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20 Little-Known Facts About Wayne Gretzky’s  

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Wayne Gretzky is often called the greatest hockey player of all time, but there’s so much more to his story than records and championships. There is no shortage of surprises in Gretzky’s story, from his quirky habits to his unexpected milestones. Whatever your level of knowledge about “The Great One,” these 20 revelations may leave you speechless.

The Number 99 Was Almost Off-Limits

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While Gretzky’s iconic number 99 is associated with greatness, he nearly didn’t wear it. His first choice was 9, but it was already taken by his teammate. So, he doubled up and created his own legacy with 99, a number forever tied to his legend.

He Wasn’t Just Good at Hockey

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Gretzky’s athleticism extended beyond the rink. As a youth, he excelled at baseball and was even scouted by MLB teams. While hockey became his life, his multi-sport talents could’ve led him to a different professional career.

His First Pro Contract Was a Bargain

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Despite becoming a legend, Gretzky’s first professional contract was modest. At age 17, he signed a deal with the Indianapolis Racers in the WHA for $1.75 million over seven years, which is laughable compared to today’s sports contracts.

Gretzky’s Trade Broke Hearts in Canada

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Gretzky’s trade from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988 sent shockwaves throughout the hockey world. Canadians mourned the loss of their hero, even comparing it to a betrayal. The trade not only altered the course of the NHL but also marked a turning point in the business of sports.

He Was Known for His Unconventional Training Methods

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He didn’t believe in the traditional heavy-lifting workout regimen. Instead, Gretzky focused more on balance, agility, and quickness, often preferring to practice on his backyard rink rather than the gym. His belief was that these skills were essential to his success on the ice.

He Could Predict Plays Before They Happened

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Gretzky had an almost superhuman ability to read the ice. He often said, “I skate to where the puck is going, not where it has been.” With an unmatched hockey sense it separated him from the rest, always seeming a step ahead.

The Record Nobody Talks About

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Most people know Gretzky holds the record for most goals, assists, and points in the NHL. But did you know he also holds the record for the most seasons with at least 200 points? That level of dominance is simply unparalleled.

He Helped Popularize Hockey in the U.S.

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Gretzky’s move to Los Angeles wasn’t just a business deal—it changed hockey forever. His presence with the Kings boosted the sport’s popularity in the U.S., paving the way for future NHL franchises in non-traditional markets like California, Texas, and Arizona.

He Wasn’t the Fastest Skater

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While Gretzky’s vision and playmaking were second to none, he wasn’t known for his speed. In fact, many considered him a slower skater, but his incredible hockey IQ allowed him to outthink faster opponents. He mastered positioning and anticipation, which allowed him to outthink faster opponents with ease.

The Great One Isn’t Just About Hockey

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Off the ice, Gretzky is a philanthropist and business mogul. His charitable work has raised millions for various causes, proving he’s just as impactful off the ice as on it. In addition, he’s authored books and remains a global ambassador for the sport.

He Played with a Curved Stick

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Gretzky was known for his curved stick, which gave him an advantage in stickhandling and shooting. The curve allowed him to lift the puck with more ease and precision, a small but key detail in his game. This choice in equipment became a signature aspect of his playing style.

Gretzky Was a Media Darling from the Start

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Even before his pro career, the media couldn’t get enough of Gretzky. At just 10 years old, he was featured on national TV for his hockey prowess, a sign of the fame and success that would follow. His charm and talent captivated audiences and journalists alike, foreshadowing his future stardom.

He Broke Records as a Teenager

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By age 14, Gretzky had already scored over 1,000 goals in youth hockey, far surpassing his peers. This early dominance made it clear that Gretzky was destined for greatness long before his NHL debut. Despite his young age, his achievements attracted national attention and paved the way for a legendary career.

The Gretzky Family Legacy

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Wayne isn’t the only Gretzky to make waves in hockey. His younger brother, Brent, also played in the NHL, which made the Gretzkys one of the few families to have two siblings compete in the league. However, Wayne’s success far overshadowed his brother’s career.

He Played with Legends, But Became the Greatest

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During his career, Gretzky shared the ice with some of the game’s all-time greats, including Mario Lemieux and Mark Messier. Yet, despite the competition, he always managed to stand out as “The Great One.” His unmatched skill and vision cemented his legacy as the best to ever play the game

The Controversial Coaching Stint

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Gretzky transitioned to coaching after his playing days and took over the Arizona Coyotes. Despite his hockey genius, his coaching career wasn’t as stellar. This led to mixed results and an eventual exit from the bench. The leadership faced challenges, and the team struggled to achieve consistent success.

He’s a Proud Canadian

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Although Gretzky’s fame took him to the U.S., he has always stayed deeply connected to Canada. His pride in his home country shines through, whether in Olympic appearances or charitable contributions. He remains a true symbol of Canadian sportsmanship.

The Voice of Video Games

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Gretzky’s influence extends beyond the ice. In the ’90s, he lent his name and likeness to a series of popular video games. His games, like “Wayne Gretzky Hockey,” brought the sport into millions of homes and introduced a new generation to the world of hockey.

He’s the NHL’s All-Time Leading Scorer, and It’s Not Close

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With 2,857 points, Gretzky is the NHL’s all-time leading scorer by a wide margin. In fact, if you took away all of his goals and only counted assists, he would still be the leading scorer—a feat that will likely never be matched. As a scorer and playmaker, the legend set records that may last a lifetime. 

The Gretzky Effect on Pop Culture

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Gretzky’s impact transcends sports. In addition to getting on TV shows and films, he has appeared in commercials, further building his status as a pop culture icon. His influence helped make hockey more mainstream and accessible to fans around the world.
 

Written by Jace Lamonica

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