The 32nd National Hockey League All-Star Game was held in
Joe Louis Arena in
Detroit, home to the
Detroit Red Wings, on February 5, 1980. The
Wales Conference all-star team won for the fifth consecutive time.
Reggie Leach was voted MVP after scoring one goal and one assist. This was
Wayne Gretzky's first appearance and
Gordie Howe's 23rd and final All-Star game appearance.
Gary Sargent named to Wales team, but unable to participate due to injury. Although it was the biggest stage the sport's two greatest players ever shared, Gretzky and Howe, the game always will be remembered for the thunderous standing ovation fans showered upon Howe, Gretzky's childhood idol and one of the Motor City's most fabled sports legends. Howe was introduced last by the PA announcer and received a standing ovation for four minutes, before the announcer interrupted the crowd.[1]