For the fans who filled the lower bowl of the Jets arena, it was the first time in years -- 30 or more in some cases -- to see former Winnipeg players on home ice.
For the players, it was a chance to get ready to play against the Oilers alumni, including Hockey Hall of Fame members Gretzky, Mark Messier and Jarri Kurri.
"Hopefully, they are in as good of shape as we are… or worse," former Jets defenseman Dave Babych said. "They got a few young guys who can scoot pretty good. So do we. By young, I mean mid-30s, maybe 40. I think it will be good. They're just out here to have fun, just like we are. We're sure not going out there to fall at center ice or anything like that."
Former Jets center Ed Olczyk, who coached the Pittsburgh Penguins and currently serves as a color-commentator for the Chicago Blackhawks as well as the NHL on NBC, said he's a little nervous heading into the game.
"The pressure is on from my kids," Olczyk said. "I better do something constructive tomorrow. I don't know what that is."
Olczyk said his motto for Saturday will be 'short shifts,' but after covering numerous outdoor games as a media member, he's excited to play in one.
"To have that opportunity and to be on that ice, I think it will be one of those events I look at down the road and go, 'You know, it was one of those things I was lucky enough to be invited to and I'm glad I was able to be here.'," Olczyk said.