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Wayne Gretzky makes NHL debut against Blackhawks at Chicago Stadium

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 10, 2026, 9:00 AM

Last updated Oct 10, 2026

Wayne Gretzky makes NHL debut against Blackhawks at Chicago Stadium

Summary

On October 10, 1979, Wayne Gretzky made his NHL debut with the Edmonton Oilers against the Chicago Blackhawks at Chicago Stadium. In the game, Gretzky recorded one assist and had a total of five shots on goal. The Oilers ultimately lost the match 4-2. This debut came during a challenging time as Gretzky adapted to the larger market of Chicago compared to his previous experiences in Edmonton. His firsthand impressions highlighted a stark difference in fan attendance and city size.

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By the Numbers

•Wayne Gretzky debuted for the Edmonton Oilers on October 10, 1979.
•The Oilers faced the Chicago Blackhawks at Chicago Stadium.
•Gretzky recorded one assist and five total shots on goal.
•The Blackhawks won the game 4-2.
•Gretzky remarked on the differences between Edmonton and Chicago hockey culture.

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9:00 AMYahoo Sports — Today in Chicago History: Wayne Gretzky makes NHL debut at Chicago Stadium

What they're saying

"
Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Oct. 10, according to the Tribune’s archives. Is an important event missing from this date? Email us. Flashback: Oct. 10, 1954 1954: October 1954 was the wettest October on record in Chicago, bringing the city some of its worst flooding on record. Two major rain events swamped the city. Most of the rainfall (almost 11 of the official ...
— Yahoo Sports

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Chicago Blackhawks Edmonton Oilers NHL Hockey