March 24, 1994: Edmontonians celebrate Gretzky's NHL career goals record

Wayne Gretzky's 802nd NHL goal may have been scored while he was playing for Los Angeles, but the NHL record was also celebrated by Edmontonians.

When the one-time Oilers star scored the goal, which was assisted by Marty McSorley, an announcement was made at Northlands Coliseum where his former team was playing the New York Rangers.

Fans gave Gretzky a standing ovation.

The following day, Edmontonians lined up to sign congratulatory messages to the Great One at city hall, with Mayor Jan Reimer being one of the first.

"Congratulations on your amazing achievement number 99, you're number one in the hearts of Edmontonians," Reimer wrote.

Gretzky scored his first career NHL goal on Oct. 14, 1979, in Edmonton against the Vancouver Canucks.

His record setting 802nd goal, which broke Gordie Howe's record set in 1980, was also against the Canucks.

The Great One would go on to score 92 more goals to total 894 by the end of his playing career in 1999.

In the video, CBC's Mark Connolly captures the jubilation Edmontonians had for Gretzky's goal record both at the coliseum and the following day at city hall.