The NHL was inspired to honor Gretzky in this way by Major League Baseball retiring Jackie Robinson's number 42.

[1] Gretzky also made it clear that he would not partake in any old-timer or Heroes of Hockey game unless it was held in Edmonton, a statement that was realized with the 2003 Heritage Classic three years later.

The North American All-Stars were clad in a navy blue uniform with white shoulders and sleeves, and the wishbone collar design previously introduced by Nike, while the World All-Stars wore red with white shoulders and sleeves, and a faux polo-style collar.

The goaltenders, however, wore white jerseys with their teams' primary colors on the shoulders and sleeves.

Referees Kerry Fraser and Don Koharski were also clad in special sweaters for the game.

A vertical orange stripe was added to the left side of their jerseys in order to help further distinguish the referees and linesmen.