Wayne Gretzky Autographed 1980 NHL All Star CCM Vintage Jersey UDA Upper Deck Authenticated
Get your very own 1980 NHL All-Star Game jersey that has been autographed by "The Great One" himself - Wayne Gretzky. The 1980 game was Gretzky's first All-Star appearance, as well as Gordie Howe's final appearance.
History on the Game:
Wayne Gretzky grew up idolizing Gordie Howe, and in the Great One’s first NHL All-Star Game in 1980 he got to face off against Mr. Hockey, who made his ASG swan song in Detroit.
In 1980, Gordie Howe played in his 23rd and final NHL All-Star Game. At the time, he was a 51-year-old right wing with the Hartford Whalers. During his 26 NHL seasons, Howe played in 23 All-Star Games, missing only once a decade (1947 — his rookie season — 1956 and 1966). The 1980 game was played at the NHL’s newest venue — Joe Louis Arena along the Detroit riverfront. And it featured a rookie who idolized Howe and would threaten to take his title as the greatest player ever. On Feb. 4, 2005, while the NHL was shut down by a labor dispute, the Free Press looked back on the historic 1980 meeting between Howe and Wayne Gretzky.
Hockey fans 42 years ago were treated to an unforgettable All-Star moment at newly christened Joe Louis Arena.
Returning to the city where he starred for 25 years, 51-year-old Gordie Howe, playing in his final season, faced 19-year-old rookie sensation Wayne Gretzky, selected to his first NHL All-Star Game.
On Feb. 5, 1980, a crowd of 21,002 jammed into Joe Louis Arena to watch the Wales Conference play the Campbell Conference in the All-Star Game, setting an all-time attendance record — since broken — for a hockey game.
Although it was the biggest stage the sport’s two greatest players ever shared, the game always will be remembered for the thunderous standing ovation fans showered upon Howe, Gretzky’s childhood idol and one of the Motor City’s most fabled sports legends.
Gretzky's signature was witnessed under UDA's Five-Step Authentication Process. Includes holofoil and Certificate of Authenticity.
