General Collecting Guidelines

Some things to look for when collecting game worn jerseys.

Game Wear.  Black scuff marks are the result of contact with stick tape and crushing checks into the boards will often result in the actual "melting" of the fabric (board burns).  Spirited play may yield rips, material snagging and blood/sweat stains.  Pilling, which refers to balled-up fabric, is also easy to look for by turning the jersey inside-out.  The wear on jerseys will vary depending on a player’s style of play and how many games the jersey is worn (i.e., All-Star, tournament or alternate jerseys will usually show less wear than regular-season ones).  You can also check the fight strap snaps for sweat-salt deposits and rust, and look for leather stains from gloves on the cuffs.

Sizing, Repairs and Customization.   Every player wears various jersey sizes and sometimes requests alterations to be made to accommodate their playing style and comfort level.  Custom modifications are often an excellent "signature" of a particular player.  Also look for team repairs, which many collectors feel add character and value to jerseys.  Keep in mind that players often switch sizes, particularly when they get traded and the new team gets the sizing wrong on the first try, so don't immediately snub a shirt if the sizing differs from another jersey; more research can yield rewarding results.  As always, consult other collectors or jersey experts when in doubt.

While browsing through jersey listings, you'll stumble across various abbreviations.  Here are a few:

• GI - Game Issued.  Also referred to as "team issued," these are merely team-owned jerseys that were prepared for and intended for use by the players.
• NNOB - No Name on Back.  This will show up a lot for vintage and collegiate jerseys, and implies that nameplates/lettering were never on the jersey.
• NOBR - Name on Back Removed.  Teams of all leagues often recycle jerseys and remove nameplates/lettering to accommodate the next player.  This is common among NHL preseason and junior league jerseys.

Fight Wear and Enforcer Alterations.   Those who collect jerseys of the league's enforcers look for different types of wear and alterations.  For example, many fighters will request that sleeves be shortened, cuffs expanded and extra padding be added so that they have more flexibility during fights and can shed their jersey quicker.  Jerseys showing heavy fight wear will often bear blood stains, material pulling (especially around the neck and shoulders) that will cause distress at the seams and leave signs of filth from sweaty, dirty hands clutching the material.  Additionally, the neck part of the collar may "pop" and the main seam at the back of the neck may be torn town to the nameplate and is often re-sewn.

Patches. Patches not only look good, but often serve as an immediate indicator as to when the jerseys were used.  Several teams feature their own charity or memorial patches while other patches commemorate specific events such as the Bruins' "Last Hurrah" and the recent "Game ONe" patch for the opening games in Japan.

Manufacturer and Material. There have been various jersey materials and brands over the years with CCM being the most prominent during the past 20 years.  NHL jerseys will be of knit, mesh, airknit, or similar construction.  Other names you might encounter on the neck tagging are Cosby's, Eastside, Sandow SK, Stall & Dean and Maska, HSI, Goodmans and others.

Autographs. Most serious collectors of game-worn jerseys prefer to preserve the "in the game" appearance of jerseys by not having them signed.  If a sweater is autographed, collectors will often have it done inside behind the team crest or on the fight strap where it is not easily visible. However, collecting is a personal experience.  If getting your favorite players to emblazon their signatures on their jerseys makes you happy, go for it.  Just keep in mind that a player’s signature doesn’t necessarily mean that he is certifying the jersey as being authentic game-used (many times players aren't able to verify their own shirts).

Players. The great thing about hockey is that there's a fan for every player.  Unlike other sports whose starting players are the only ones getting recognition, 4th liners and cup o' coffee guys are equally adored.  Some collectors stick to goal scorers, while others focus on defensemen, "grinders," fighters or goalies.  Some collect jerseys of certain teams, of players from a particular state, country or college.  The possibilities are endless!

Teams. Certain teams make their players' jerseys more readily available than others.  Expect to pay a premium for "tougher" team jerseys.  Some examples of jerseys currently in demand are alternate-style San Jose Sharks, Minnesota Wild, Columbus Blue Jackets and defunct styles such as Hartford Whalers, purple and gold Kings jerseys and just about anything from the WHA.

Leagues. Besides the NHL, there is a wealth of collectible jerseys from Junior leagues such as the WHL, OHL and QMJHL. Additionally, the IHL, AHL and college sweaters make great collectibles as well.  Also look into international jerseys which develops many of NHL's future stars. You can usually find the non-NHL jerseys of your favorite players at more palatable prices.  Also very popular is the defunct "rival league" WHA jerseys which become tougher to find each day.