October 18

In 1984, Edmonton's Wayne Gretzky scored his 29th career hat trick to lead the Oilers to a 7-5 win over the North Stars at Minnesota.

October 15

In 1986, Wayne Gretzky picked up five assists to lead the Oilers to a 5-2 win over the Quebec Nordiques.

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In 1989, Wayne Gretzky picked up a first period assist for point #1,850 to tie Gordie Howe, then scored in the final minute to become the NHL's all time leading point scorer. He scored again in overtime to lead the Kings to a 5-4 win at Edmonton.

October 14

In 1978, 17-year-old Wayne Gretzky played in his first pro hockey game, a 6-3 Indianapolis Racers' loss to Winnipeg, in the WHA.

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In 1979, Wayne Gretzky scored his first NHL goal in his fifth game in the league when the Oilers tied Vancouver 4-4 in Edmonton. Glen Hanlon was the victim of Gretzky's first goal.

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In 1984, Wayne Gretzky had a goal and three assists to lead the Oilers to a 9-2 win over the Quebec Nordiques, in Edmonton.

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In 1987, Wayne Gretzky registered his 545th career NHL goal in a 5-4 loss to Calgary, to pass Maurice Richard and move into sole possession of seventh place on the NHL all-time goal scoring list.

October 11

In 1987, Wayne Gretzky had a goal and four assists as the Oilers won 9-2 at Los Angeles.

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In 1990, Wayne Gretzky had four assists, then scored a goal with :49 remaining in game to give the Kings a 5-5 tie against Edmonton, at the Forum.

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In 1997, Wayne Gretzky scored his 50th career hat trick (and his first with New York) and added two assists in the Rangers' 6-3 win at Vancouver. It was also Gretzky's 66th career five-point game.

October 10

In 1979, the Edmonton Oilers Wayne Gretzky made his NHL debut in a 4-2 loss to Chicago. Gretzky registered his first NHL point with an assist.

October 9

In 1993, Wayne Gretzky scored two goals and four assists as the Los Angeles Kings won 10-3 over the Red Wings at the Forum.

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In 2002, Wayne Gretzky's #99 jersey was retired by the Kings in a pre-game ceremony in Los Angeles before a 4-1 opening night victory against the visiting Phoenix Coyotes.

October 8

In 1938, Wayne Gretzky's father Walter Gretzky was born.

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In 1989, Wayne Gretzky picked up three assists as the Kings beat Detroit 5-0, at the Forum.

October 6

In 1988, Wayne Gretzky scored his first goal in a Kings uniform on his first shot of the game, as the Kings won on their opening night, 8-2 vs Detroit. Gretzky had a goal and three assists in the game, and passed 83 Kings in team's all time scoring.

October 5

In 1983, Edmonton Oilers' center Wayne Gretzky scored a goal and added an assist during a 5-4 win over Toronto in the 1983-84 season opener. It was the beginning of an NHL-record 51 game scoring streak for Gretzky that lasted until Jan. 28, 1984.

October 1

In 1999, Gretzky's #99 is retired by the Edmonton Oilers before their home opener against the New York Rangers. The city of Edmonton would also name an expressway after Gretzky.

September 27

On this date in 1991, Wayne Gretzky scored a goal in the first outdoor exhibition game in NHL history as the Los Angeles Kings defeated the New York Rangers 5-2 in Las Vegas, Nevada in temperatures in the mid 80's.

September 20

In 1995, the Toronto Maple Leafs signed free agent Brent Gretzky (younger brother of Wayne).

September 16

In 1978, 17-year-old Wayne Gretzky attended his first pro training camp, as a member of the WHA's Indianapolis Racers.

August 9

In 1989, Wayne Gretzky was traded to the Los Angeles Kings by the Edmonton Oilers, along with Mike Krushelnyski and Marty McSorley, in exchange for Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, three first round draft choices (1989, 1991, 1993) and cash.