In the Kings’ bout with the Vancouver Canucks on March 23, 1994, Gretzky rewrote the league’s record books at the 14:47 mark of the second period when he took a cross-ice pass from Marty McSorley and scored the 802nd goal of his NHL career.
A 15-minute ceremony was held immediately following the goal, which included Gretzky’s parents, his wife, commissioner Gary Bettman, and then-owner Bruce McNall.
It took Gretzky 15 seasons to surpass Gordie Howe’s 801-goal mark, a total Howe played 26 seasons to accumulate. Ironically, Gretzky wore #99 throughout his career to honor his childhood idol, Howe, who wore #9.