VIKTOR KOZLOV’S MODIFIED SKATES, 1997-1998

Viktor Kozlov’s skates from his first season with the Panthers (1997-1998) show signs of game use and TLC. They’re scuffed and frayed and an equipment manager added stitching to the sides. In the 1990s, skates made with synthetic materials had many advantages, but tended to break down much faster than leather skates. The side stitching helped prevent the synthetic material from collapsing from repeated exposure to ice and water, making them last longer.