Heritage Classic Alumni game brings fans, legends together

People are preparing to see the Great One, Wayne Gretzky, take the ice at the Heritage Classic Alumni game in Winnipeg Saturday.

It's also a flashback to a fierce rivalry between two NHL teams — the Winnipeg Jets and the Edmonton Oilers — going back to the 1970s.

Between 1983 and 1990, the original Jets and the Oilers faced off in the Stanley Cup playoffs six times, the Oilers won each series.

Saturday's game, taking place at the Investors Group Field, includes Gretzky as the Oilers alumni captain and Dale Hawerchuk as alumni captain for the Jets.

"It's fantastic. It's like reminiscent of childhood," said Jets fan Justin Fehr.

Rylan Gould, 11, and his brother Nathan, 14, said although they didn't get to see the players in their prime, the game is going to be a lifetime memory.

"I've always wanted to see Gretzky and all of these Hall of Famers," Rylan said.

"I'm just happy to be here and hope that the Jets can pull off a win today," Nathan added.

For a group of Oilers fans who flew from Edmonton to watch the game, it's a reminder of the old rivalry. Jason Swiderski said they're already in cheering matches with the rival fans.

"Just screaming and cheering. It's already started — game on," Swiderski said before the game started.

"With all of the Oilers and being from there, it means a lot," Terry Olsen added.

With fans of all ages packed into watch, the legends of the hockey greats are sure to continue on.

- ANALYSIS: Gretzky and Kurri and Messier, oh my: Classic Oilers bring heritage of fear for '80s Jets fans