What Happened On October 15th?
On October 15, 1989, Wayne Gretzky stepped onto the ice at Northlands Coliseum in Edmonton, Alberta, leading the Los Angeles Kings against the team where he built his career. The crowd filled the arena with anticipation, aware that Gretzky was just one point away from surpassing Gordie Howe’s all-time record of 1,850 points. Fans, whether they continued to support the Oilers or celebrated their former hero, understood the importance of the night.
The match began fiercely as the Kings and Oilers fought for control. Gretzky, with his unmatched ability to read plays, found opportunities throughout the game. In the third period, with the Kings trailing 4-3, he skated behind the Oilers’ net—his signature spot called “Gretzky’s office.” Seeing an opening, he fired a precise pass to Bernie Nicholls, who sent the puck past the goaltender. The assist brought Gretzky’s total to 1,851 points, putting him ahead of Howe. The crowd, even those wearing Oilers jerseys, cheered as they acknowledged the historic moment.
Gordie Howe attended the game and stepped onto the ice to congratulate Gretzky. The two legends shared a brief embrace that marked the shift from one generation to the next. Howe leaned in and exchanged words with Gretzky, recognizing the incredible path he had taken. After their exchange, Gretzky made his way to the Oilers’ bench, where he greeted his former teammates, including Mark Messier and Kevin Lowe. Their bond, created over years of winning championships together, remained visible, and they welcomed him as if nothing had changed.
Walter Gretzky, Wayne’s father, watched proudly from the stands. He had stood by Wayne throughout his entire career, guiding him and offering advice from the beginning. That night, he joined the crowd’s applause, feeling pride as he watched his son’s achievement. Later, in the locker room, Wayne and his father shared a private moment. Wayne thanked him for his unwavering support and credited him with much of his success. Walter had always analyzed Wayne’s youth games in detail, reviewing every move to build his understanding of the sport.
The events of the night fell into place in a way that felt almost planned. The Kings had initially scheduled a game against the Oilers in Los Angeles a few days earlier, and Gretzky had prepared to break the record there. A minor groin injury, however, kept him out of the lineup, pushing the milestone game to Edmonton. The delay allowed Gretzky to achieve the record in the city where he had become a legend. Gretzky later admitted that breaking the record there felt right, as though it honored his time with the Oilers. Interestingly, the injury that caused the delay was not severe, but his father advised him to rest, sensing that fate had a role to play.
Outside the arena, fans waited for Gretzky, hoping for a brief moment with their idol. Rather than rushing past them, he paused, signed autographs, and took photos. He had always shown genuine interest in his fans. During his years with the Oilers, he had launched programs to bring young fans from underserved communities to games, ensuring they experienced hockey firsthand. Gretzky continued these efforts even after moving to Los Angeles, often surprising local youth leagues with new equipment and visits. On this night, he again showed his dedication to the community, engaging with his supporters as he always had.
Later that evening, Gretzky spoke with reporters about the emotions of breaking the record in Edmonton. He expressed gratitude for the fans who supported him and acknowledged that being back in the city where he grew up as a professional made the moment even more special. Not everyone knows that in his early years, Gretzky’s family made sacrifices to help his career. Walter Gretzky built a backyard rink each winter in their hometown of Brantford, Ontario, where Wayne spent countless hours practicing, developing the skills that would eventually break records.
Gretzky’s record-breaking night prompted responses from every corner of the NHL. Players across teams, even those who often faced him as rivals, sent their congratulations. Mario Lemieux, often seen as his biggest competitor, expressed admiration in a personal message. Their rivalry, though intense on the ice, never outweighed their respect for each other. During the 1987 Canada Cup, they played as teammates, putting aside their rivalry for the sake of their country. Their partnership became one of the most effective in international hockey history, and their friendship extended beyond the professional realm. It stood as a bond built on their shared passion for excellence.
