August 9, 1988: Edmonton Oilers fans react to the Gretzky trade

The bombshell of all bombshells dropped on Edmonton hockey fans 28 years ago this week.

On August 9, 1988, hockey fans were talking about only one thing: word that Wayne Gretzky, 'The Great One,' would leave Edmonton for the Los AngelesKings.

The devastation started trickling in on radio talk shows and extendedall the way to the mayor's office.

"It's like taking the river valley away from Edmonton and saying 'Okay, fend for yourself,' " then-mayor Laurence Decore said.

The Oilers' office phone lines lit up as Edmontonians called to complain with many blaming Gretzky's new bride and Peter Pocklington's greed for the departure.

Others, though, saw the trade as an opportunity.One fan CBC News spoke to in abarbershop was hopeful thatgivingup Gretzky would bring ina couple of new, rising players.

CBC Newsday'sBob McLaughlinreported on the bombshell tradeon August 9, 1988.

Do you remember where you were when you heard the news?