New York Rangers x Mark Messier [2000-04]

This player's jersey has eluded me ever since I started this hobby. I'm finally happy to say I have a New York Rangers Mark Messier jersey into the collection and I can now die in peace. I was just never sure which team to get his name on and if I was able to find the right jersey. Luckily I came across a great deal on this sweater and much thanks to Game Day Sports for the custom job.


The jersey is the road style uniform made by CCM in the early 2000s. The jersey features a a laced collar with double stitched letters and numbers in blue and red.


Born on 18 January 1961 in Edmonton, AB, Mark Messier's pro career started in 1978 for the WHA's Indianapolis Racers and the Cincinnati Stingers. In 1979, he was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers where he'd help the team win five Stanley Cup Championships between 1984-1990. In 1991, he signed with the New York Rangers leading them to a Stanley Cup Championship in 1994 after a 54-year drought. In 1997, he signed as a free agent with the Vancouver Canucks. After 3 seasons north of the border, he returned to the New York Rangers in 2000 but would later retire in 2004. In a career spanning 1756 games played, he scored 694 goals and 1193 assists for a total of 1887 points, third most in NHL history.


NHL Highlights and Achievements:
15x NHL All-Star [1982-84, 1986, 1988-92, 1994, 1996-98, 2000, 2004]
6x Stanley Cup Champion [1984-85, 1987-88,
1990, 1994]
Conn Smythe Trophy [1984]
Hart Memorial Trophy [1990, 1992]
First All-Star Team [1982, 1983, 1990, 1992]
Second All-Star Team [1984]
Lester B. Pearson Award [1990, 1992]
No. 11 retired by Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers in his honour
Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee [2007]

"Bravery is not the absence of fear, but the action in the face of fear." - Mark Messier

Hockey Complete Setup

Here's another new setup I'll be skating with this year. This is an 8" Hockey Eyes Without A Face deck. On top is a sheet of MOB Grip and Shorty's Hardware. With all my decks, I always draw a white line at the tail - it's just mandatory.



Mounted on are a set of Thunder Trucks. These are the 147 hollow light models and perfectly fit a size 8.0 deck. To finish it off, are a set of 53mm Spitfire Wheels and Bronson G3 bearings.

Support your local skate shop.

Powell-Peralta Skateboard Complete Setup

Here is the Powell-Peralta Steve Caballero skateboard assembled and ready to ride. Just sucks how the rest of the month is will be cold and wet. Patience is a virtue depending on who you ask. This complete turned out perfect, but there is still one small area of improvement. Overall, I'm very happy with this and can't wait to hit the streets.


The Thunder 151s fit perfectly with this 10" deck because the axles are right at the edge where the middle of the board cuts into the nose. As for the back truck, it's much wider than the board, but it adds stability. In addition to the bottom, there are enjoi Tummy Sticks rails and Bones risers.


The Powell-Peralta G-Bones are a little too big and I would need harder bushings to prevent heavy wheelbite. As for bearings, I installed a set of Andale ABEC-7s.


Jessup Grip was used for the top. It's the best to apply on a deck with a unique shape and it didn't turn out too bad. As mandatory in the 1980s, the top logo is exposed. To hold everything in place, Diamond Supply Co. hardware gets the job done really well.



Just a few days ago, Steve Caballero won the Bondi Bowl-A-Rama Masters Division. Even in his 50s, nothing can stop this legendary pro.

Support your local skate shop.

Powell-Peralta x Steve Caballero Chinese Dragon Deck & G-Bones Wheels

I've always wanted to put together an old school complete. The major problem was the pricing. However, this year has been looking up for me and I felt now would be the best time ever. Also, the shops were having sales and I had to take advantage before prices go back up. So I grabbed a retro Powell-Peralta Steve Caballero Chinese Dragon deck because Cab is one of the greatest of all time. It measures 10" x 30" with a 15" wheelbase. It's a major beast to carry, but it made me feel like a member of the Bones Brigade.


As a bonus, the shop through in a free sheet of MOB Grip. I selected the Suicidal Tendencies design just because they're pure classic skate punk rock and I'm suicidal - so it kind of works out. What's also rad about this graphic is it was drawn by former Bones Brigade rider Lance Mountain.


Matching deck needs matching wheels, and since this set was heavily discounted, I had to scoop them up. These are the Powell-Peralta G-Bones wheels. They're 64mm with a 97A durometer. Perfect for the park, but I'll for sure roll on the streets.
Check out the post below to see what else is will be added to this setup.

Thunder Trucks 151 & enjoi Tummy Sticks

A major mistake I did was grab the trucks before the deck [since I didn't know which deck I really wanted]. Because I prefer Thunder Trucks, I went with the widest axle which is their 151 model. They can fit up to a size 9" board. However, the deck I grabbed is 10" at its widest, but where the trucks are mounted is 9" in width. So these Thunder HI 151s will fit perfectly.


For the rails, I went with the most inexpensive kind. Yet, they do have a lot of great reviews. enjoi released their Tummy Sticks not too long ago. These will look proper with on top of the blue graphic.

sml. Wheels x Succulent x Austyn Gillette

Another bargain deal on a set of sml. Wheels. These date a few years back but the high quality is still the same. Not to mention Austyn Gillette is one of the best out there right now.

sml. Wheels x Turtle x Morgan Smith

Grabbed a new set of wheels by sml. [pronounced "small"]. These are Morgan Smith pro models from a few years ago and were going for an unbelievable price.

Anti-Hero x Brian Anderson x Lance Art

The last deck I will purchase for the year was a banger. Recently, I grabbed one of Brian Anderson's first pro models from Anti-Hero. BA joined Anti-Hero in October this year. The graphic is part of a series drawn by pro skater Lance Mountain and inspired by one of the greatest tricks to go down at a legendary skate spot.



Brian Anderson has been one of my favourite skaters for over 16 years and his "Yeah, Right!" video part stands out as my favourite one he's ever done.

New York Knicks x Allan Houston [1997-05]

Thrift stores are a major hit or miss, but this past week, I was lucky enough to find a vintage New York Knicks Allan Houston jersey. Now I've never really been a major Knicks fan since the post-Ewing years, and I wouldn't have scooped this up if it wasn't as cheap as it was. But when there's a real good deal on something, you bank on it.


This is the road style version the Knicks wore in the late-90s to early-00s. Judging by the tag, it looks like a stadium giveaway promotional item. The letters and numbers are screened onto the shirt. For something over ten years old, it's in immaculate condition.


Born on 20 April 1971, Allan Houston was drafted 11th overall by Detroit Pistons in the 1993 NBA Draft. In 1996, he signed with the New York Knicks where he'd stay for the remainder of his career. In those 9 seasons, he was a 2x All-Star and helped the team advance to the 1999 NBA Finals. He retired in 2005 with a career average of 17.3 PPG.

Ebbets Field Flannels x Montreal Royals

The brother and sister in-law blessed me with one of the best presents ever. This past Christmas, I was given a Montreal Royals wool strapback cap made by Ebbets Field Flannels. The quality and look of it all is just off the chain and almost makes me want to buy a matching jersey.


The Montreal Royals was a minor league team for the Brooklyn Dodgers and one of their most famous players was Jackie Robinson who played with them in 1946.

Adrift x Raptors

Adrift Skate Shop just re-released one of their best graphics this month. Back by popular demand is the Raptors deck. This one's eluded me for a long time and finally stoked to have it in the collection.



Support your local skate shop.

Hockey x Eyes Without A Face III

I also grabbed this to save up for next spring. It's my third time buying a Hockey Eyes Without a Face deck. This is an 8" board, so it'll fit perfectly for me. Fingers crossed it won't warp this winter.



Support your local skate shop.

Spitfire Wheels x Elijah Berle

Just stocked up on a set of Spitfire Wheels. These are the Elijah Berle Burnout model featuring the classic formula and Conical Full shape. I've always wanted to give these a shot, sadly I have to wait until next spring.

Anti-Hero Skateboards x Grant Taylor

Just grabbed this Anti-Hero Grant Taylor deck from an online seller. This graphic is from the company's Wild Unknown series.


The 2011 Thrasher Skater of the Year joined Anti-Hero two years ago and has been on a tear ever since.

eBay Seller: vnat8193

Hello readers, if you are interested, I'm selling some items on eBay. All prices are in Canadian dollars and I do ship to the US as well. All details for each listing are very informative. Any questions, you can contact me directly. Click here or the image above to check out my page.

Powell-Peralta x Flaming Dagger x Tommy Guerrero

This deck isn't something I picked up, it's something I sold. Here is a vintage Powell-Peralta Tommy Guerrero deck from 1986. It's all cracked and chipped and scratched, just as a skateboards should be. I'm only posting just for sentimental purposes in the fact I'll never see this bad-ass board again.


It was given to my brother through his friend's uncle, then he gave it to me just cause he no longer wanted it. It has "80's skater" all over it with the decorative grip tape and the massive cut-out. Really no different than what people do today.


Tommy Guerrero was one of the pioneer street skaters in the 1980s. His involvement in the Bones Brigade has made him into one of the most covered pros and his legacy continues through his company Real Skateboards. In 2013, he received Transworld Skateboarding's Legend Award.

Thunder Hollow Lights Trucks 147

Several weeks ago, I ordered a pair of Thunder Trucks. I was hoping to get these in time before the snow started to hit, but maybe I can squeeze in some sessions before the weather gets really unbearable.


These are the Hollow Lights model with an hollowed out axle, kingpin and a cavity in the baseplate. They are high profiled and size 147, which are meant for bigger wheels [I usually ride 52mm and they always work] and board sizes 7.9" to 8.2".


Just holding these in hand, I can already tell they're much lighter than previously ridden trucks with the same size. I'm really looking forward to skating these.
Support your local skate shop.


RIP Dylan Rieder

Montreal Canadiens x P.K. Subban [2015-2016]

This week's jersey entry is something I definitely would not buy, unless it was going for an unbelievable discount, which was the case here. Posting today is a Montreal Canadiens P.K. Subban jersey. Because he is still active in the league, I will only cover his career up to this date.


Made by Reebok, the uniform is part of the replica jersey line with the screen printed tackle twill. This is the home style version worn by the Habs from 2015-16, the season "Le Bleu, Blanc, et Rouge" reintroduced the lace collar.


Parnell Karl Subban was born on 13 May 1989 in Toronto, ON, Canada. After playing 4 seasons for the OHL's Belleville Bulls, he was drafted 43rd overall in the 2007 NHL Draft by the Montreal Canadiens. He spent one season with the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs and was called up in time for the 2010 playoffs. He registered 8 points in 14 games. In 2011, he played his first full NHL season.


During his stint with Montreal, he was voted to the All-Rookie Team, played in two All-Star Games, and won the Norris Trophy as the top defenseman. In the summer of 2016, he was traded to the Nashville Predators.


NHL Highlights:
All-Rookie Team [2011]
James Norris Trophy [2013]
NHL All-Star [2011, 2016]
NHL First All-Star Team [2013, 2015]

"I really don't care what the other team thinks. I don't care what their fans think. If they hate me - great. Hate me. We'll just keep winning, I'll keep scoring, and we'll move on." - P.K. Subban

Hockey x Eyes Without A Face II

I recently picked up another Hockey Eyes Without A Face board to replace this since I sold it a while ago. The graphic is just mandatory for a fan of skateboarding, hockey, and the Philadelphia Flyers. Support your local skate shop and only God saves more than Bernie Parent.

Emerica x MADE Chapter 2

Picked up a copy of Emerica's newest video MADE Chapter 2 from Hammer. I suggest you grab one for yourself as well. As a bonus, I also grabbed a Don't Do It sticker because you have to support local skate shops.

DVS x Tycho x Kerry Getz

Just recently grabbed a pair of DVS Tycho shoes. What's special about this particular models are the Kerry Getz inspired colours and logo on the tongue. Earlier this year, he became DVS Skateboarding's new Team Manager.


This model is pretty reminiscent of the tech shoes in the late 90's to mid 2000's. With the heavy padding and heel air bag, I can already tell these are meant to last a long time.


Outsoles are a very important aspect when it comes to comfort. Unlike everything on the market, these are cupsole and are designed to take heavy impact while providing great support.


The Berrics recently featured the DVS team in a United Nations video part. With new additions to the squad, expect big things from them in the long run.

Johnny Bower & "Red" Kelly Autograph Signing

Yesterday afternoon, Pickering Markets and Heritage Stick Co. held an autograph signing with Toronto Maple Leafs legends and Hockey Hall of Famers Johnny Bower and "Red" Kelly.


This was my second time meeting Johnny Bower who signed a photograph and the first time meeting "Red" Kelly who signed a limited edition Canada Post stamp.