Wayne Gretzky played in a total of 18 All-Star games, and to this day, he still holds six incredible All-Star records.
But it’s probably fair to assume that one of those All-Star games was more special than others—the one in San Jose, 1997.
Was it because of some amazing goal he scored? Did he break yet another record? Did he become MVP?
Well, in this instance, we’re talking about a great prank from a teammate that Gretzky will probably never forget.
Wayne Gretzky was the biggest superstar in the NHL every season, from his rookie year to the last one.
To say you pulled a prank on the greatest hockey player that ever lived is special, and to do it so that it actually affects his weekend at the All-Stars is something else; it takes some real courage.
But that’s exactly what his teammate on the New York Rangers, Brian Skrudland, did ahead of the 1997 National Hockey League All-Star Game held in San Jose.
”He was getting ready, and we were the last couple of guys left in the room. I said, ’Gretz, why don’t you go get your sticks, and I’ll give you a hand with your bag out to your car?’” Skrudland said on The Raw Knuckles Podcast.
Gretzky appreciated the help but didn’t know what was about to happen.
”He was in getting his sticks, and I put a 25-pound weight in the bottom of his bag, and I had already pre-signed 50 Brian Skrudland hockey cards, so I threw those all in his hockey gloves.
”So I get a phone call the next day, ’Hi, it’s Gretz. I just arrived in the locker room and have a 25-pound weight in front of my stall. 50 Brian Skrudland autographed hockey cards. I just want to let you know that everybody participating in this year’s All-Star game will get one of your signed hockey cards.’”
