Wayne Gretzky

Wayne Douglas Gretzky, OC (born January 26, 1961) is a former professional ice hockey player and current head coach and part owner of the Phoenix Coyotes. Born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, he is known as The Great One, and considered by many to be the greatest player of all time.

Early Years

Taught by his father Walter, Gretzky was seen as a classic prodigy. At age 6 he was skating with 10-year-olds. At 10 he scored 378 goals and 120 assists in 85 games, and the first story on him was published in the Toronto Telegram. At 14, playing against 20-year-olds, he left Brantford to further his career. He also signed with his first agent.

Related Topics:
Walter - Prodigy - Goals - Toronto

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He played one year in the Ontario Hockey League, at the age of 16, with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. There he began wearing the number 99 on his jersey. He had wanted 9 — for his hero Gordie Howe — but it was already being worn by another teammate. At Coach Muzz MacPherson's suggestion Gretzky settled on 99. The next year (1978-79) he signed with the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association (WHA) as an underaged player.

Related Topics:
Ontario Hockey League - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds - Gordie Howe - 1978-79 - Indianapolis Racers - World Hockey Association

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