The NHL also lowered its minimum age, ensuring players such as Gretzky would not need to return to the junior level, albeit with the caveat that such previously underaged players were supposed to be placed into the 1979 NHL Entry Draft pool. The following year, as a 1516-year-old, he had 72points in 32games with the same team, renamed the Seneca Nationals. Over 20 seasons in the NHL, he held 61 records, including six all-star records. [63], The following seasons saw Gretzky break his own assists record three more times (125 in 198283, 135 in 198485 and 163 in 198586); he also bettered that mark (120assists) in 198687 with 121 and 199091 with 122, and his point record one more time (215, in 198586). In 2000, the former forward was linked with a deal to become a part-owner, governor, and head of hockey operations for the Phoenix Coyotes. Although the game involved two American teams, both national anthems were played, with the lyrics slightly adjusted to accommodate Gretzky's departure. "[91] After the 198889 season, a life-sized bronze statue of Gretzky was erected outside Northlands Coliseum, holding the Stanley Cup over his head. Advertisement. It's not God-given, it's Wally-given. Introduction. Wayne Gretzky had four siblings: Kim Gretzky was born May 12, 1963; Keith Gretzky was born February 16, 1967; Glen Gretzky was born August 15, 1969 Wayne hails from a large family of five children. The couple married in 1960, and lived in an apartment in Brantford, where Walter worked for Bell Telephone Canada. Together, they have two children, Tatum and River Johnson. Gretzky shared a sweet family photo in celebration of Mother's Day on May 9, 2021. [189] The Coyotes were in the process of being sold and Ellman convinced Gretzky to come on board, averting a potential move to Portland, Oregon. At the moment, Janet Jones and Wayne Gretzky have five kids: Paulina, Ty, Trevor, Tristan, and Emma. He scored 37points in 31games for the team in the regular season and the playoffs,[64] and the Blues came within one game of the Conference Finals. [65] He partially orchestrated the trade after reports surfaced that he was unhappy in Los Angeles. [20], By age 10, Gretzky had scored an astonishing 378goals and 139assists in just oneseason with the Brantford Nadrofsky Steelers. [216], In October 2016, Gretzky returned to the Oilers as a partner and vice-chairman of the team's parent company, Oilers Entertainment Group, to work closely with owner Daryl Katz and Oilers Entertainment Group CEO Bob Nicholson on the business side of the Oilers' operation.[217]. [124] He recounted: My last game in New York was my greatest day in hockey Everything you enjoy about the sport of hockey as a kid, driving to practice with mom [Phyllis] and dad [Walter], driving to the game with mom and dad, looking in the stands and seeing your mom and dad and your friends, that all came together in that last game in New York. Gretzky was having difficulty scoring this season and finished with only nine goals, contributing to this being the only season in which he failed to average at least a point per game, but his last goal brought his scoring total for his combined NHL/WHA career to 1,072, one more than Howe. He is survived by their five children: Wayne, Keith, Glen, Brent and Kim, and several grandchildren. In June 1978, he signed with the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association (WHA), where he briefly played before being traded to the Edmonton Oilers. Gretzky's professional relationship with Keenan was thus never particularly warm, and the coach's public rebukes effectively ended any realistic prospect of Gretzky remaining in St. Louis once he became a free agent. 99. [16] Additionally, Walter gave the advice to "skate where the puck's going, not where it's been". His 50th goal of the season came on December 30, 1981, in the final seconds of a 75 win against the Philadelphia Flyers and was his fifth of the game. Bassett saw Gretzky as the most promising young prospect. During Gretzky's coaching tenure, the Coyotes did not reach the postseason, and their best finish in the Western Conference standings was 12th. Ice isn't grass. [145] Statistics support the contention: whereas Phil Esposito, who had set the previous goal-scoring record, needed 550 shots to score 76 goals, Gretzky netted his 76th after only 287 shotsabout half as many. "Gretzky" redirects here. (Nathan Denette/AP) Article. [85] Walter Gretzky had known for months after having been tipped off by Skalbania, but kept the news from Wayne so as not to upset him. Walter Gretzky, father of Wayne Gretzky, waving at a 2017 hockey game in Toronto. "I do! It most recently sold for US$2.8 million. The WHA completed the playoffs of its final season as planned. [91] Large cheers erupted for his first shift, his first touch of the puck, his two assists, and Mark Messier's body check of Gretzky into the boards. [126], Leading up to the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, it was announced that NHL players would be eligible to play for the first time. In this article, we'll take a look at 18 photos the Gretzky family doesn't want us to see. He was nervous Edmonton would greet him with boos, but they were eagerly waiting for him. [38] Skalbania sold Gretzky, Mio and Driscoll to Oilers owner Peter Pocklington, a former business partner. [203] American fans online began calling Gretzky a "crybaby"; defenders said he was merely borrowing a page from former coach Glen Sather to take the pressure off his players. You saw him but when you reached out to grab him your hands felt nothing, maybe just a chill." [199], Gretzky was executive director of the Canadian men's hockey team at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. Nobody would ever say a doctor had learned his profession by instinct; yet in my own way I've put in almost as much time studying hockey as a medical student puts in studying medicine. Winding up for the slapshot, he will stop for an almost imperceptible moment at the top of his arc, like a golfer with a rhythmic swing." After winning the first game of the series by a score of 41, the team lost the next three games in overtime, and then fell 41 in the deciding fifth game, where Gretzky failed to get a shot on net. [220] Gretzky was a guest host of the American late night variety show Saturday Night Live in 1989. [51] In the first game of the 1981 Stanley Cup playoffs, against the Montreal Canadiens, Gretzky had five assists, a single game playoff record. [126][128], Gretzky debuted with the Team Canada's men's team at the 1981 Canada Cup. It was like running Gandhi into a corner. )", "Review: Wayne Gretzky writes hockey's history in 99", "Gretzky's book tops Canadian sales for 2016", "Wayne Gretzky endorses Harper despite not being allowed to vote", "Awarded Canada's top honour in 2009, Gretzky has yet to pick it up", "Does The Great One know about politics? By the time I was ten, I had eight years on skates instead of four, and a few seasons' worth of ice time against ten-year-olds. Wayne Douglas Gretzky CC was born on January 26, 1961, in Ontario, Canada to Walter Gretzky and Phyllis Leone. "Our family is thrilled to become the new guardians of this world-class hobby treasure." At age ten, after scoring 196 goals in his hockey league, he scored 158 goals in lacrosse. [179] In addition, Gretzky's jersey number 99 was retired league-wide at the 2000 NHL All-Star Game, a decision inspired by Major League Baseball's retirement of the number 42 worn by Jackie Robinson. Me: "The guy he's passing to." [117] As the season wound down, there was media speculation that Gretzky would retire, but he refused to announce his retirement. Gretzky represented the Blues in the game, which his team won 87. Then an older player in the sunset of his career, he had been passed over for the captaincy of the team. 96. . Wayne Gretzky speaks during a promotional event for the Beijing Kunlun Red Star in his role as global ambassador for the team on Sept. 13, 2018. . In 2004, Gretzky was inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame. ", "Editorial: Gretzky endorsement of Harper a new political reality", "Emile Francis to receive Wayne Gretzky award", "Erie, McDavid Lose OHL Final As Junior Hockey Says Goodbye To An All-Time Great", "Young stars shine during Minor Hockey Week", "Wayne Gretzky rookie card sells for $3.75 million, shatters record for hockey card", Wayne Gretzky, winner of the Lionel Conacher Award and the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award: Virtual Museum of Canada Exhibit, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wayne_Gretzky&oldid=1141939613, That he's regarded as the best player in the history of the NHL, see, That he's regarded as the greatest by many sportswriters, see, For the records he held at retirement, see, Biographical information and career statistics from, This page was last edited on 27 February 2023, at 17:34. [223], Gretzky is a dual citizen of both Canada and the United States, having become a naturalized citizen of the latter. But now, if players without the puck skated just as hard as those with it, but faster, and dodged and darted to open ice just as determinedly, but more effectively, how did you shut them down? [67] The Oilers were a young, strong team featuring, in addition to Gretzky, future Hall of Famers including forwards Mark Messier, Glenn Anderson and Jari Kurri; defenceman Paul Coffey; and goaltender Grant Fuhr. Early years. "I went periodically," Gretzky said with a laugh back in 2018. . "Absolutely", Gretzky said. Trevor signed with the Cubs the next month. In front of the net, eyeball to eyeball with the goaltender he will hold the puck one extra instant, upsetting the anticipated rhythm of the game, extending the moment. "It's as if my father raised me until age 17, then turned me over to Slats and said, 'You take him from here.'"[83]. Wayne Gretzky's daughter Paulina delivered her baby with . Brantford further inducted Gretzky into its "Walk of Fame" in 2004. Wayne Douglas Gretzky was born on January 26, 1961, in Brantford, Ontario. [5][11] The couple married in 1960, and lived in an apartment in Brantford, where Walter worked for Bell Telephone Canada. [234], Wayne Gretzky's uncle, Al Gretzky, ran as a Conservative candidate in London West in the 2006 federal election and for the libertarian Freedom Party of Ontario in the 2013 provincial by-election for the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Based on the numbers that today's superstars put . [177] The Hall of Fame then announced that he would be the last player to do so. As of March 2023, Wayne Gretzky's net worth is estimated to be roughly $250 Million. Most Goals in a Season (92) In the 1981-82 season, Gretzky broke Phil Esposito's record for goals in a season by amassing 92 over 80 games. He is widely known for being one of hockey's greatest players of all time and has broken more than 60 records in the NHL. 31. He is in the NHL Hall of Fame, and is widely considered one of the greatest hockey players ever. Where Gretzky differed from others in his development was in the extraordinary commitment of time on the ice. Gretzky informed McNall that his prerequisites for a deal to take place were that Marty McSorley and Mike Krushelnyski join him as teammates in Los Angeles. 99 which also runs on Wayne Gretzky Drive for its commute. The couple married in 1960, and lived in an apartment in Brantford, where Walter worked for Bell Telephone Canada. (the family evidently spoke Ukrainian). On May 25, 2021, Gretzky announced that he would step down from his role with the Oilers, stating that "The Oilers, their fans, and the city of Edmonton have meant the world to me and my family for over four decadesand that will never end. [14] The farm was where Wayne skated on ice for the first time, aged two years, 10 months. [13] Wayne was joined by a sister, Kim (born 1963), and brothers Keith, Glen and Brent. Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones' almost all big family captioned in one snap as they mark their 33rd wedding anniversary. [21] His play attracted media attention beyond his hometown of Brantford, including a profile by John Iaboni in the Toronto Telegram in October 1971. [109], Gretzky ended his professional playing career with the New York Rangers, where he played his final three seasons and helped the team reach the Eastern Conference Finals in 1997. Love you all, 33 years Happy Anniversary." Wayne Gretzky and actress Janet Jones attend the "The . It's like Larry Bird. Every time he took the ice, there was some spontaneous decision he would make. Wayne is married to American actress Janet Jones. [203] His temper boiled over after Canada's 33draw versus the Czech Republic, as he launched a tirade against the perceived negative reputation of Team Canada amongst other national squads, and called rumours of dissent in the dressing room the result of "American propaganda". After Wayne's birth, the family moved to a house in Varadi Avenue in Brantford. After the details of the trade were finalized by the two owners, one final condition had to be met: Gretzky had to call Pocklington and request a trade. [214] Published Aug 7, 2019. Lemieux scored to win the tournament for Canada; the play is widely regarded as one of the most memorable plays in Canadian international competition. The event reportedly cost Gretzky over US$1million. [24], When Gretzky was 14, his family arranged for him to move to and play hockey in Toronto, partly to further his career, and partly to remove him from the uncomfortable pressure he faced in his hometown. [197] Gretzky resumed his head-coaching duties on December 28. Wayne Gretzky is a Canadian professional ice hockey player and head coach. 10 Canadians Who Became Americans", "Paulina Gretzky Engaged To PGA Star Dustin Johnson", "The Front Row With Bruce Bourquin: June 13, 2014", "Al Gretzky enters London West by-election race", "London West breaks Liberal stronghold as NDP win projected", "Walter Gretzky, father of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, dies at 82", "Rocket Men: The far-out (but true) story of the '91 Argos", "Toronto Argonauts sold for $4.7 million", "Gretzky, Candy to get names etched on Grey Cup", "Honus Wagner card sells for record $2.8M", "Gretzky A Great One Among Thoroughbred Owners, Too", "Gretzky will work closer with Hespeler Hockey", "Gretzky Ranks Among Elite In Arena of Endorsements", "Hockey Great Wayne Gretzky and First Team Sports Partner in Hockey Equipment Company", "Wayne Gretzky Takes the Ice With 989 Sports for Signature Hockey Franchise", "Wayne Gretzky's Toronto Celebrates 25 Years of Greatness", "Meet the Hockey Canada Foundation Board of Directors", "55 shades of Great: Random facts about Wayne Gretzky on his 55th birthday", "Last call at Wayne Gretzky's sports bar in Toronto after 27 years", "Wayne Gretzky to open restaurant at Edmonton International Airport", "Nick Lees: Don Metz in spotlight as Wayne Gretzky opens new restaurant in Rogers Place", "Release: Studio 99 opens in Rogers Place October 18", "Gretzky: An Autobiography By Wayne Gretzky with Rick Reilly (HarperCollins: $19.95; 258 pp. [213] It was preceded by the Mega Stars game, which featured Gretzky and many of his Oiler Dynasty teammates against a group of retired Montreal Canadiens players (whose likes included Claude Lemieux, Guy Lafleur and others). [103] Finally, in early 1996, Gretzky requested a trade. The family regularly visited the farm of Wayne's grandparents, Tony and Mary, and watched Hockey Night in Canada together. A family portrait of Wayne and Janet with kids Trevor, Paulina and Ty in 1997. . My Dad was very smart."[152]. The Wayne Gretzky International Award is presented by the United States Hockey Hall of Fame to honour international individuals who have made major contributions to the growth and advancement of hockey in the United States.