Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Fall 2014
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2014
The Great One turned 18 on Jan. 26, 1979, and it was quite a birthday to say the least as it's not every day that an 18-year old becomes a multi-millionaire after signing a 20-year contract extension in front of family and 12,321 friends. It was also a contract that was supposed to keep the young fellow in an Edmonton jersey for the rest of his career (although we know it didn't work out quite that way). We have an original 7" x 10" B&W UPI photo of the big signing, in great condition with only a corner crease to note, and showing the UPI stamp on the back along with an attached typed description. Gretzky’s WHA Oilers were at home against the Cincinnati Stingers that night, a couple of cakes in the shape of “9s” were wheeled out, and owner Peter Pocklington took the microphone and announced that Wayne’s 7-year deal was being ripped up and replaced with the new one. The photo shows Wayne signing at center ice with his dad Walter and Oilers vice-president and GM Larry Gordon alongside. The Stingers would beat the Oilers 5-2, and the birthday boy would notch one assist and voted third star.
By clicking this button, you will IMMEDIATELY bid the amount selected.
By clicking this button, you will submit this amount as your MAXIMUM (absentee) bid. The auction software will place bids on your behalf up to this amount only as it is bid against competitively by other bidder(s).