The Winnipeg Jets-Edmonton Oilers alumni game played Saturday ahead of Sunday’s Heritage Classic thrilled fans. With many all-time greats on the ice, Teemu Selanne stole the show with two goals, including the game-winner on a penalty shot with only seconds remaining.
The Great One was there, too, playing in his second outdoor game. He was held off the score sheet and said after the game that it may be the last time hockey fans see him on the ice.
“That might have been my last game,” Gretzky said.
If you’re a fan of hockey and the history of the game, hopefully you tuned in to see The Great One off, if indeed that is the last time he suits up for an alumni contest.
The 55-year-old’s first outdoor game was in Edmonton and it’s fitting his last one could be in Winnipeg, a team and city he was nearly traded to instead of Edmonton many years ago. As legend has it, and as you can see in this video feature, his destiny and that of the Jets and Oilers may have been decided over a game of backgammon.
Why is Gretzky thinking this game may be his last?
“I stink. I’m really bad.” he added. “At least I forewarned people. Mark went down and he snapped that first goal and went down and snapped the second one, and I was, like, oh, my God, he can still play. Nobody’s thinking that about Wayne Gretzky.”
Ya right. We love you, Wayne.
