Wayne Gretzky

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Lore & Background

Gretzky's tenure in Edmonton was defined by unrivaled intelligence, stamina, and a unique ability to anticipate where the puck would be. He became known for setting up behind the opponent's net, an area nicknamed 'Gretzky's office.' Despite his unimpressive size and strength, he consistently dodged checks and executed the right move at the right time. His father, Walter, had taught him to 'skate where the puck's going, not where it's been' on their backyard rink in Brantford. This foresight allowed him to become the leading career point scorer and assist producer in NHL history. He is the only player to total over 200 points in a single season, accomplishing this feat four times while scoring more than 100 points in 16 professional seasons (15 NHL seasons and 1 WHA season with the Indianapolis Racers/Sorel Eperviers).

In Their Own Story

The journey to Edmonton began on June 12, 1978, when 17-year-old Gretzky signed a seven-year personal services contract worth US$1.75 million with the Indianapolis Racers. However, the team was losing $40,000 per game. On November 2, Skalbania moved Gretzky to Edmonton; he, goaltender Eddie Mio, and forward Peter Driscoll were put on a private plane not knowing their final destination while the trade deal was worked out in mid-air. Once settled with the Oilers, Gretzky set many scoring records over ten seasons. He won nine Hart Trophies as the most valuable player and 10 Art Ross Trophies for most points in a season. His leadership propelled Edmonton to four Stanley Cup championships, cementing his status as the league's dominant force.

Reader's Guide

Fans of the Edmonton era should note that Gretzky led the league in assists 16 times and goal-scoring five times during his career. He won two Conn Smythe Trophies as playoff MVP while with the Oilers. At the time of his retirement in 1999, he held 61 NHL records: 40 regular season, 15 playoff, and six All-Star records. The NHL retired his jersey number 99 league-wide immediately after his final game. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1999 as the most recent player to have the waiting period waived. His time in Edmonton also saw him receive five Lester B. Pearson Awards as the most outstanding player judged by peers and five Lady Byng Memorial Trophies for sportsmanship.

Did You Know?

• Gretzky originally wanted to wear number 9 for his hero Gordie Howe, but it was taken by a teammate, so he chose 99 at coach Muzz MacPherson's suggestion.
• He is the only NHL player to total over 200 points in one season, a feat he accomplished four times.
• Gretzky became the most recent player to have the waiting period waived for induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame upon his retirement in 1999.
• His father taught him to skate where the puck is going, not where it has been, on a backyard rink nicknamed the 'Wally Coliseum'.
• At age six, Gretzky played on a team composed entirely of ten-year-olds and coped with oversized sweaters by tucking them into his pants.