1976 - 1977 - Northland Pro, white tape on the blade and black tape on the knob. Obtained from Edmonton Oilers employee Rick Elaschuk who worked the visiting team's dressing room beginning in 1972. Mr. Elaschuk obtained the stick after a game between the Houston Aeros and the Oilers sometime in the years 1976-1977.
The tape job is consistent with other Gordie Howe sticks: white on the blade and black on the knob. Howe's taping remained consistent throughout his career. The code on the back of the stick also dates the stick to between 76-77. There is no name on the stick -only the number "9", as Howe frequently had his sticks stolen from airports. Howe ordered sticks from Northland with other players' names on them, at which point he would sand off the name. If you feel where the #9 is, it's clear a name was sanded off.
The blade, which has a good-sized curve, is in tact; there is a slight crack in the back side of the blade. Average game use with nice patina on the knob tape. 50" from the heel of the blade to the top of the knob.
Addendum 8-2-07 - with further careful examination of the stick we have detected a very faint autograph on one side of the stick towards the top that reads, Best Wishes Gordie Howe. We have tried to photograph the autograph but its so faint it does not show up on a digital photo.
