[irbefan4life]

Here it is, the second of the three memorabilia items that I have been waiting for. As much as I love the new stuff for their amazing vibrant colors, flashiness, and practical style, there is something about the old that is timeless. Just looking at this piece, it seems simple and nothing special. Brown leather blocker from the 1970s, that's the end of the excitement right? Not quite.

Let me give you some background again. This blocker was used by New York Rangers goaltender Gilles Villemure during the 1971-72 NHL season...not exactly yesterday, right? Let's back up shall we? Villemure was signed as a free agent by the Rangers in 1962 and played his first games for the club in 1963-64. He then played off and on with the Rangers until 1974-75. On October 28, 1975, the Blackhawks traded defenseman Doug Jarrett to the Rangers in exchange for Gilles. He then played two more seasons for the Blackhawks before retiring in the 1976-77 season. In his career, he played in 205 regular season games, recording a 100-64-29 record with 13 shutouts and a 0.899 save average. He also played in 14 playoff games, recording a 5-5 record.

The year he wore this blocker, he appeared in 37 games, recording a 24-7-4 record. Additionally, he played in the NHL All-Star Game, and won the Vezina trophy that year. Now it made its way into my collection.

Top of the blocker:



Bottom of the blocker:



Front of the blocker:



Side of the blocker:



Fade autograph and inscription:



I don't know what season this picture is from, but the blocker is of a very similar style (not my picture):



And the original listing on Classic Auctions from whence it originally came:

http://www.classicauctions.net/Default.a...&lotid=163

[onoxxxregretso]

A righty like me!

[irbefan4life]

A righty like me!

And me!

Go freaks of goaltending

Anyone who mocks the righties needs to hear these three names: Grant Fuhr, Tom Barrasso, Tony Esposito...game over!

[onoxxxregretso]

Everyone always tells me that I catch "retard"

[bonnev659]

wow Bruce

you did very well

I have to ask how are you storing all this sweet gamers?

[irbefan4life]

wow Bruce

you did very well

I have to ask how are you storing all this sweet gamers?

Ahh yes, the eternally popular question that I answer at least once a week.

Right now, before I have my garage sale (no GU stuff for sale before someone asks) and am able to clear up some space in my house for more memorabilia, my sticks are leaned up against a dresser, my pads are behind an Ikea chair, my blocker is on the seating part of the chair, my helmet is on top of a dresser, some jerseys are in a closet, and others are on the back of that Ikea chair.

I still have one set of GU equipment coming in early next week.

[bonnev659]

looking forward to your new gamer!!!