20 years ago today

[the 4th hanson bro]

The face of the NHL changed forever with the trade of Wayne Gretzky from Edmonton to the LA Kings.

The trade shocked the hockey world but probably saved hockey in LA as well as opening up the Southern US to hockey. For example, there are currently more kids playing youth hockey in Texas than in Manitoba, Canada.

Now, there are a lot more kids in Texas and on a percentage basis, Manitoba still is the leader.

ESPN Story

 

[Crusher Disciple]

, Manitoba still is the leader.

ESPN Story

Well, given the fact that there really isn't much else to do in Manitoba....

 

[1001001]

I remember going to Kings games as a kid, and booing the hell out of Gretsky.

Now, an autographed photo of him in a Kings uniform hangs in my office.

Good times!

 

[TheSeeker]

I remember that day. It really was quite shocking. I always thought he'd stay with the Oilers until the end of his career.

 

[scottydog]

It was unthinkable for Gretzky to leave the Oilers. I still don't understand how that could happen. I miss the days when more players spent their entire careers with one team. Bret Favre as a New York Jet? Ugh!