Wayne Gretzky facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Wayne Gretzky CC
Gretzky in June 2019
Born	(1961-01-26) January 26, 1961 (age 64) Brantford, Ontario, Canada
Height	6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight	185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
Position	Centre
Shot	Left
Played for	Indianapolis Racers Edmonton Oilers Los Angeles Kings St. Louis Blues New York Rangers
Coached for	Phoenix Coyotes
National team	Canada
Playing career	1978–1999
Coaching career	2005–2009

Wayne Douglas Gretzky (born January 26, 1961) is a famous Canadian-American former professional ice hockey player. Many people call him "the Great One". The NHL even says he is the greatest ice hockey player ever. He played for 20 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1979 to 1999.

Gretzky holds many NHL records. He has the most career points and assists. He even has more assists than any other player has total career points! He is the only NHL player to score over 200 points in one season, which he did four times. He also scored over 100 points in 15 professional seasons. When he retired in 1999, he held 61 NHL records.

Wayne grew up in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. He practiced his hockey skills on a rink in his backyard. He played minor hockey at a much higher level than other kids his age. Even though he wasn't very big or strong, Gretzky was super smart on the ice. He had amazing energy and could always tell where the puck would go next. He was known for playing behind the opponent's net, an area called "Gretzky's office".

Gretzky was the top scorer in the 1978 World Junior Championships. In 1978, he joined the Indianapolis Racers in the World Hockey Association (WHA). He then moved to the Edmonton Oilers. When the WHA closed, the Oilers joined the NHL. There, he set many scoring records and helped his team win four Stanley Cup championships.

In 1988, Gretzky was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. This trade made hockey much more popular in California. He later played briefly for the St. Louis Blues before ending his career with the New York Rangers. Gretzky won many awards, including nine Hart Trophies (MVP) and 10 Art Ross Trophies (most points). He also won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy five times for being a great sportsman.

After he retired in 1999, Gretzky was immediately put into the Hockey Hall of Fame. The NHL even retired his jersey number 99 across the entire league. He also helped the Canadian national men's hockey team win a gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Early Life and Hockey Start

Wayne Douglas Gretzky was born on January 26, 1961. His parents were Phyllis and Walter Gretzky. They lived in Brantford, Ontario. Their yard was flat, perfect for making an ice rink. Wayne had a sister, Kim, and brothers, Keith, Glen, and Brent.

Walter Gretzky taught Wayne and his brothers hockey on their backyard rink. They called it the "Wally Coliseum". Wayne learned to skate around bottles and flip pucks over sticks. His dad always told him to "skate where the puck's going, not where it's been". Wayne was a child star in hockey. Other parents sometimes got jealous of his amazing skills.

Gretzky's first pair of skates at the Hockey Hall of Fame, worn when he was three years old

When Wayne was six, he played on a team with ten-year-olds. His first coach, Dick Martin, said Wayne handled the puck better than the older kids. Wayne was so good that other talented players were often overlooked because of him. His jersey was too big, so he tucked it into his pants. He kept doing this throughout his NHL career.

By age ten, Gretzky had scored an amazing 378 goals and 139 assists in just one season! This was with the Brantford Nadrofsky Steelers. Media from outside Brantford started noticing him. By age 13, he had scored over 1,000 goals.

Because he was so good, some parents of other players booed him. When he was 14, his family moved him to Toronto to play hockey. This helped his career and took away some of the pressure. He played Junior B hockey with the Toronto Nationals. This league included players up to 20 years old. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1975–76.

In 1977, the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds picked Gretzky in the draft. He was 16. It was with the Greyhounds that Gretzky first wore the number 99. He wanted number 9, like his hero Gordie Howe. But a teammate already had it. His coach suggested 99, and it stuck!

World Hockey Association (WHA)

By 1978, the World Hockey Association (WHA) was having money problems. The NHL did not allow players under 20, but the WHA did. So, teams wanted to sign young stars like Gretzky.

On June 12, 1978, the owner of the Indianapolis Racers, Nelson Skalbania, signed 17-year-old Gretzky. The deal was for seven years and US$1.75 million. Gretzky scored his first professional goal in his fifth game. But he only played eight games for Indianapolis. The Racers were losing a lot of money.

Gretzky was traded to the Edmonton Oilers. On November 2, Gretzky and two other players were put on a private plane. They didn't know where they were going. Skalbania made a deal in the air. He sold Gretzky to Oilers owner Peter Pocklington.

One cool moment was Gretzky playing in the 1979 WHA All-Star Game. He played on a line with his childhood hero, Gordie Howe, and Howe's son, Mark. They scored seven points together in the first game!

On Gretzky's 18th birthday, Pocklington signed him to a ten-year contract. Gretzky finished third in scoring with 110 points. He won the Lou Kaplan Trophy as rookie of the year. He also helped the Oilers finish first in the league.

The WHA eventually closed down. The Oilers and three other WHA teams joined the NHL in 1979. The Oilers were allowed to keep Gretzky on their team.

NHL Career Highlights

Edmonton Oilers (1979–1988)

Gretzky quickly became a star in the NHL. In his first NHL season (1979–80), he won the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league's Most Valuable Player. He tied for the scoring lead with 137 points. This is still the highest point total for a first-year player in NHL history.

A statue of Gretzky holding the Stanley Cup outside Rogers Place in Edmonton.

In his second season, Gretzky set a new record with 164 points. He broke Bobby Orr's assist record (102) and Phil Esposito's point record (152). He won his second Hart Trophy.

During the 1981–82 season, Gretzky broke a 35-year-old record. He scored 50 goals in just 39 games! This record was first set by Maurice "Rocket" Richard. On December 30, 1981, he scored his 50th goal in a game against the Philadelphia Flyers. He scored five goals in that game! Later that season, he broke Esposito's record for most goals in a season (76). He finished the 1981–82 season with 92 goals, 120 assists, and 212 points. He is the only player in NHL history to score over 200 points in a season.

Gretzky kept breaking his own records. He broke his assists record three more times (125, 135, and 163). He also broke his point record again with 215 points in 1985–86. By the time he left Edmonton, he held or shared 49 NHL records.

The Edmonton Oilers became a very strong team. Besides Gretzky, they had future Hall of Famers like Mark Messier, Glenn Anderson, Jari Kurri, Paul Coffey, and Grant Fuhr. Gretzky was their captain from 1983 to 1988. In 1983, they reached the Stanley Cup Finals but lost. The next year, they won their first Stanley Cup! They won four Stanley Cups with Gretzky: in 1984, 1985, 1987, and 1988.

The Gretzky Rule

In 1985, the NHL changed a rule about penalties. Before, if both teams got a penalty at the same time, they would play with fewer players on the ice. The Oilers were very good at scoring when there was more open space. The new rule meant neither team lost a player. Gretzky said this rule punished teams that were good at using the open ice. This rule change became known as "the Gretzky rule". It was changed back in 1992–93.

How Gretzky Changed the Game

Gretzky had a huge impact on how hockey was played. He helped the Oilers become the highest-scoring team in NHL history. He focused on a team-based strategy.

Hockey writer Ken Dryden said Gretzky was the first Canadian forward to play a true team game. Before Gretzky, teams often focused on one star player with the puck. Gretzky changed that. He wasn't the biggest or strongest. He used his smarts to move without the puck. He would find open ice where his size didn't matter. He made his teammates better by making them skate and pass at his high level.

Gretzky explained his style: "Let the puck do all the moving and you get yourself in the right place. Just move the puck: give it up, get it back, give it up." He called his strategy "Find Open Ice". He said, "There's a spot on the ice that's no-man's land, and all the good goal scorers find it."

"The Trade"

After the Oilers won the Stanley Cup in 1988, Gretzky learned he might be traded. His father had known for months. The Oilers' owner, Peter Pocklington, needed money. Gretzky didn't want to leave Edmonton at first. But he talked to Los Angeles Kings owner Bruce McNall. Gretzky said he would only go if Marty McSorley and Mike Krushelnyski came with him. Both owners agreed.

On August 9, 1988, Gretzky was traded to the Kings. McSorley and Krushelnyski went with him. In return, the Oilers got players Jimmy Carson, Martin Gélinas, $15 million, and three draft picks. This trade was a huge shock to Canadians. People were very upset.

When Gretzky first played in Edmonton after the trade, he got a four-minute standing ovation. The arena was packed. He told fans, "I'm still proud to be a Canadian. I didn't desert my country. I moved because I was traded and that's where my job is." After the season, a bronze statue of Gretzky holding the Stanley Cup was put outside the arena in Edmonton.

Los Angeles Kings (1988–1996)

Statue of Gretzky outside Crypto.com Arena, home of the Los Angeles Kings.

The Kings named Gretzky their alternate captain. He scored on his first shot in his first game. The Kings had their best start ever. Gretzky finished second in scoring but won the Hart Trophy as MVP.

In the playoffs, the Kings faced the defending champion Edmonton Oilers. Gretzky led the Kings to a surprising win! They came back from being down 3–1 in the series to win 4–3. The Kings then lost to the Calgary Flames.

Gretzky's arrival in Los Angeles made hockey much more popular there. Many people credit him with helping the NHL grow in warmer parts of the US. California even got two more NHL teams during his time in Los Angeles.

In the 1992–93 season, Gretzky missed many games due to a back injury. This ended his streak of 13 seasons with at least 100 points. But he played great in the playoffs. He scored a hat trick in game seven of the Conference Finals against the Toronto Maple Leafs. This sent the Kings to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time! They lost to the Montreal Canadiens.

The next season, Gretzky broke Howe's career goal-scoring record of 801. He also won the scoring title. But the Kings started to struggle. In 1996, Gretzky asked for a trade.

St. Louis Blues (1996)

On February 27, 1996, Gretzky was traded to the St. Louis Blues. He was named captain right away. He scored 37 points in 31 games for the Blues. They almost made it to the Conference Finals.

However, Gretzky and his coach, Mike Keenan, didn't get along well. Keenan criticized Gretzky publicly. This meant Gretzky would not stay with the Blues. On July 21, he signed with the New York Rangers as a free agent. He rejoined his old Oilers teammate Mark Messier.

New York Rangers (1996–1999)

Gretzky with the New York Rangers in 1997

Gretzky played his last three seasons with the New York Rangers. He helped them reach the Eastern Conference Finals in 1997. They lost to the Philadelphia Flyers. Gretzky led the Rangers in the playoffs with 10 goals and 10 assists. This was Gretzky's last playoff run.

In 1997, The Hockey News asked 50 hockey experts to pick the 50 greatest players in NHL history. They voted Gretzky number one. Gretzky said he would have voted for Bobby Orr or Gordie Howe.

The 1998–99 season was his last. He broke Gordie Howe's record for total goals (regular season and playoffs) with 1,072. His last NHL game in Canada was on April 15, 1999, against the Ottawa Senators. After the game, he was given all three "stars" of the game. When he returned to New York, he announced he would retire.

Gretzky's final game was on April 18, 1999, against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Both national anthems were played. The lyrics were changed to honor Gretzky. Bryan Adams sang, "We're going to miss you, Wayne Gretzky" in "O Canada". Gretzky ended his career with an assist on the Rangers' only goal.

International Play

Team Canada sweater worn by Gretzky during the 1998 Winter Olympics.
Medal record
Representing  Canada
Ice hockey
World Cup
Silver	1996 Canada
Canada Cup
Gold	1991 Canada
Gold	1987 Canada
Gold	1984 Canada
Silver	1981 Canada
World Championships
Bronze	1982 Finland
World Junior Championships
Bronze	1978 Canada

Gretzky first played for the Canadian junior team in 1978. He was only 16, the youngest player. He led the tournament in scoring with 17 points. Canada won the bronze medal.

He played for the Canadian national team at the 1981 Canada Cup. He led the tournament in scoring but lost in the final to the Soviet Union. He won his first international competition at the 1984 Canada Cup.

A highlight was the 1987 Canada Cup. Gretzky played with superstar Mario Lemieux. He had 21 points in nine games. In the final game against the Soviets, Gretzky and Lemieux teamed up for the winning goal with only 1:26 left! This play is very famous in Canadian hockey history.

Gretzky played in the 1998 Winter Olympics in Japan. This was the first time NHL players could play. Canada lost in the semi-finals. Gretzky was not chosen to shoot in the shootout, which was a surprise. Canada finished without a medal. This was Gretzky's last international appearance.

Skills and How He Played

Gretzky in 1997

Gretzky wasn't very big or strong for an NHL player. But he is known as the smartest player ever. He could read the game perfectly and knew where the puck would be. His coach, Glen Sather, said, "He was so much more intelligent."

He was also very creative. Hockey Hall of Famer Igor Larionov said, "You never knew what he was going to do. He was improvising all the time." Gretzky's ability to make things up on the spot was clear at the 1998 Olympics. Even though he was older, his unique skills made him a team leader.

Gretzky was an amazing passer and shooter. Hall of Famer Bobby Orr said, "He passes better than anybody I've ever seen." When defenders tried to stop his passes, Gretzky started shooting more. He had a fast and accurate shot. Goalies called his shots "sneaky fast". He also changed his shooting rhythm, making it hard for goalies to block.

Journalist Peter Gzowski said Gretzky seemed to slow down time on the ice. He would hold the puck an extra moment, confusing goalies. He could also release the puck super fast, finding small openings.

Many people thought Gretzky had "eyes in the back of his head". He said he sensed other players more than he saw them. He explained that his "instinct" came from endless practice and studying the game. He understood the game so well that he could instantly see and use new chances.

Physical Abilities

When Gretzky joined the NHL in 1979, some thought he was "too small, too thin, and too slow". He weighed about 160 pounds. But he still tied for first in scoring and won MVP. The next year, he broke the scoring record. He weighed about 170 pounds for most of his career. He wasn't strong, bench pressing only 140 pounds.

But Gretzky had amazing energy. He could recover quickly. In 1980, tests showed his recovery was so good, the tester thought the machine was broken! He often scored late in games. In his 92-goal season, 40 of those goals came in the third period.

He was also a good all-around athlete. He was a competitive runner and played baseball. He even got a contract offer from the Toronto Blue Jays. Gretzky also played box lacrosse in the summer. He said lacrosse taught him how to avoid getting hit. He used this skill in hockey to avoid serious injuries.

Gretzky also had help from tough teammates like Dave Semenko and Marty McSorley. They protected him from hard hits. But Gretzky also made players pay for hitting him unfairly. Former Oiler Lee Fogolin said, "If a guy ran him, Wayne would embarrass that guy. He'd score six or seven points on him."

Life After Retirement

Gretzky was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on November 22, 1999. He was the tenth player to enter without waiting three years. The Hall of Fame then said he would be the last player to do this. His jersey number 99 was retired across the entire NHL.

Gretzky's star on Canada's Walk of Fame. He received the honour in 2002.

In 2002, the Kings retired his jersey and put up a statue of Gretzky outside their arena. He also got a star on Canada's Walk of Fame. His hometown of Brantford, Ontario, renamed a road "Wayne Gretzky Parkway" and a sports center after him.

Phoenix Coyotes

After retiring, Gretzky was asked to join several NHL teams as an owner. In 2000, he bought a 10% share in the Phoenix Coyotes. He became an owner and head of hockey operations. In 2005, he became the team's head coach. He won his first game as coach.

Gretzky took a break in December 2005 to be with his sick mother, who passed away. He returned to coaching later that month. The Coyotes improved under him, but they never made the playoffs. In 2009, Gretzky stepped down as coach and left his ownership role.

Winter Olympics

Gretzky was the executive director for the Canadian men's hockey team at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. He was frustrated with media comments about the team's slow start. He spoke out to protect his players. The Canadian team went on to win the gold medal, their first in 50 years!

He was also executive director for the 2006 Winter Olympics team, but they did not win a medal. Gretzky was an ambassador for Vancouver's bid for the 2010 Winter Olympics. At the opening ceremony, Gretzky, along with other Canadian athletes, lit the Olympic cauldron.

Alumni Games

Gretzky had said he wouldn't play in "old-timers games". But on November 22, 2003, he played in the Heritage Classic. This was the first outdoor NHL regular season game. He played with many of his old Oiler teammates against retired Montreal Canadiens players. The Oilers alumni won.

In 2016, Gretzky played in the Winter Classic Alumni Game. He represented the St. Louis Blues, and his team won.

Return to Edmonton Oilers

In October 2016, Gretzky returned to the Oilers. He became a partner and vice-chairman of the team's parent company. He worked on the business side of the team.

On May 25, 2021, Gretzky announced he was leaving his role with the Oilers. He said he couldn't dedicate enough time due to the pandemic and other life changes. He then became an analyst for NHL broadcasts on Turner Sports.

Personal Life

Gretzky has appeared on TV shows like Dance Fever and Saturday Night Live. He also had a cartoon version of himself in ProStars. He is a dual citizen of Canada and the United States.

Family

Janet and Wayne Gretzky in December 2013

Gretzky met actress Janet Jones on Dance Fever. They started dating in 1987. They got married on July 16, 1988, in a big ceremony in Edmonton. The Canadian press called it "The Royal Wedding".

They have five children: Paulina, Ty, Trevor, Tristan, and Emma. Paulina is married to golfer Dustin Johnson. Ty played hockey but later quit. Trevor played minor league baseball. Wayne's father, Walter, passed away in 2021.

Business Ventures

Gretzky has owned parts of sports teams. In 1985, he bought the Hull Olympiques junior hockey team. He sold it in 1992. In 1991, he became a part-owner of the Toronto Argonauts football team with John Candy. They won the Grey Cup championship in their first year.

Gretzky has also been involved in many businesses. He has endorsed products like Coca-Cola and Domino's Pizza. Forbes magazine estimated he made US$93.8 million from endorsements between 1990 and 1998.

In 2017, he opened a winery and distillery called Wayne Gretzky Estates in Ontario. He also had a restaurant called Wayne Gretzky's in Toronto for many years. He has other restaurants in Edmonton.

Books

Gretzky has written several books. These include his autobiography, Gretzky: An Autobiography, and 99: My Life in Pictures. His book 99: Stories of the Game (2016) was about the history of hockey. It was the best-selling Canadian book that year.

Political Activity

Gretzky has shown support for the Conservative Party in Canada and Republican politicians in the United States.

In 2014, Gretzky spoke at a fundraiser to support Ukraine during a conflict. After the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Gretzky supported banning Russian teams from international events.

In 2015, Gretzky supported Prime Minister Stephen Harper during his election campaign. He praised Harper as "wonderful to the country".

In 2024, Wayne and his family attended a victory party for Donald Trump. Trump later joked that Gretzky should be prime minister of Canada. Recently, at the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey event, Gretzky was an honorary captain for Canada. Some fans were upset because he didn't wear a Team Canada jersey and gave a "thumbs up" to the American team.

Legacy in Hockey

An exhibit on Gretzky at the Hockey Hall of Fame

Gretzky's career achievements are incredible. He won nine Hart Trophies as the NHL's most valuable player. He won the Art Ross Trophy (most points) 10 times. He was MVP of the Stanley Cup playoffs twice, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy. He also won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy five times for sportsmanship.

Gretzky was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1999. His jersey number 99 was retired across the entire NHL. The Wayne Gretzky International Award honors people who help hockey grow in the United States. The Wayne Gretzky 99 Award is given to the MVP of the Ontario Hockey League playoffs.

In May 2021, one of his 1979 O-Pee-Chee hockey cards sold for US$3.75 million, showing how valuable his legacy is.

Order of Canada

In 1984, Gretzky was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. This is a high honor in Canada. The award recognized him as a great athlete who inspired others with his talent and sportsmanship. It also mentioned his charity work, especially for the CNIB Foundation.

In 2009, Gretzky was promoted to a Companion of the Order of Canada, the highest rank. This recognized his community work and generosity. He uses his fame to help others through charities, including a foundation that helps young people play hockey. He is seen as a role model and a proud ambassador for Canada.

Career Statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Figures in boldface italics are NHL records.

International

All-Star games

Head coaching record

Images for kids

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  Gretzky with US President Ronald Reagan in 1982

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  The lighting of an Olympic cauldron inside BC Place Stadium during the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

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  Wayne Gretzky's, downtown Toronto, pictured in 2014