1982 Neilson Cookie Bar Wayne Gretzky Set

 

This year's Stanley Cup finals featuring the Oilers had me thinking about those past Oilers teams (some would say dynasty) from the 80's.  I'm sure anyone reading will remember a few of those players such as Messier, Kurri, Coffey and Fuhr.  But the most important player of the time was Wayne Gretzky, and anytime I come across his early playing days cards, I'm always intrigued by the prices I see.  So when I saw this full set for sale, I didn't hesitate to negotiate for it.

I wasn't familiar with this set at all and had to do some internet searching to find out it was issued as an insert with Neilson Candies.

The set's first nine images feature Gretzky's childhood and are black and white photos.

The rest of the set are full color photos that focus on his pro career.

Not all of the photos are action shots.  This one apparently commemorates Gretzky joining the 50-goal club back in 1980 (which happened against the North Stars).

This shot was taken during the 1979-80 season and Gretzky was selected for the All-Star team (2nd).

Each of these cards feature a facsimile autograph, which is OK as it doesn't distract from the overall design.  The border colors matched to the team colors are a nice touch.

This card commemorates the Canada Cup series against the USSR.

Gretzky is paired up with Phil Esposito, after breaking Esposito's record of 76 goals in one season.

The back of each card describes a highlight from that season (in both English and French!) and gives the reader a tip about playing hockey.

Judging by some of the prices I see around the internet, I got a bargain for this set.  The dark blue border makes for easy chipping on the edges which may be a reason why highly graded cards have a premium attached.  Still, the subject matter is what counts here, and you can't go wrong buying cards from Gretzky's early playing days.

It's really too bad the North Stars didn't have a chance to draft Gretzky (they held the #1 overall pick that year), thanks in part to Peter Pocklington's "personal services" agreement that forced the NHL to allow the Oilers to keep Gretzky out of the draft.  Instead the North Stars ended up with Bobby Smith, who was pretty good, but he wasn't Gretzky good.  

This begs the question - what the hell is a personal services agreement and why did it last 21 years?  Did Gretzky have to do Pocklington's laundry all that time?  What ever it is, it represents another poke in the eye to Minnesota sports fans.  But I won't hold it against Gretzky and I'll still hold onto this set for awhile.