The Display Case #24: The 50 Goal Stub

January 16, 2017, 11:47 AM ET [1 Comments]

Shawn Gates
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While ”game-worn” and “game-used” have taken over the spotlight in many respects with regard to memorabilia, let’s not forget the pure awesomeness of “game-attended” items! You know, those items like programs and ticket stubs from historic games that are forever linked to the events that transpired that day, but could have been easily worthless had they not occurred! Where I get hung up on these items the most is when the owner was actually there: when they got to experience the excitement first hand, and thanks to the item, have a personal and tangible reminder of the event. So when I get a story like the one that follows, I’m definitely going to bite! The great thing with John’s story is not only that he has this fantastic link to the past, but also that he was able to re-visit the event in the present day, some 34 years later, and attach even more in the way of memories to it. The gift that keeps on giving!

Note that, as event entry becomes increasingly dependent on electronic tickets, or print at home options, the ticket stub itself is increasingly going by the wayside, so we should enjoy these collectibles while they’re still around!

Almost 35 years ago a friend and I decided to go to a movie in Kitchener, Ontario. While in line for the movie we looked across the street at Zappers arcade. With over 45 minutes to spare before the movie started and a sparse line waiting...we headed across to play some pinball. As my friend walked through the door I heard a person say “499”. As I walked in they said “Congratulations, you just won tickets to a Toronto Maple Leaf game”. Being a lifelong Leaf fan, this was quite the prize. The seats were front row red...right behind the net. The game was March 24, 1982 against the St Louis Blues. Now as you may know, that game held some significance in Maple Leaf history. It happens to be the game that Rick Vaive became the first Leaf ever to score 50 goals in a season; and he did so right in front of the net I was behind...

Flash forward some 34 years....a friend was in a charity tournament hosted by Rick in Kitchener and as tradition the various NHLers gather the night before, bend their elbows, and meet the participants. I had previously told him about the game I was at and believed that I still had the stub for the game. He told me to look for it as he would try to get it signed for me. I somehow found the stub in an old photo album and gave it to my friend. Rick was more than accommodating as my friend regaled the story of how it came to be that I was at the game. When stated by I believe Tom Fergus...”That has got to be a first”...Rick smiled and said...”Actually it was the second”...about 15 years prior on a train another fan approached and said he had been carrying the stub since the game and would he be so kind as to sign it...which again he did.

Later that night I was texted by my friend asking if I wanted to meet Rick which of course was a no brainer. I proceeded to the bar, had a beer with, and met the first ever 50 goal scorer for the only team I have ever cheered for...shook his hand and thanked him for signing my ticket stub....made my night.

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The Display Case #24: The 50 Goal Stub

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