Wayne Gretzky: a poster from 1983

[Pasha71]

This is a poster from 1983. Is there any chance the pic was taken before/during/after some specific game? We know it's 1983/84, since Gretzky became the captain of the Oilers on October 4, 1983:

Oilers ’84: When Wayne Gretzky was named captain

Click to read more...

 

[MiamiScreamingEagles]

That looks like it could be Boston Garden based on the seats but I sent a message to Fenway to see if he feels the same.

 

[Fenway]

That looks like it could be Boston Garden based on the seats but I sent a message to Fenway to see if he feels the same.

I don't think it is Boston - more likely MLG in Toronto

 

[Pasha71]

Toronto would make more sense. In 1983/84, Edmonton played in Toronto on October 26, and in Boston, on February 11. Since the poster is from 1983...

 

[MiamiScreamingEagles]

The Aud in Buffalo is possible, too.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

I don’t believe that’s in Toronto because of the top dasher color, which was yellow in Maple Leaf Garden. Trying to identify which rinks had a red upper dasher then, it could be either Philly or Chicago (it’s not Montreal since the lower dasher was blue).

 

[tarheelhockey]

This is why it’s so important that we not have rink uniformity

 

[MiamiScreamingEagles]

I don’t believe that’s in Toronto because of the top dasher color, which was yellow in Maple Leaf Garden. Trying to identify which rinks had a red upper dasher then, it could be either Philly or Chicago (it’s not Montreal since the lower dasher was blue).

The seats look yellow to me. If so, not the Spectrum.

 

[Pasha71]

It could be Chicago. Then, it's November 13, 1983 (Edmonton at Chicago).

 

[Tarantula]

It could be Chicago. Then, it's November 13, 1983 (Edmonton at Chicago).

Think Chicago stadium had red seats, I THINK it is the Boston garden. The dashers and seats seem to be the same.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Think Chicago stadium had red seats, I THINK it is the Boston garden. The dashers and seats seem to be the same.

I think you’re right.

 

[Pasha71]

Then, it's February 11, 1984, and the poster is mistakenly attributed to 1983.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

Toronto would make more sense. In 1983/84, Edmonton played in Toronto on October 26, and in Boston, on February 11. Since the poster is from 1983...

Gretzky didn't play in that game in Boston, either.

 

[LeBlondeDemon10]

IIRC Gretzky didn't cut his hair until 1988.

 

[Pasha71]

Well, this is the poster:

Wayne Gretzky "Icon" (1983) Edmonton Oilers Premium Poster Print - Photofile 16x20

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

I don't think it is Boston - more likely MLG in Toronto

View attachment 264785

I loved that place.

Just barely got to see it a couple months before it closed. Saint Mike's Majors game in the afternoon, Leafs/Sens at night.

 

[MiamiScreamingEagles]

It is Boston Garden and the person who took the photo is named Steve Babineau, the Bruins' team photographer. I do not know the date, however.

 

[MS]

If it's in Boston then it can't be from 1983 or early 1984, and that would seem to line up with Gretzky's hair which looks like it's from a couple years further on.

 

[Staniowski]

I loved that place.

Just barely got to see it a couple months before it closed. Saint Mike's Majors game in the afternoon, Leafs/Sens at night.

I was living in Toronto in the late '90s and attended many Leafs games in their last couple seasons at MLG. It was a magical place and I loved going there.

The first NHL game I ever attended was there, vs the Islanders in '85. Pat Flatley scored 4 goals and 1 assist.

Unfortunately, I never got to see any of the other old O6 arenas.

 

[VanIslander]

My friend had a Gretzky signed poster.

He, as a teenager back then, sold it to buy a pair of jeans.

Lol.

 

[The Panther]

Not to get all white and nerdy, but the photo looks (to me) later than 1983-84, either 1984-85 or 1985-86. Is it possible there's an error here with the date?

I ask because a 1983 poster is very unlikely to show Gretzky as captain, since that started in October '83. The photo would have to be taken and produced, the poster created and printed, then mass produced, and then sold all within about two-and-a-half months for a 1983 date to be correct.

Not saying it's impossible, but seems unlikely.

 

[Stephen]

It doesn't look like Maple Leaf Gardens because the seats (blurred) appear to be a little darker than that orange/brown/gold colour.

 

[Pasha71]

OK, I specifically searched for Boston and found this very pic on Getty, with this caption:

BOSTON, MA. - 1980's: Wayne Gretzky #99 of the Edmonton Oilers smiles during warm ups against the Boston Bruins at the Boston Garden. (Photo by Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)

So yes, warm-ups before Boston - Edmonton game. 1983/84 - 1987/88. Let's try to narrow it down...

 

[Pasha71]

Here is a pic from 1986/87. Note both the hair and the gloves. In fact, I can't find gloves like these in any Gretzky pics from other seasons. Which makes 1986/87 a very strong possibility.

 

[Pasha71]

And if it's 1986/87, then there are two options:

1.November 13, 1986. Boston - Edmonton 4:3 (OT)
2.March 26, 1987. Boston - Edmonton 4:1