1978 Wayne Gretzky First Professional Goal Full Ticket - Lone Example on PSA Registry

• Sold For: $940
• Year: 1978
• Auction: 2012 January
• Lot #: 707
• Auction Category: Hockey Cards or Memorabilia

As if he was “auditioning” for his glorious career with the Edmonton Oilers, 17-year-old Wayne Gretzky scored the first of his remarkable 940 professional goals at the sparsely attended Market Square Arena on October 20, 1978. Encapsulated and assessed “Authentic” by PSA, this full ticket was issued for “The Great One’s” scoring debut that night in the ill-fated WHA. The voucher features blue and white accents, as well as printed seating/event details and an Indianapolis Racers logo. While few could foresee the historical significance of a ticket like this, it is resultantly one of few survivors and the lone example on the PSA registry. Beating goalie Dave Dryden for his first-ever tally, Gretzky would score again four seconds later. Though his efforts against the Edmonton Oilers went for naught in a 4-3 setback that night, he was traded to that club just 13 days later. The Racers, meanwhile, folded just 25 games into the season and Gretzky’s services were retained by the Oilers as they made the jump to the NHL the following season.