Lunar phase. The lunar phase or phase of the moon is the shape of the illuminated (sunlit) portion of the Moon as seen by an observer on Earth. The lunar phases change cyclically as the Moon orbits the Earth, according to the changing positions of the Moon and Sun relative to the Earth.
Wayne Gretzky traded by Oilers to Kings 28 years ago. Wayne Gretzky traded by Oilers to Kings 28 years ago. Aug. 9, 1988, move boosts hockey's popularity in Los Angeles, haunts some in Edmonton to this day. The trade that most thought could never happen was made on this date 28 years ago. Wayne Gretzky, the captain and the heart and soul of the dynastic Edmonton Oilers, was traded on Aug. 9, 1988, sent to the Los Angeles Kings along with center Mike Krushelnyski and defenseman Marty McSorley.
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly noted that such a California division would have been unlikely 10 to 15 years ago. But hockey has grown in the state since Wayne Gretzky joined the Kings in 1988, the Sharks and Ducks joined the league soon after and the teams began youth hockey programs. Californians Matt Nieto (Sharks), Emerson Etem (Ducks) and Alec Martinez (Kings) are playing in their home state.