Who is Wayne Gretzky?

Wayne Douglas Gretzky CC is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and former head coach. He played 20 seasons in the National Hockey League for four teams from 1979 to 1999.

Why was Gretzky so great?

He was grace under pressure, sneaky fast and dazzling on skates. He saw the entire ice the way a modern-day defenseman does. If Bobby Orr and Howe revolutionized the game, Gretzky took what became before him and molded the metaphorical clay into the perfect threat, perfect player and perfect athlete.

What is Wayne Gretzky known for?

Wayne Gretzky, in full Wayne Douglas Gretzky, byname the Great One, (born January 26, 1961, Brantford, Ontario, Canada), Canadian ice hockey player who was considered by many to be the greatest player in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL).

What did Wayne Gretzky do for Canada?

On the global stage, Gretzky carried Canada to gold at the 1984, 1987, and 1991 Canada Cup tournaments and was the executive director of Canada's men's Olympic hockey team, which took home the gold in 2002. Since retiring from the rink, Gretzky has continued his involvement in sports.

Why is Gretzky a hero?

Wayne Gretzky wasn't just one of the best hockey players of all time, he was also a hero to many around the world. He inspired many people by giving them the opportunity to play and learn about hockey and by being one of the best hockey players in the world, as well as a good role model.

Why did Gretzky retire?

Gretzky says he accepted his retirement decision the moment he announced it in the final week of the 1998-99 season; he played his final NHL game on April 18, 1999, with the Rangers. "The fact I can't do it, it kills me," he says of continuing to play, "but I've got peace of mind because it was time to move on.

What is Wayne Gretzky's famous quote?

1. “The greatest thing about playing obviously is winning, and you can't replace that experience with anything. ” - Wayne Gretzky.

Who is the greatest hockey player ever?

Wayne Gretzky shattered long-standing records, notably scoring an unprecedented 894 goals. He also earned four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers (1984–85, 1987–88) and was named the NHL's MVP nine (!) times (1980–87, 1989).

Why was Gretzky traded?

Gretzky had just married actress Janet Jones and was spending part of the summer living in the Hollywood home of actor Alan Thicke. Knowing that Gretzky was living in Los Angeles and certain he wouldn't re-sign with the Oilers when his contract expired, Pocklington accepted McNall's offer.

Why is Gretzky a role model?

The first recipient of the Horatio Alger International Award, Wayne Gretzky serves as a role model of outstanding character who is committed to helping others. Known as "The Great One", Gretzky is widely considered to be the greatest player in professional hockey history.

Where is Gretzky now?

Wayne Gretzky is now St. Louis-based. Family moved to be closer to his 100-year-old mother-in-law (Janet Jones's mother).

Why is Gretzky Number 99?

Wayne Gretzky started wearing the No. 99 when numbers higher than 30 were almost unheard of for pro hockey players. Gretzky, while playing for the Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League in 1977-78, wanted No. 9 in honor of his idol, Gordie Howe.

Who is the goat of hockey?

Wayne Gretzky

The NHL record book might as well be renamed “The Memoirs of Wayne Gretzky”, as he basically wrote it himself throughout his career. The only player in NHL history to record 200 points in a single season, Gretzky achieved the feat a whopping four times during his career.

Is Gretzky the most dominant athlete?

Gretzky is the most dominant athlete in the history of major pro team sports. So let's celebrate a few of the most hilariously jaw-dropping statistics to further illustrate what he accomplished in the NHL from 1979-80 through 1998-99. Gretzky won the scoring title by more than 70 points – six times.

Is Gretzky the goat of GOATs?

Well, we have our answer: it's Wayne Gretzky. Think about it: He did what he did on skates. Sixteen sporting icons entered our GOAT of GOATs bracket, and No. 99 took down Michael Jordan in the finals, taking home 60% of the vote.

Who discovered Wayne Gretzky?

However, it was Racers owner Nelson Skalbania who, on June 12, 1978, signed 17-year-old Gretzky to a seven-year personal services contract worth US$1.75 million. Gretzky scored his first professional goal against Dave Dryden of the Edmonton Oilers in his fifth game, and his second goal four seconds later.

Who sold Gretzky?

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.

How much is Wayne Gretzky?

Wayne Gretzky is one of the best hockey players in the world and has received many prestigious awards for all of his achievements. He has accomplished a lot in his career and influenced many. As of 2022, Wayne Gretzky's net worth is estimated at $250 million.

Who is better Wayne Gretzky or Bobby Orr?

In the end, Gretzky became the greatest center of all-time and Orr was the NHL's greatest defenseman. They both changed the game, figuratively and literally. Like when, for example, the NHL rewrote its rulebook because of Gretzky.

Who is better Mario Lemieux or Wayne Gretzky?

Gretzky is widely regarded as the greatest player in NHL history and holds nearly every possible offensive record. Lemieux has the second-highest points-per-game rate in history and appeared in less than 1,000 games but remains one of the best to ever play.

Who is better Gretzky or Crosby?

The average NHL team had 366 power-play opportunities in 1990-91, which is 49.4 percent more than the 245 in 2016-17. According to Hockey-Reference.com, Gretzky was on the ice for 70 power-play goals that season, which is 61 percent more than Crosby, who was on for 43 last season.

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