Late 1950-60's Regina Pats WCJHL/SJHL

# 20 Game Worn Jersey

Featuring a felt "Pats" crest in stunning large scripted font on the front of the jersey, this style hails from the mid to late 50's of the WCJHL or the 1957-61 era of the SJHL. Photographic research points to the fact that the major Junior Pats jerseys were recycled to Juvenile and Midget level clubs in the Pats system. All the rep teams in Regina at the time were given the "Pats" name so the jerseys made their way through a ton of recycling and wear to the point of being lost to obscurity. However, as what happens most often with the higher jersey numbers from this era, this # 20 survived in lightly used and immaculate condition. I have found that when it comes to vintage wool jerseys from the 50's and 60's, the ones that survive are often the ones that were used the least by utility players. These jerseys would have received the least amount of wear and were therefore more likely to be plucked from the dressing room as a keepsake by a player or team affiliate. 

This particular jersey originated from the Red Berenson collection of items that sold a couple years ago at auction. I have been looking for an early Regina Pats jersey for 15 years and this is the first one I have seen. 

The Regina Pats are the oldest Junior franchise in Canadian Hockey History. In the 1950-60's they were a farm team for the NHL Montreal Canadiens which they showcased with a "CH" crest on the sleeve. The jersey is made entirely of wool with felt crests and numbers. A tie down reminiscent of the era resides in the collar. The original lace still in tact. 

The identity of the player is not known for certain and research continues in this pursuit. I dedicate this exhibit to one of the best coaches I ever had in my minor hockey league career, Mr. Bill Kelly who played for the Regina Pats in the late 1950's.