Regarded as “the Great One” in the ice hockey community, Wayne Gretzky became a living legend with his unmatched skill, intelligence, and sheer dominance on the rink for a two-decade career which won him the title of best hockey player of all time. Gretzky’s story, which began with him in a backyard rink in Brantford, Ontario, and ended with him shattering records in the National Hockey League (NHL), is an inspiration to all. Get to know more about the life and legacy of Wayne Gretzky, the man who revolutionized hockey forever.
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Who is Wayne Gretzky?
Most people agree that Wayne Gretzky, who was born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, on January 26, 1961, is the greatest ice hockey player in history in terms of accomplishment and influence. Over the course of his 20-season career in the National Hockey League (NHL), he set numerous records and experienced unmatched success.
Gretzky showed a natural ability and love for hockey at an early age. He practiced on a backyard rink in Brantford, frequently performing at a level well above that of his contemporaries. On the ice, Gretzky stood out because to his remarkable hockey sense, intelligence, and anticipation, despite his unimposing physical stature. With his exceptional ability to understand the game and predict plays, he became a formidable force and was dubbed “the Great One.”
Gretzky signed a contract with the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association (WHA) in the late 1970s, marking the start of his professional career. But he really found his calling in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers. During his time with the Oilers, Gretzky broke multiple scoring records and won four Stanley Cups.
In addition to advancing his own career, his 1988 move to the Los Angeles Kings helped make hockey more widely known in out-of-the-ordinary places like California. Gretzky became a symbol of culture and a representative of hockey.
Gretzky gained an incredible number of awards during his career, such as several scoring crowns, MVP honors, and selections to the All-Star team. With 61 league records under his belt, he retired from the NHL in 1999 as the league’s all-time leader in goals, assists, and points.
What is Wayne Gretzky’s Nationality and Ethnicity?
Wayne Gretzky was born in Ukraine and is a citizen of Canada. His paternal grandparents immigrated to Canada from Ukraine, thus that is where his family origins lie. Gretzky has always had a deep connection to his Ukrainian heritage, even though he was born in Canada.
What is Wayne Gretzky’s profession?
Wayne Gretzky is a retired professional ice hockey player and former head coach. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 20 seasons, representing four different teams during his career. After retiring from playing, Gretzky also served as the head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes for a period.
| Team | Description | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Edmonton Oilers | Gretzky began his NHL career with the Edmonton Oilers, where he established himself as one of the greatest players in hockey history. | 1979 – 1988 |
| Los Angeles Kings | After a trade in 1988, Gretzky joined the Los Angeles Kings and had a significant impact on popularizing hockey in California. | 1988 – 1996 |
| St. Louis Blues | Gretzky had a brief stint with the St. Louis Blues before finishing his playing career with the New York Rangers. | 1996 |
| New York Rangers | Gretzky concluded his playing career with the New York Rangers, where he continued to showcase his exceptional talent and leadership on the ice. | 1996 – 1999 |
What is Wayne Gretzky’s age, height, and weight?
He is 63 years old and is 1.83 meters tall. He weighed 84 kilograms during his playing career.
What is Wayne Gretzky’s current world ranking?
Wayne is in the top 5 of the top 30 NHL players of all time.
Who is Wayne Gretzky’s Parents?
Walter and Phyllis Leone (Hockin) Gretzky are the parents of Wayne Gretzky. Wayne was greatly influenced by Walter Gretzky, who is frequently recognized for having stoked his love of hockey at an early age and for offering advice that he needed throughout his professional career. Although Walter Gretzky is more widely connected to Wayne’s hockey upbringing, his mother, Phyllis Leone Gretzky, was a supportive figure in his life.
Does Wayne Gretzky have siblings?
Yes, Wayne Gretzky has siblings. He has a sister named Kim, and brothers named Keith, Glen, and Brent. They grew up together in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, where Wayne developed his skills in hockey on a backyard rink built by their father, Walter Gretzky.
Who is Wayne Gretzky married to?
Wayne Gretzky is married to actress Janet Jones. They met during Wayne’s appearance as a celebrity judge on Dance Fever, though Janet initially didn’t recall his presence on the show. They began dating in 1987 and got married on July 16, 1988, in a lavish ceremony dubbed “The Royal Wedding” by the Canadian press. The couple has five children: Paulina, Ty, Trevor, Tristan, and Emma.
Does Wayne Gretzky have children?
Yes, Wayne Gretzky has five children. Paulina Gretzky is perhaps the most well-known of Wayne Gretzky’s children. She is an actress, model, and singer. Paulina gained attention for her social media presence and modeling career.
Wayne Gretzky’s oldest son is Ty Gretzky. He has followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a career in hockey. Ty has played hockey at a number of levels, including college hockey, even though he hasn’t attained the same degree of spotlight as his father.
Trevor Gretzky aspired to play professional baseball as well. The Chicago Cubs selected him in the first round of the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft. Trevor played in the minor levels for a number of years, even though his professional baseball career didn’t quite reach the same heights as his father’s hockey career.
Unlike his siblings, Tristan Gretzky has maintained a more low-key persona. He has kept his distance from the world and followed his hobbies in private.
Compared to her siblings, Emma Gretzky has led a somewhat solitary existence, much like her brother Tristan. She has concentrated on her own interests and pursuits rather than pursuing a career in the spotlight.
What is Wayne Gretzky’s Net Worth?
It is estimated that Wayne Gretzky is worth $250 million. His income from professional ice hockey play, sponsorships, business endeavors, and investments are the main sources of his riches. Gretzky’s financial situation was further enhanced during his career by the lucrative endorsement deals he was able to secure with numerous firms. He has also dabbled in economic ventures, such as agreements with beer and hospitality companies and ownership shares in sports clubs.
What philanthropic causes or charities does Wayne Gretzky support?
Among the noteworthy projects he has been involved in is the Wayne Gretzky Foundation, which employs sports and educational efforts to support underprivileged kids and young people. The foundation’s mission is to empower and enrich the personal lives of underprivileged youngsters by giving them access to sports and educational possibilities.
Gretzky has also backed groups that help people who are blind or partially sighted, like the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). He has also participated in campaigns to raise money for medical research, including projects to discover remedies and cures for conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
Gretzky has also helped with disaster relief initiatives, including offering assistance to areas hit by natural calamities.
How many businesses does Wayne Gretzky own?
In addition to restaurants like “Wayne Gretzky’s Toronto” and “Wayne Gretzky’s Wine & Whisky” in different locales, Gretzky owns Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery in Ontario, Canada.
What brands and endorsements does Wayne Gretzky have?
One of the most recognizable athletes in sports history, Gretzky has had multiple partnerships and endorsement deals during his career. They include:
- Nike: Gretzky has had a long-standing relationship with Nike, endorsing their hockey equipment and apparel.
- Upper Deck: He has been featured on trading cards and memorabilia produced by Upper Deck, a leading sports collectibles company.
- Coca-Cola: Gretzky has appeared in advertisements for Coca-Cola, one of the world’s largest beverage companies.
- McDonald’s: He has also been featured in commercials and promotions for McDonald’s, a global fast-food chain.
- EA Sports: Gretzky has lent his likeness to video games produced by EA Sports, including the popular NHL series.
- Ford: Gretzky has appeared in commercials for Ford Motor Company, one of the largest automobile manufacturers globally.
- TELUS: He has been associated with TELUS, a telecommunications company based in Canada, appearing in their advertising campaigns.
| Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| Nike | Endorsed hockey equipment and apparel |
| Upper Deck | Featured on trading cards and memorabilia |
| Coca-Cola | Appeared in advertisements |
| McDonald’s | Featured in commercials and promotions |
| EA Sports | Likeness used in video games |
| Ford | Appeared in commercials |
| TELUS | Associated with telecommunications company |
How much does Wayne Gretzky make annually?
Wayne has a hockey fortune of $48,601,438. His earnings of $48,601,438 during his NHL career, adjusted for inflation, amount to approximately $105,861,231 in today’s dollars. These earnings rank him at #246 in NHL/hockey career earnings.
| Season | Earnings (US$) | In today’s US$ | Rank | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976-77 | $0 | $0 | – | Received two contract offers from teams in the World Hockey Association at age 15, but his father turned them down to prioritize schooling. |
| 1977-78 | $1,763 | $8,860 | – | Signed a four-year contract with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the Ontario Hockey League. |
| 1978-79 | $394,650 | $1,843,475 | – | Signed a seven-year personal services deal with Nelson Skalbania, owner of the Indianapolis Racers of the WHA, and later played for the Edmonton Oilers. |
| 1979-80 | $128,100 | $537,780 | – | Earned a base salary and endorsements. |
| 1980-81 | $138,254 | $511,174 | – | Earned a base salary, postseason bonuses, and endorsements. |
| 1981-82 | $417,000 | $1,397,491 | – | Renegotiated a new six-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers and earned endorsements. |
| 1982-83 | $446,050 | $1,408,409 | – | Earned salary and endorsements. |
| 1983-84 | $486,600 | $1,488,625 | – | Earned salary and endorsements. |
| 1984-85 | $1,205,000 | $3,534,497 | – | Earned salary, postseason bonuses, and significant bonuses for winning individual trophies. |
| 1985-86 | $878,400 | $2,488,133 | – | Earned salary. |
| 1986-87 | $201,600 | $560,419 | – | Earned salary. |
| 1987-88 | $754,000 | $2,022,037 | – | Renegotiated a five-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers and earned endorsements. |
| 1988-89 | $2,000,000 | $5,153,053 | – | Signed a new contract with the Los Angeles Kings and earned endorsements. |
| 1989-90 | $1,720,000 | $4,227,507 | 3 | Earned salary and endorsements. |
| 1990-91 | $3,000,000 | $6,996,020 | 1 | Earned salary and endorsements. |
| 1991-92 | $3,000,000 | $6,711,947 | 1 | Earned salary and endorsements. |
| 1992-93 | $3,000,000 | $6,514,396 | 3 | Earned salary and endorsements. |
| 1993-94 | $3,000,000 | $6,327,703 | 3 | Earned salary and endorsements. |
| 1994-95 | $3,737,159 | $7,682,582 | 2 | Earned prorated NHL salary due to a lockout and significant endorsements. |
| 1995-96 | $6,545,363 | $13,088,149 | 1 | Earned salary and endorsements. |
| 1996-97 | $5,047,500 | $9,805,376 | 3 | Signed a two-year contract with the New York Rangers and earned salary. |
| 1997-98 | $6,500,000 | $12,338,338 | 4 | Earned salary, signing bonus, and bonuses. |
| 1998-99 | $6,000,000 | $11,215,263 | 6 | Earned salary, signing bonus, and deferred income. Retired after this season. |
| 2021-22 | $0 | $0 | 1369 | Signed a five-year contract with Turner Sports as an in-studio hockey analyst. |
| 2022-23 | $0 | $0 | 1469 | Under contract with Turner Sports as a hockey analyst. |
| 2023-24 | $0 | $0 | 1279 | Under contract with Turner Sports as a hockey analyst. |
| Career Total | $48,601,438 | $105,861,231 |
How many houses and cars does Wayne Gretzky have?
Former NHL player Wayne Gretzky and his spouse Janet put their estate in the Colonial style up for sale in 2020 for $22.9 million. Their yacht is specially built and costs an astounding $900,000.
How many awards has Wayne Gretzky won?
Wayne is widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time. Gretzky has an impressive collection of trophies in his trophy cabinet, including multiple Hart Memorial Trophies, which are given to the NHL’s most valuable player each year. In his career, he won the Hart Trophy nine times, which is evidence of his unmatched influence on the game.
Apart from his achievements, Gretzky was a superb team player who helped his teams win several Stanley Cups. In the 1980s, he won the Stanley Cup four times with the Edmonton Oilers, entrenched his place in the annals of sports history.
In addition, Gretzky’s outstanding playmaking skills won him multiple Art Ross Trophies, which are given to the NHL’s top scorer each season. For the majority of his career, he topped the scoring lists and established records that are still in place.
In addition to his achievements in the NHL, Gretzky was a successful international player for Canada, winning awards such as MVP of the World Championship and Canada Cup for his outstanding play while donning the maple leaf.
| Award/Honor | Description |
|---|---|
| Stanley Cup Championships | 4 (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988) |
| Hart Memorial Trophies | 9 (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989) |
| Art Ross Trophies | 10 (1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1994) |
| Conn Smythe Trophies | 2 (1985, 1988) |
| Lester B. Pearson Awards | 5 (1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987) |
| Lady Byng Memorial Trophies | 5 (1980, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1999) |
| NHL Plus-Minus Award | 5 (1982, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987) |
| Ted Lindsay Awards (formerly Lester B. Pearson) | 5 (1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987) |
| NHL All-Star Game MVPs | 3 (1983, 1989, 1999) |
| NHL All-Star Team selections | 15 First Team selections, 7 Second Team selections |
| Canada Cups | 2 (1984, 1987) |
| NHL All-Star Games | 18 |
| NHL Records | Numerous NHL records, including most career goals, assists, and points, among others. |
| Wayne Gretzky Trophy | Named in his honor, awarded to the leading scorer in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). |
Was Wayne Gretzky always destined to be a hockey star?
Interestingly, Gretzky actually started out as a talented baseball player in his youth. He was so good that he was offered a contract by the Toronto Blue Jays at the age of 17, but he ultimately chose hockey, a decision that changed the course of sports history.
Did Gretzky have any superstitions or pre-game rituals?
Oh, absolutely! Gretzky was known for his superstitions, like putting baby powder on his hockey stick and dressing in a specific order before games. He even had a routine of taping his stick blade a certain way, believing it would bring him luck on the ice.
What’s the story behind his famous nickname, “The Great One”?
Well, that nickname pretty much says it all, doesn’t it? It was coined by his childhood teammate, Mike Rogers, who was in awe of Gretzky’s skills even at a young age. And let’s face it, with all those records and accomplishments, “The Great One” just fits perfectly.
Did Gretzky ever play for any teams other than the NHL?
Yep, before his legendary NHL career, Gretzky actually got his start in the World Hockey Association (WHA) with the Indianapolis Racers and later the Edmonton Oilers. He then transitioned to the NHL when the Oilers joined the league.
Was Gretzky involved in any off-ice ventures or hobbies?
Absolutely! Gretzky has dabbled in various business ventures over the years, from owning restaurants to coaching and even dabbling in acting. He’s also a huge golf enthusiast and has participated in numerous celebrity golf tournaments.
What’s the deal with Gretzky’s famous number, 99?
Ah, 99, the iconic number that will forever be synonymous with Gretzky. It’s actually the number he wore throughout his career, and it’s now retired league-wide in his honor. No NHL player can ever wear it again, which is a pretty incredible tribute.
Did Gretzky ever face any challenges or setbacks in his career?
Even with his extraordinary success, Gretzky had his share of difficulties. The path included setbacks, criticism, and performance pressure. But in keeping with his nickname, he consistently outperformed them and carried on controlling the game.
What’s the story behind Gretzky’s famous trade to the Los Angeles Kings?
Ah, the trade that shook the hockey world! In 1988, Gretzky was traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings in a blockbuster deal that stunned fans everywhere. It was a major turning point in his career and helped popularize hockey in non-traditional markets.
Did Gretzky have any notable friendships or rivalries in the NHL?
Oh, for sure! Gretzky had plenty of both. He formed lifelong friendships with fellow players like Mark Messier and had legendary rivalries with the likes of Mario Lemieux. But no matter the competition, Gretzky always had the utmost respect for his opponents.
What’s Gretzky up to these days?
These days, Gretzky stays involved in the hockey world as a coach, ambassador, and analyst. He’s also a proud family man, enjoying time with his wife, Janet, and their children. And hey, he’s still “The Great One” in our hearts!
How many goals does Wayne Gretzky have?
Playing from 1979 to 1999, Gretzky amassed an NHL record 894 goals during the regular season.