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Young Gretzky Magic: 1982 Neilson #9 "Selecting Skates" – KSA 8 NMM!

Step back to the roots of greatness with this pristine 1982 Neilson Wayne Gretzky #9 "Selecting Skates", graded a sharp KSA 8 NMM (Near Mint-Mint) – one of the nicest examples you'll find from this legendary Canadian promo set!

Long before the records, Cups, and "The Great One" nickname, a teenage Wayne Gretzky was already honing his craft. This card captures that moment: young Wayne carefully selecting and lacing his skates, stick in hand, in a classic black-and-white action pose that screams early hockey passion. Part of the first nine cards in the 50-card 1982-83 Neilson's Gretzky series (exclusive inserts in Neilson chocolate bars across Canada), these early entries focus on his youth and development, with vibrant borders, facsimile signatures, and bilingual backs packed with game tips and illustrations. It's pure 80s nostalgia and a perfect "origin story" piece for any Gretzky collection.

Why this KSA 8 is a must-have in 2026:

• KSA 8 NMM grade – Outstanding eye appeal with sharp corners, clean edges/surfaces, strong centering, and vivid contrast for a 40+ year-old promo card. KSA (Canada's go-to vintage hockey grader) provides trusted, conservative grading – this 8 rivals many PSA 7–8 equivalents while offering excellent value and protection. High grades are tough on these due to candy-bar origins and age.
• "Selecting Skates" theme – Iconic early-life photo highlighting preparation and fundamentals. The back dives into hockey basics with fun illustrations – ideal for collectors who appreciate the storytelling in vintage sets.
• Market positioning – Raw/ungraded copies from the set trade $5–$20+ on eBay/COMC. Graded singles (KSA/PSA/BGS) command solid premiums for eye appeal and slab security. The full Neilson Gretzky set has strong auction history (total values over $35K across hundreds of sales), and mid-grade Gretzkys like this hold steady or appreciate as vintage hockey demand grows. Affordable entry to blue-chip Gretzky without chasing $10K+ rookies.
• Timeless appeal – Gretzky remains the undisputed greatest hockey player ever – his legacy drives consistent interest from new collectors, investors, and fans. This youth-themed card adds emotional depth to any Oilers, Gretzky rainbow, or 80s hockey display.
• Slabbed & ready – Protected in the KSA holder (featuring that signature maple leaf), display-ready on shelf, in a case, or framed – no handling risks.

Perfect for:

• Gretzky completists chasing the full Neilson series (especially the early childhood cards #1-9)
• Vintage promo/food-issue collectors who love Canadian hockey history
• Fans building "origin story" displays from youth to pro
• Smart buyers in timeless legends – Gretzky cards stay resilient year after year

This KSA 8 is clean, nostalgic, and a standout from hockey's most celebrated era. With limited high-grade supply from this candy-bar release and Gretzky's popularity enduring, pieces like this don't stick around long.

Secure this authenticated piece of "The Great One's" beginnings today – add "Selecting Skates" to your collection before it's gone!