1970'S PEORIA BLADES - CONTINENTAL HOCKEY LEAGUE 

# 16 GAME WORN JERSEY

This Wilson dureen knit jersey was worn by player # 16 of the Peoria Blades of the Continental Hockey League, a minor pro league in which the Peoria Blades were 1976, 1977, 1978 league champions. 

The Peoria Blades played out of Peoria, Illinois, USA. I discovered a program of the 1981-82 Peoria Blades with images of the players, some of which were pictured in a Tie Down style jersey like this one and some with a V-Neck. I would presume that the V-Neck photos were taken in the late 70's or early 80's while the tie down photos were from the mid to late 70's. The striping pattern on the shoulder is exactly the same as pictured in the program. 

This jersey is identical to the Wilson dureens worn by the NHL New York Rangers in the early to mid 70's. There is evidence of wear in the form of sweat stains to the front collar and chest, equipment rust stains to the shoulder and lower hem and arm, and generalized pilling inside.