The Great One
- Without Wayne Gretzky, Canadian hockey just wouldn't be the same today
- Still a great influence in hockey to this day
- Continues to be influential through his own foundation and the charities he supports
1988-96: Career with the Kings
Life After "Retirement"
- Gretzky bought a winning personality and attitude to the L.A. Kings
- The Forum was sold out every game for the first time in franchise history
- Gretzky became close to the owner: Bruce McNall
- Won: Art Ross trophy & Hart Trophy
- 1993: Gretzky took the Kings to the finals (in Maple Leaf Gardens) for the first time after eliminating the Maple Leafs in game seven of the semifinals
- Inducted into the Hall of Fame
- 2000: Became a minority owner of the Phoenix Coyotes
- June 6, 2000: Introduced as the Managing Partner of the Phoenix Coyotes (in charge of all hockey operations)
- November 2000: Gretzky was named Executive Director of Canada's 2002 Men's Olympic Hockey team
- Career & endorsement deals made Gretzky one of the most recognizable athletes in the world
- Wayne Gretzky's (a restaurant in Toronto) is in its 17th year
Major Accomplishments
Wayne Gretzky's Timeline
1996: Trading Game
- Traded to St. Louis Blues to play with his friend Brett Hull and coach Mike Keenan (later worked with Gretzky during the Canada Cup competitions)
- Only played 18 games in the reg. season
- Summer 1996: Signed a three-year deal with his hockey friend, Mark Messier, and the New York Rangers.
Giving Back
- 2002: Wayne Gretzky Foundation is founded
- helping disadvantaged youths in North America participate in hockey
- Partnered with Ford Canada
- raised over $300,000 at the annual Golf Tournament.
- June 26, 2007: Created and launched his own wine: Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery
- His goal: celebrate Canadian wine making while creating resources for the Wayne Gretzky Foundation
- Gives his time to other charities like:
- Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities
- Right to Play
Fall of 1978
- Gretzky joined the Indianapolis Racers after signing a personal services contact with Nelson Skalbania
- After five seasons, Skalbania sold Gretzky to the Edmonton Oilers and was coached by Glen Sather
1997-99
Spring of 1988
- August: married Janet Jones
- eventually have 5 children
- Traded to the Los Angeles Kings (most stunning deals in NHL history)
- After Mark Messier left the New York Rangers, Gretzky was yet again alone
- did not want to be center of attention (although he was the team's leading scorer)
- 1997-98: Gained international honor when he was selected to represent Canada at the 1998 Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan
- 1998-99: Announced his retirement
- Final two games: Ottawa and New York
- emotionally difficult
- After his retirement the NHL retired Gretzky's number "99" to prevent anyone from using it
Contribution to Canadian Society
- Wayne Gretzky Foundation:
- His annual golf tournaments bring in huge tourism dollars.
- he helped put hockey within every child’s reach (helps youth develop into positive adults)
- During his career:
- Anywhere he played, huge ticket revenues were generated
- helped develop stronger ties with the US
- Charity work:
- funded 50 de-fibrillating machines
- fund the National sledge hockey team
- sponsors an after school program for children with autism
1980-81: Year of Shattering Records
- Won first of seven straight scoring titles
- Broke Bobby Orr's assists record with 109
- Broke Phil Esposito's record of 76 goals with 92
- Scored 50 goals in the first 39 games of the season
- Registered 212 points
- 1st of four times he'd score more than 200 points
1983: Stanley Cup Finals
- Lost to the Islanders in four straight games
- Major learning experience
Jan 1979: World Junior Championships
1984: Stanley Cup Finals
- Represented Canada internationally for the first time in the World Junior Championships (Quebec City)
- Defeated the same Islander team to earn the title
- One of four times Gretzky would win the Stanley Cup (with the Edmonton Oilers)
Thank you for Listening!
Jan 26 1961
- Wayne Gretzky is born to Walter & Phyllis Gretzky
- Born in Brantford, Ontario
Childhood Years
Age 6: Despite his size, he played in many leagues
Age 14: The pressure of playing in his small town was too great, so he moved to Toronto and played for the Toronto Nats
- July of 1984: Granted The Order of Canada
- Created a line of clothing that can be found in the Bay
- Won many awards/trophy's including:
- Art Ross Trophy (Scoring Champion)
- Hart Trophy (MVP)
- Lester B. Pearson Award (League MVP as voted by fellow players)
- Lady Byng Award (Most Gentlemanly Player)
- Lester Patrick Trophy (Contribution to U.S. hockey)
- Stanley Cups (Four in total)
- Coached Team Canada a number of times
Contribution to Canadian Society/History