Wayne Gretzky Kings Jersey

This jersey belongs to Scott Josey of Brantford, Ontario.

#99 Wayne Gretzky L.A. Kings Away Jersey.

“On August 9th, 1988, Wayne Gretzky along with Marty McSorely and Mike Krushelnyski were traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the L.A. Kings for Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, three first round draft picks, and $15 million dollars. The trade shocked the hockey world as no one ever expected the greatest hockey player in the world would ever be trade, yet alone be traded after a Stanley Cup Championship.

Gretzky made an immediate impact for the Kings. He made his much anticipated debut on October 6th, 1988 and dazzled the L.A. crowd with a goal on his first shot and three assists. In 78 games Gretzky had 54 goals and 168 points. This was second to only Mario Lemieux (199 points) in scoring, but Gretzky narrowly beat out Lemieux for the Hart Memorial Trophy.

After failing multiple times in the next few seasons to reach the Stanley Cup Finals, the Kings would find their chance in the middle of a refereeing controversy. In overtime of game 6 of the 1992-93 playoffs against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Gretzky high-sticked Doug Gilmour, but referee Kerry Fraser missed the call. Gretzky would score minutes later to force a deciding game 7. This was arguable the most controversial moment in Leafs history. Gretzky scored a hat trick and added an assist in game 7 to lead the Kings to their first Stanley Cup Appearance, but would fall to the Montreal Canadiens in five games. This was the closest Gretzky would come to a fifth Stanley Cup Championship and last playoff appearance for Gretzky as a King.

The next season the Kings would struggle, but Gretzky would break another legendary record. On March 23, 1994, Gretzky would break his childhood idol Gordie Howe’s career goals record of 801 goals. When Gretzky scored his 802 goal the game was temporarily delayed for a celebration of his accomplishment.

In 539 regular season games with the Kings, Gretzky scored 246 goals and 918 points. Gretzky won three Art Ross Trophies for scoring the most points in the season, three Lady Byng Trophies for sportsmanship, and a Hart Memorial Trophy during his time with the Kings. Gretzky sits third in Kings’ franchise scoring, but has the highest point per game ratio of the top ten scorers.

On February 27th, 1996, at his request, Gretzky was traded from the Kings to the St. Louis Blues.”

Stay tuned for more Gretzky jerseys this week!

Thanks to Scott for sending in his Gretzky Collection! 

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