Gretzky

Wayne Douglas Gretzky, born January 26, 1961, in Brantford, Ontario, is a Canadian former professional hockey player widely regarded as the greatest player in the history of the sport. Nicknamed "The Great One," he played center and spent 20 NHL seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, and New York Rangers from 1979 to 1999.

Gretzky helped the Oilers win four Stanley Cups (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988) during the team’s dynasty years. He led the league in scoring a record ten times and remains the NHL’s all-time leader in goals (894), assists (1,963), and points (2,857). His single-season records include 215 points in 1985-86, 92 goals in 1981-82, and 163 assists in 1985-86. He won the Art Ross Trophy ten times, the Hart Trophy nine times, and the Conn Smythe Trophy twice (1985, 1988).

Internationally, Gretzky represented Canada in various competitions and contributed to Canada’s success in the Canada Cup era. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1999.

After retiring as a player, Gretzky pursued coaching and executive roles in hockey, including a stint as head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes and later executive positions with other organizations. He remains a prominent figure in the sport, frequently cited for his influence on how the game is played and perceived.

Gretzky’s influence extends beyond records; his style of play, leadership, and longevity helped shape modern hockey and contributed to the sport’s popularity in North America and worldwide.