Truths and Falsehoods About Hockey Game Worn Jerseys

There are some common misconceptions out there about hockey game worn jerseys and other items.  Some are so crazy they are not even worth posting.  Others have been repeated time and again and are worth bringing up.

First of all, just because a jersey comes with a letter of authenticity doesn't mean it's absolutely real.  There are a few exceptions.  If you see a jersey on eBay being sold with MeiGray paperwork, chances are very good it's the real deal because of the company's contracts with the NHL and minor league hockey.  They have kept close tabs on jerseys, using special tagging since they made their business deals several years ago. 

There are other major hockey dealers who provide COAs and many of them are reliable.  Just be sure to do your homework on the dealer--and the jersey.  Ask plenty of questions.  Not every reputable dealer will provide a letter of authenticity automatically but will do so if asked. 

There are plenty of fake Wayne Gretzky jerseys on the market.  There are a few real ones, but most are in private collections.  Be sure you are dealing with a reputable dealer when buying ANY big name hockey game worn jersey.

Teams don't change jerseys every game.  While  they do sometimes wear jerseys only once for special occasion games such as the Winter Classic, most teams use fewer than five regular sets of jerseys per year, per color. 

In the 1970s and early 80s it was still common for teams to remove nameplates for use in training camp.  Just because a jersey doesn't have a player's name on the back doesn't mean it's fake.

Another misconception about hockey game worn jerseys is that players and trainers have all of the answers when it comes to their team jerseys.  Players don't always remember everything--especially players from the past whose recollections may have faded.  Trainers should know their material, but after several years, they simply don't recall every exact detail.  I'd trust a collector or dealer who has studied jerseys over the course of many years before I'd trust a player--even about his own jerseys.

Like other sports, hockey game worn jerseys don't always show tremendous wear.  While jerseys from decades ago may have been repaired multiple times as teams tried to economize their use, modern jerseys are well constructed and generally provided with good care by team staff.  While a jersey may show strong wear, the fact that it might be hard to detect doesn't mean it isn't real. 

Another falsehood is that you can't hope to find a bargain priced, hockey game worn jersey on eBay.  There are fakes out there, certainly.  Yet hockey jerseys aren't faked nearly as much as their football, baseball and basketball counterparts.  If you do research on the dealer by thoroughly looking at feedback, if you have some basic knowledge about jerseys and are willing to patiently look for the right authentic hockey game worn jersey or you, there are plenty of deals to be had.