Presented here is a real treat for NHL fans and collectors: the jersey worn and stick used by Los Angeles Kings defenseman Steve Duchesne on October 15 1989 to assist Wayne Gretzky on the goal that made "The Great One" the NHL's all-time career points leader at 1851 breaking the legendary Gordie Howe's long-standing record. Ironically Gretzky accomplished this feat against the Edmonton Oilers his former team with whom he won four Stanley Cups earlier in the decade. Gretzky had two goals and one assist in the game. His assist in the 1st period tied him with Howe at 1850. In the 3rd period with just 61 seconds remaining in regulation Duchesne's shot ricocheted off Dave Taylor and Gretzky put it away for the record-breaking goal to tie the game 4-4. Fittingly the Kings won 5-4 in sudden death overtime on Gretzky's 2nd goal of the game. Gretzky probably got more applause on the road in front of his beloved Oiler fans at Northlands Coliseum than he would have at home in Los Angeles. Duchesne also had a big game with a goal and two assists.

Steve Duchesne began his career with the Kings in 1986-87 and quickly asserted himself as a reliable defender and formidable playmaker. He was an All-Star in 1989 and 1990 the season in which this milestone occurred. His 1989-90 Kings black road jersey shows excellent game use with multiple team repairs on the sleeves and several small rips and snags throughout. Maska tagging with washing instructions is behind the collar with size "54" marked in faded pen. The Kings crest adorns the front with his No. "28" on both arms in silver on black tackle twill. "DUCHESNE" is sewn on a black nameplate across the back with his large number below both coming in silver on white tackle twill. Duschene has signed the back '2' with the inscriptions "28" and "10-14-89" in 9/10 black marker. This date is as it should read "10-15-89" (LOA has same mistake). The "CCM" patch appears on rear tail. Fight strap remains intact. The stick used for this milestone assist is a Sher-Wood Feather-Balanced P.M.P. 7000. "DUCHESNE 28" is stamped on the upper shaft. "LOS ANGELES 0281" and "7000" are stamped on the lower shaft. Blades has black tape while knob and handle have a white tape job. The wooden stick shows heavy game use.

Two letters one dated 6/10/1990 and the other 10/23/1989 from Steve Duchesne document the jersey and stick as the ones worn/used to assist Gretzky's record-breaking 1851st point. Photo evidence (Getty 492827940) certainly backs this up. Both letters have the incorrect date of 10/14/1989 (Kings did not play that day). A letter of provenance from the Newport Sports Museum is also included. Autograph pre-certified by PSA/DNA.