Louis Levasseur
Team: New England Whalers
Style: Home Jersey
Manufacturer: Cosbys
Material: Durene
Tagging: Manufacturer’s tag and size in neck
Year: 1977-78
Set: N/A
Size: 50
Patches: none
Acquired From: Another Collector
Photomatched: No
Description from Gamewornauctions: The New England Whalers began play in 1972-73 as an original WHA franchise. They were one of the few to survive all 7 of the tumultuous WHA seasons and would eventually merge and join the NHL as the Hartford Whalers after the WHA’s collapse. Speaking of collapses, in 1978 the Whalers had to deal with the collapse of the Hartford Civic Center’s roof, forcing them tochange venues for their home games. The team started out in the Boston Garden and actuallywon the WHA’s 1st Avco World Trophy behind the strong offense of Tom Webster, the team’sleading offensive weapon. The Whalers were again a force in year 2 of the league, buteventually succumbed in a 7-game semi final series to the Cinderella Chicago Cougars. Some of the Whalers home playoff games that year were played in the tiny Big E Coliseum in WestSpringfield MA, after the club was chased from the Boston Garden. The Whalers began play in1974-75 in East Springfield until their own arena; the Hartford Civic Center was finallycompleted in January of 1975. The franchise added some major names to their roster in thelater WHA years with the additions of Dave Keon and Gordie, Mark and Marty Howe.
This home white dureen gamer by Cosby was worn by goaltender Louis Levasseur during the 1977-78 WHA season. Louis began his pro career with the Minnesota Fighting Saints where he spent parts of 2 seasons before heading west to Edmonton. Following a 21 game stint with the Oilers, Louis landed in New England for the 1977-78 campaign. He suited up for 27 regular season contests and 12 more in the playoffs. The following year Levasseur was on to Quebec where he represented the Nordiques. After the collapse of the WHA, Levasseur made the Minnesota North Stars roster and spent a short time with the club before retiring.
Sewn in the collar of this heavy dureen is the Cosby and size tagging. Sewn to the shoulders are those lovable old time pucky whales. The game use is solid for a goalie’s gamer with stick and puck marks, some washed out bloodstaining and fine pilling both inside and out. Shown above is an old black and white of Louis wearing this gamer during the 1977-78 WHA season. A fine example from this coveted WHA franchise.
