Object Name: Player Game Used Hockey Stick

Player: Steve Sullivan

Team: New Jersey Devils

Season/Year of Use: 1997–1998

Shot: Right

Manufacturer: Hespeler

Model: 5500

Material: Fiberglass, Wood (White Ash)

Country of Manufacture: Canada

Dimensions: 59.5 in (Height); 49.5 in (Shaft Length); 12 in (Blade Length); 3 in (Blade Height)

Weight: 601 g

Color: Black and White

Signature: Silver paint pen on blade tape

Condition: Use apparent; paint and tape wear visible on shaft and blade.

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Provenance

Donated to Blades of Glory: The Hockey Stick Archive in 2009 by DL Wicker. This stick was

used by Steve Sullivan during the 1997–1998 NHL season while playing for the New Jersey

Devils, his first full season with the team. The stick’s authenticity is verified through donor

documentation, visual comparison to team-issued Hespeler models of the period, and

distinctive taping patterns consistent with Sullivan’s known game equipment.

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This artifact represents an important early-career item from a player who went on to record

over 700 NHL points and earned the 2009 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

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Description and Significance

The Hespeler 5500 model is characteristic of the late-1990s composite-wood hybrid era,

combining fiberglass reinforcement with white ash to enhance durability and puck feel. The

stick exhibits significant tape wear and minor scuffing consistent with active game use. As

an artifact, the stick embodies the craftsmanship of stick-making before the composite

transition era. Sullivan’s reputation as a versatile and skilled playmaker lends further

historical value to this piece, representing an accomplished player’s formative NHL years.

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Storage Information

Storage Area: Warehouse A – Player Equipment Vault

Fixture (Rack / Cabinet): Racking Unit P2 (“Forward Players – 1990s Era”)

Shelf Level: Level 3 (Upper Shelf – Horizontal Stick Storage)

Slot / Position Number: Position 10 (Labeled “SULLIVAN, S. – 1997–98 – NJD – Sher-Wood 5500”)

Container Type: Custom padded horizontal archival tray with Tyvek wrapping

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

Handling Notes: Handle with nitrile gloves; support shaft and blade during removal; avoid

contact with autographed surface.

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Cataloging Information

Catalogued By: Grant Fuhr, Collections Assistant

Date of Entry: October 5, 2025

Last Condition Check: October 26, 2025

Reviewed By: Blake Geoffrian, Collections Registrar

Review Date: October 27, 2025

Notes / Comments: Stick remains in stable condition with moderate cosmetic wear and

minor paint loss. Signature remains intact. Provenance documentation verified and stored

in accession record. Scheduled for routine assessment in 2027 during player-era collection

review.