Wayne Gretzky 1988 Stanley Cup Finals Edmonton Oilers Game Used Gloves | Championship Series

In hockey history, no names command the same reverence and admiration as Wayne Gretzky. Universally regarded as perhaps the greatest to ever grace the ice, Gretzky's influence on the sport is immeasurable. Sotheby's is honored to present an extraordinary artifact that carries with it the weight of a legendary victory: Wayne Gretzky's game used 1988 Stanley Cup Finals hockey gloves, the last championship for the player known simply as "The Great One".

This iconic sports artifact is a testament to Gretzky's unparalleled skill and unrivaled ability to lead his team to victory, and served as a powerful extension of the Great One's artistry on the ice during the 1988 Stanley Cup Finals. Gloves, unlike other pieces of hockey equipment, are worn continuously, and often throughout multiple games. As no other gloves from this series have publicly surfaced, these are believed to have been worn throughout the Finals, both at home and on the road, an exceedingly rare attribute. 

The 1987-1988 season proved to be a defining moment in Gretzky's illustrious career. As captain of the Edmonton Oilers, he led his team to their fourth Stanley Cup victory in five seasons, solidifying their dynasty and etching his name into hockey lore. 

It would also prove to be his final championship season as a player. The 1988 victory marked Gretzky's final championship with the Edmonton Oilers and of his career. Shortly after, in a groundbreaking trade, he was transferred to the Los Angeles Kings. The championship served as a memorable and fitting end to Gretzky's era with the Oilers, symbolizing the culmination of a dominant dynasty and marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career. After the victory, Gretzky was featured on Sports Illustrated's May 30th, 1988 cover wearing the gloves, with the headline: "A Class Act".

The 1980s Oilers are considered one of the greatest dynasties in the history of hockey. These gloves, with their iconic orange and blue colorway and bulky, trademark Jofa style, represent not only an era where “The Great One” might have been at his greatest, but conjure deep, lasting nostalgia for any hockey fan, young or old. 

This lot is accompanied by a letter from The MeiGray Group, attributing the gloves to the 1988 Stanley Cup Finals. Meigray conclusively photomatched the gloves to both home and road games during the cup.

The Great One and the Road to the 1988 Cup

Gretzky's performance in the 1988 playoffs was nothing short of extraordinary. He dominated the competition with his exceptional playmaking abilities, scoring prowess, and unparalleled vision on the ice. Gretzky tallied an astounding 43 points in just 19 playoff games, a top 3 performance in NHL history for most points in a single postseason. This historic performance further elevated his stature in the hockey world.

The 1988 Stanley Cup Finals pitted the Edmonton Oilers against the Boston Bruins. The Oilers were aiming to secure their fourth championship in five years, while the Bruins, captained by Ray Bourque, were seeking their first title since 1972.

The series consisted of a best-of-seven format, with the first two games held in Edmonton. The Oilers won the opening game, securing a 2-1 victory with goals from Gretzky and Keith Acton. Game 2 saw a similar outcome, as the Oilers continued their strong performance, defeating the Bruins 4-2. Jari Kurri, Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Glen Anderson each contributed a goal. In a bizarre twist, with the score tied 3-3 in Game 4, a power failure at the Boston Garden caused the game to be delayed.

Returning to Edmonton for Game 5, the Oilers were eager to clinch the championship on home ice. They delivered a dominant performance, defeating the Bruins 6-3 to capture the Stanley Cup for the fourth time in five years. 

Gretzky, who finished as the playoffs' leading scorer, was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Oilers' triumph in 1988 further solidified their status as one of the dominant teams of the 1980s, and Gretzky's legacy as one of the greatest players in NHL history continued to grow.

Dubbed ‘The Great One’, Gretzky set over 61 individual NHL records, and won 9 Hart Memorial Trophies and 4 Stanley Cup championships. The NHL’s all-time point leader, Wayne Gretzky is the only player in NHL history to have his number retired league-wide. 

Born and raised in Brantford, Ontario, Gretzky, an undersized player, brought speed and finesse to a highly physical game. Often compared to a geographer or a chess player for his ability to think multiple plays ahead of opponents, Gretzky’s knack for being ‘in the right place at the right time’ made him a defensive nightmare.