March 24, 1994: Edmontonians celebrate Gretzky's NHL career goals record

Wayne Gretzky's 802nd NHL goal may have been scored while he was playingforLos Angeles, but the NHLrecord was also celebrated by Edmontonians.

Whenthe one-time Oilers starscored the goal,which was assistedby MartyMcSorley, an announcement was made at Northlands Coliseum where his former team was playingthe New York Rangers.

Fans gaveGretzkya standing ovation.

The following day, Edmontonians lined up to sign congratulatory messages to the Great One at city hall, withMayor JanReimerbeing one of the first.

"Congratulations on your amazing achievement number 99, you'renumber one in the hearts of Edmontonians," Reimerwrote.

Gretzky scored his first career NHL goalon Oct. 14, 1979, in Edmonton against the Vancouver Canucks.

His record setting 802nd goal, which broke Gordie Howe's record set in 1980, was also against the Canucks.

The Great One would go on to score 92 more goals to total 894 by the end of his playing career in 1999.

In the video, CBC's Mark Connolly captures the jubilation Edmontonians had for Gretzky's goal record both at the coliseum and the following day at city hall.