After playing professional hockey for the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association, a rival of the National Hockey League, Gretzky was traded to the Edmonton Oilers who were welcomed into the NHL as an expansion team after the WHA folded. Gretzky made his NHL debut with the Oilers when they faced the Chicago Blackhawks on October 10th, 1979 at Chicago Stadium in Chicago, Illinois. Gretzky would earn the first of his NHL record 1,963 assists when Edmonton defenseman Kevin Lowe scored a power play goal during the first period the 4-2 loss to the Blackhawks. Critics stated that the nimble Gretzky would not survive in the more talented and tougher NHL; Gretzky retired after 20 seasons with four Stanley Cup victories and his 894 goals,1,963 assists, and 2,857 points are NHL records, proving that assessment wrong.

Presented here is a ticket stub from the October 10, 1979 Edmonton Oilers versus the Chicago Blackhawks game where the legend of Wayne Gretzky began. The ticket is labeled “CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS” in red on the midsection of the ticket with “vs. Edmonton Oilers” in printed black. The top of the ticket is labeled “ENTER GATE 1” in black. “5 AISLE D SEC C ROW 5 SEAT” seating information appears labeled in black on the top section of the ticket. “SECOND BALCONY” in red appears below the seating information. “NO REFUNDS-NO EXCHANGES” appears in black on the bottom of the ticket above a set of serial numbers. The reverse side of the ticket is blank. The ticket comes encapsulated and authenticated by PSA (54408273) and is graded NM 7.

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