This Day in Hockey History

1979 - Wayne Gretzky scores 1st NHL goal

The Great One, Wayne Gretzky, notches the first goal of his legendary hockey career in front of 15,300 fans at Northlands Coliseum as the Edmonton Oilers skate to a 4-4 tie with the Vancouver Canucks. 

Gretzky receives a return pass behind the net before emerging on the backhand and lifting a shot over a sprawling Glen Hanlon. 

He goes on to score 894 goals in his career, the most all time. 

1999 - Thrashers earn 1st win in franchise history

The Atlanta Thrashers become just the second expansion franchise to capture their first win with a shutout, blanking the New York Islanders 2-0 on Long Island.

Andrew Brunette claims the first game-winning goal in franchise history and Kelly Buchberger adds an insurance tally for Damian Rhodes, who makes 20 saves for the shutout. 

Birthdays

1949 - Dave Schultz
1967 - Sylvain Lefebvre