Object Name: Goalie Hockey Stick

Player: Nikolai Khabibulin

Team: Chicago Blackhawks

Season/Year of Use: 2008–2009

Manufacturer: Nike/Bauer

Model: Vapor

Material: Composite Carbon Fiber

Dimensions: Total Length – 65 in (165 cm); Shaft Width – 1.5 in (3.8 cm); Paddle Length –

26 in (66 cm); Blade Length – 15 in (38 cm); Blade Height – 3 in (7.6 cm)

Weight: 610 grams

Signature: Silver paint pen on paddle

Condition: Very good; moderate puck impacts and shaft wear consistent with repeated

game use. Minor paint abrasion visible near handle area.

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Provenance

Acquired from GameUsedAuctions.net in 2016 following verified use by Nikolai Khabibulin

during his tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks. The stick was originally obtained from a

certified team-issued equipment auction and later authenticated through comparison with

game photographs and stick markings consistent with Khabibulin’s gear during the 2008–

09 NHL season.

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The piece entered the Blades of Glory: The Hockey Stick Archive as part of the Game-Used

and Autographed Stick Collection, expanding the representation of Khabibulin’s

professional career and capturing his contributions to multiple NHL franchises.

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Description and Significance

This goaltender stick represents Nikolai Khabibulin’s later-career performance with the

Chicago Blackhawks, a period marked by his veteran leadership and technical consistency.

The Nike/Bauer Vapor model exemplifies mid-2000s goaltending equipment construction

— a combination of carbon fiber and Kevlar materials that provided stability, weight

balance, shock absorption, and tactile control as sticks became lighter and moreresponsive. This was the first model released by the company after Nike purchased Bauer

Hockey.

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Visible scuffing and puck impressions along the paddle and heel indicate authentic in-

game use. The stick’s wear patterns correspond with Khabibulin’s right-catching stance

and puck-handling tendencies documented during his Chicago tenure. As an artifact, it not

only demonstrates equipment evolution but also reflects the endurance and adaptability of

one of the NHL’s most respected goaltenders.

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Storage Information

Storage Area: Warehouse B – Goaltending Equipment Wing

Fixture (Rack / Cabinet): Racking Unit G4 (“Goalie Sticks – Late 2000s Series”)

Shelf Level: Level 2 (Mid-Shelf – Horizontal Stick Housing)

Slot / Position Number: Position 13 (Labeled “KHABIBULIN, N. – 2008–09 – Chicago

Blackhawks”)

Container Type: Custom padded horizontal archival tray with Tyvek wrap and fitted foam supports

Environmental Controls: Maintained at 18°C ± 2°C and 45–55% relative humidity

Handling Notes: Handle with nitrile gloves; support the shaft and paddle during removal;

minimize direct handling of autographed areas.

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Cataloging Information

Catalogued By: Grant Fuhr, Assistant Registrar

Date of Entry: September 25, 2025

Last Condition Check: October 22, 2025

Reviewed By: K. Allen, Senior Curator

Review Date: October 24, 2025

Notes / Comments: Stick remains stable with minimal degradation of surface materials.

Moderate abrasions and paint chipping consistent with professional goaltender usage.

Authentication records, including auction certificate and comparative photographic

documentation, retained in associated provenance file. Scheduled for next review during

2027 artifact assessment rotation.