Wayne Gretzky, Oilers greats saluted at Rexall Place farewell

The Edmonton Oilers said goodbye to Rexall Place on Wednesday night and paid tribute to many of the franchise's greats, including Wayne Gretzky.

No. 99 won four Stanley Cups as a member of the Oilers in the 1980s and is the all-time NHL-era points leader at Rexall (née Northlands Coliseum).

Click on the video player above to watch The Great One receive a roaring ovation from fans on an emotional night in Edmonton. 

"My gosh, I wish we could be out there and play for them again but we can't do it anymore," Gretzky said to cheers from thousands of supporters — most clad in orange, blue and white team jerseys. 

Before the game, Gretzky and his family posed for photos outside Rexall Place, in front of the life-size bronze statue of Gretzky holding aloft the Stanley Cup.

The Oilers began play in the building in 1974 when they were in the World Hockey Association.

The team, which has been eliminated from playoff contention, will move into the new Rogers Place for the start of next season.

In addition to Gretzky, more than 150 other Oilers alumni were on hand for the farewell game and lengthy post-game ceremony, including Mark Messier, Jari Kurri, Paul Coffey, Glenn Anderson and Grant Fuhr.

The current Oilers didn't disappoint in earning a 6-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks.