Gretzky’s Stolen Trophy (click to comment)

Twenty-five years later, I was speaking in a church when a guy named Russell told me a story that caused my eyebrows to stay raised for about half an hour. On the night the Oilers won the Stanley Cup, a guy named Russell and a friend somehow got a hold of press passes and sneaked into the Oilers’ locker room after the game. They drank from the cup, celebrated with the boys, then stole superstar Wayne Gretzky’s helmet, and left the building.

For many years that helmet adorned a wall at Russell’s business. It was a trophy of his wayward lifestyle, and the greatest conversation starter a guy could have. Then one day Russell heard the story of Jesus, and repented. But the helmet remained. He didn’t know what to do with it. And when his son was born, he wondered how can I ever show it to him. Russell told me this crazy story, then added: “I saw an interview with the Edmonton Oilers’ equipment manager once. He said, ‘People tried to steal Wayne Gretzky’s equipment all the time, but we tricked ‘em. Put his name on big equipment bags. People stole ‘em, but they were stuffed with towels.’” When asked if anyone ever managed to steal anything of Wayne’s, he laughed and said, ‘Well, there was this once…’” I handed Russell one of my books and wrote in the front, “For Russell. Give Wayne his helmet back.”

Six months later I received an email from Russell. He had written Wayne, and told him his story. “I’m a father now. I’d like to lay this burden down. Just tell me where to send the helmet.” Wayne wrote back, saying he was deeply touched. “Keep the helmet on two conditions,” he said. “One. Never sell it. Two. Give it to your son when he’s old enough to understand the story.” Wayne Gretzky once said, “I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.” Russell agrees. “I’ve made plenty of mistakes and I can’t go back. But I can do the right thing today, move forward with God’s help.” You see, Russell knows that he’s forgiven for what he did. Aren’t you glad God’s forgiveness isn’t partial or temporary? It’s a gift of grace given to those who ask for it. We don’t sell it, we pass it on.

Colossians 1:13-14 says, “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Russell agrees. A light blue helmet sits on his mantel now. His son loves to hear about it. After all, it’s a trophy of God’s grace. Do you have any stories that seem too good to be true, like Russell’s? Click on the title to comment. We love hearing from you.