Gretzky; Hockey Illustrated Covers


Time to share some of my favourite Gretzky magazine covers from my collection. The Great One was a deservedly a cover choice of multiple publications throughout the 1980's. These are my Hockey Illustrated covers featuring The Kid. The first one, above is the season preview issue prior to the 1980/81 NHL season.

Wayner was the cover boy for the next two season preview specials as well (why not?). Another thing consistent on all three covers is the rise of the New York Islanders and their Stanley Cup wins.
I included this April 1982 issue with Dale Hawerchuk on the cover since Gretzky is the back cover subject. Pretty sure I had this one hanging up in my bedroom as a kid.
May 1983, Stanley Cup playoff preview. Gretz and the Oilers still trying for their first Cup, and once again the Islanders and their Cup run is highlighted.
1984/85 season preview with not one, but two photos of Gretzky on the cover. The Oilers have finally won their first Cup and are on the hunt for a dynasty of their own.
May 1985, Playoff preview issue with Gretz and another of my childhood faves on the cover. Tom Barrasso and the Sabres were always on my radar growing up in Southern Ontario. The Leafs were my team obviously, but even as a kid I knew they were dysfunctional and unlikely to win much. Buffalo TV Channel 29 and Radio WGR were easily available in Southern Ontario, hence my interest in the Sabres with Barrasso, Housley and later Mogilny and LaFontaine. Bonus, another Gretzky back cover in this issue.
The last Gretzky cover I have from the 80's, this from February 1989. A great issue for me personally, with a rare Maple Leaf, Eddie Olczyk gracing the cover along with trade-day Gretz holding up his new LA Kings jersey. 



 

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