Gretzky; Canucks Program Covers

Dec. 28, 1979
Living in Vancouver for the last 30 years, I have managed to collect a fair amount of Canucks game programs featuring Wayne Gretzky on the cover. Here are the six earliest examples from my collection. The first one, pictured above is from The Kid's rookie NHL season. He was mere months into his career and had produced 51 points in 32 games to that point. Of note, his surname was still being spelled wrong back then. The Oilers won 5-3 this evening behind the goaltending of the immortal Jim Corsi who stopped 37 of 40 Canuck shots. Gretzky beat Curt Ridley in the second period for his 19th goal on the season and only point of this game.

The next one is from Gretz's second NHL season. This was near the end of his second campaign and had collected a new NHL record of 157 points through 78 games. The Oilers dominated by a score of 7-2 with Gretzky beating Richard Brodeur for his 54th of the year. He also had an assist on Brett Callighen's 2nd goal of the game.
Apr. 3, 1981
From his fourth season, the next program is from a 4-3 Canucks win as Brodeur stopped 31 of 34 shots. Gretz potted his 41st with 12 seconds remaining in the game to make the final score close. After the game he sat with 123 points through 50 games,
Jan. 22, 1983
This one is from two months later, this time a 7-4 Oilers victory. Brodeur was out-duelled this night by Grant Fuhr and The Great One collected his 69th goal as well as three helpers. His season total now sat at 190 points in 78 games.
Mar. 29, 1983
The following season the Canucks backed by Frank Caprice, beat the Oilers 3-2 with Andy Moog taking the loss. Gretzky had an assist on Jari Kurri's 27th goal. Gretz was now at 30 goals and 83 points through 30 games.
Dec. 10, 1983
The last program is from two seasons later, a 5-3 Oilers win. Fuhr beating Brodeur once again. Gretzky had two helpers, on goals by Dave Hunter and Raimo Summanen. He now had 93 points in 36 games.
Dec. 29, 1985

 


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