All Star Game Memories: Gretzky Returns To Edmonton

Technically it was his second game back since joining the Los Angeles Kings, but the 1989 NHL All Star Game, held in Edmonton, was billed as Wayne Gretzky's return to Edmonton.

Gretzky made sure it was game no one would forget.

Coach Glen Sather arranged it so that Gretz would sit in his old locker stall and played him on a line with former Oilers linemate Jari Kurri and current Kings linemate Luc Robitaille. Together they dominated the game.

On the first shift Gretzky set up Kurri for a goal. On the next shift Gretzky scored himself.

With the Oilers fans cheering on their former hero, it was a foregone conclusion that #99 would be named the MVP of the 40th NHL All Star game. With that he received a car, which he promptly gave to his former bodyguard and close friend Dave Semenko.

"Tonight was special, extra special. It was great fun," Gretzky said. "I  don't think I stopped smiling. It was a treat to play with all those guys again. It was just like old times sitting on the bench."