Gretzky’s Era Most Defined by 802nd Goal

It was the peak moment of the Wayne Gretzky era in Los Angeles. It was the way Kings’ fans will always remember that era.

There was a sellout Forum crowd of 16,005 on their feet cheering wildly.

There was a bright red light over the opposing goal.

There was Gretzky in silver and black, a broad smile on his face, both arms raised in triumph.

There was the sound of Randy Newman’s “I Love L.A.” blaring through the building.

It was a moment forever frozen in time on the ice on a spring evening in Los Angeles.

It was another time. Another era.

But it was only two years ago.

There were plenty of highlights of Gretzky’s nearly eight full seasons in Los Angeles. There was 1989, when the Kings, down 3-1 to the Edmonton Oilers in a best-of-seven, opening-round playoff series in Gretzky’s opening season in Los Angeles, rallied to beat the Oilers.

There was the Kings’ memorable run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1993.

But in terms of personal accomplishment, nothing Gretzky ever does figures to be relived as long as the goal he smashed past Vancouver Canuck goalie Kirk McLean on March 23, 1994.

It was the 802nd goal of Gretzky’s career, surpassing the NHL mark set by his boyhood hero, Gordie Howe. In the world of hockey, it can be equated with Hank Aaron’s 715th home run, surpassing Babe Ruth’s major-league record.

And to make it particularly sweet for Gretzky, his father, Walter, was at the Forum that night to watch his son make history.

The senior Gretzky was recovering from a brain aneurysm that had nearly taken his life. Gretzky’s family had been traveling with him as he pursued Howe.

There was another key moment in Gretzky’s King career, one that would eventually lead to his departure, though few could envision it at the time. It was the 1992 NHL All-Star game, played at the Spectrum in Philadelphia.

Gretzky and the St. Louis Blues’ Bret Hull played on the same line and left the ice salivating over the possibilities. Hull scored two goals and won the most valuable player award. Gretzky scored a goal as well.

“Awesome,” said Hull of playing with Gretzky. “I don’t know any other way to explain it.”

The two talked that day of the dream of playing together. Three years later, that dream became a reality. And the Gretzky era in Los Angeles became just a series of fond memories.