2005-06 Ty Conklin Game Used I-Tech Goalie Blocker

Born on March 30, 1976 in Anchorage, Alaska, Ty Conklin was a standout goaltender with the University of New Hampshire and despite never being drafted into the NHL, the Oilers signed him in 2000. On October 16, 2001, Conklin made his NHL debut for the Oilers, going between the pipes in relief of Tommy Salo and stopping all four of the shots he faced. He appeared in four games in 2001-02, spending the majority of the season in Hamilton of the AHL, and then the entire 2002-03 season with Hamilton as well. In 2003-04, he had finally earned the back-up position to Tommy Salo, before he overtook the starting role. Conklin was one of the two first ever goalies to play in an NHL outdoor game in the Heritage Classic that season. In 2005-06, he was in a tough position as the Oilers had a difficult rotation of goalies going on, from Ty Conklin to Jussi Markkanen to Mike Morrison to Dwayne Roloson, and even Jeff Deslauriers via call-up (though Deslauriers never played that year). Conklin was limited to 18 games that season, however, in the Stanley Cup Finals, he was placed in goal in relief of the injured Dwayne Roloson and was instrumental in a miscommunication with teammate Jason Smith that resulted in the team throwing away game one. The Blue Jackets acquired Conklin in 2006-07, and then traded him onto Buffalo that same year. In 2007-08, the Penguins signed Conklin and there, his career bounced back. He recorded a career high 0.923% save average in 33 games (a franchise high as well) and then he also played in the second ever outdoor NHL game. To top it off, he also backed up Fleury in the Stanley Cup Finals. The next season, the Detroit Red Wings acquired him and he once again played in another outdoor game, an NHL record for most outdoor games. And again, he backed up in the Cup Finals to be defeated again...also a third time. He then appeared in two season with the St. Louis Blues from 2009-2011 and then ended off his career with a final 15 games with Detroit in 2011-12.
 
In his career, Conklin appeared in 215 NHL games, recording a 96-67-4-17 record with 17 shutouts, three assists, a 2.69GAA, and a 0.906% save average. Additionally, in two playoff games, he recorded an 0-1 record with a 2.38GAA and a 0.917% save average.
 
The piece you are looking at right now is a 2005-06 season Edmonton Oilers game worn blocker used by Conklin from the start of the regular season until some point in January 2006. Wearing this blocker, he recorded his 2nd career shutout, and 20th career win among other games. It is full of wear and definitively photomatched.
 
Acquired from: Fellow collector in Alberta
 
Dates of Game Use: 11-14 games from October 5, 2005 to possibly February 10, 2006
 
Photomatched: YES