Wayne Gretzky broke many records during his illustrious Hall of Fame career in the NHL, but he set a special one on this day in 1994 when he passed his childhood idol Gordie Howe for the most goals scored all-time.
‘The Great One’ netted for the 802nd time in the second period of the Los Angeles Kings’ 6-3 loss to the Vancouver Canucks. The goal came on a power play at the 14:47 mark of the second period, when Gretzky took a pass from defenseman Marty McSorley and fired into the net from the left circle.
There was a 15-minute on-ice ceremony following the score, which included Gretzky’s parents, his wife and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.
Other memorable events on this day
1979: Larry Holmes knocks out Ossie Ocasio in the seventh round to claim the heavyweight boxing title in Las Vegas.
1984: Katarina Witt and Scott Hamilton win the Ladies’ and Men’s World Figure Skating Championships in Ottawa, respectively.
2003: Australia crush India by 125 runs to win the final of the Cricket World Cup, with captain Ricky Ponting named man of the match.