Wayne Gretzky 'Single Season Goal Scoring Record Breaking Game' 1982 Edmonton Oilers Game Used & Signed Hockey Stick

This Titan TPM hockey stick was used by Wayne Gretzky during the Edmonton Oilers game versus the Buffalo Sabres on February 24, 1982, when he surpassed Phil Esposito’s single-season record of 76 goals. That night at the Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo, the Oilers faced the Buffalo Sabres in a game that held historic significance. Gretzky entered the matchup with 76 goals on the season, tied with Esposito’s mark set in 1970-71. The anticipation in the sold-out arena was electric, with fans eager to witness history.

Gretzky’s first two periods were filled with near-misses and strong defensive plays by the Sabres. Buffalo goaltender Don Edwards had been sharp, turning away several quality scoring chances. Midway through the third period, however, Gretzky found the moment he had been waiting for. Taking a pass from Jari Kurri just inside the blue line, he deked past a defender and released a quick wrist shot that sailed past Edwards and into the net. The building erupted as Gretzky raised his arms in celebration, immediately surrounded by his teammates.

The game briefly paused as the significance of the goal set in. The home crowd gave Gretzky a standing ovation, recognizing the record-breaking moment. The Oilers went on to secure a 6-3 victory, with Gretzky adding two more goals before the night was over, on his way to a hat trick. By season’s end, he had pushed the new record to an astounding 92 goals, a mark that remains untouched to this day.

The stick from that night remains an enduring symbol of Gretzky’s dominance. It features his signature taped blade and knob, showing visible game wear. The shaft bears his number 99 in black marker, along with Northland factory stamping. The tape on the handle remains intact, preserving the details of one of the most important artifacts in hockey history.

This game-used stick represents not only Gretzky’s record-breaking night but also a shift in the sport, proving that seemingly unbreakable records could fall. A defining piece of NHL history, it remains a testament to Gretzky’s greatness.

Gretzky recorded 5 points in the game.

The stick has been photomatched by MeiGray and Resolution, and is accompanied by a photomatch letter. The stick is additionally accompanied by a letter from James Spence Authentication in regards to the signature. 

Going Deeper | Wayne Gretzky

Throughout hockey history, no name has commanded the same reverence and admiration as that of Wayne Gretzky. Universally regarded as perhaps the greatest to ever grace the ice, Gretzky's influence on the sport is immeasurable. Gretzky set over 61 individual NHL records, and won 9 Hart Memorial Trophies and 4 Stanley Cup championships. The NHL’s all-time point leader, Wayne Gretzky is the only player in NHL history to have his number retired league-wide. 

Born and raised in Brantford, Ontario, Gretzky, an undersized player, brought speed and finesse to a highly physical game. Often compared to a geographer or a chess player for his ability to think multiple plays ahead of opponents, Gretzky’s knack for being ‘in the right place at the right time’ made him a defensive nightmare. After joining the NHL and Edmonton Oilers in 1979, Gretzky quickly asserted himself as a top talent, leading the league in goals for five seasons and assists every season in the 1980s. Gretzky led the Oilers to a dynasty in the mid-1980s, winning all four of his Stanley Cups in a five year span between 1984 and 1988. Gretzky went on to play for the Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and the New York Rangers before retiring in 1999. When he did, he retired as the NHL’s all-time leader in points, goals, and assists and an 18-time all-star. In 2017, Gretzky was named to the NHL 100.