road games. The wear on this jersey is consistent with the 9 home games it would have been worn in. A complete list of all games played will be included with the comprehensive Letter of Authenticity that will accompany this jersey.

The LOA from Global Vintage Sports Memorabilia is not just one superficial page with a signature. My Letters of Authenticity provide details pertinent as to why the jersey is being determined as authentic.