Few cards define a sport the way the 1979 O-Pee-Chee #18 Wayne Gretzky rookie card defines hockey. Printed in Canada in smaller quantities than its Topps counterpart, the O-Pee-Chee version features rougher card stock, bilingual text and the notoriously condition-sensitive blue borders that make sharp, well-centered copies extraordinarily difficult to find.

Gretzky rewrote the NHL record book like no athlete in any sport. Over 20 seasons he amassed 894 goals, 1,963 assists and 2,857 points, totals that remain far beyond the reach of any modern player. He won four Stanley Cups with Edmonton, nine Hart Trophies and ten scoring titles, and his number 99 was retired league-wide upon his retirement in 1999.

This card captures an 18-year-old Gretzky gliding across the ice in his Oilers uniform, stick in hand and eyes up ice, with the classic "Edmonton Oilers" banner across the top and the team logo at lower right. The reverse, printed in brown and blue on a skate-shaped design, records his 1978-79 WHA season of 46 goals, 64 assists and 110 points, along with the prophetic note that he was "considered the best prospect to turn professional since Guy Lafleur."

This EX-MT example stands out with bright, vibrant color, a sharp image and clean blue borders that show only minimal chipping. The centering is quite pleasing for the issue, and the corners display only light wear. The reverse is clean and well printed. A strong, eye-appealing example of the most important hockey card ever produced. Graded EX-MT 6 by PSA.