It was Wayne Gretzky's first All-Star Game appearance and Gordie Howe's 23rd and final one. Howe was playing for the Hartford Whalers. Gretzky was playing for the Edmonton Oilers.
It happened at Joe Louis Arena on Feb. 5, 1980, and when the announcer introduced Howe, the fans went wild, cheering for four straight minutes. A misty Howe was touched.
Sports Illustrated captures the moment in this video.