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.

WHA career

The NHL did not allow the signing of players under the age of 18 (nor does now), but the WHA had no rules regarding such signings. Nelson Skalbania, the owner of Indianapolis Racers, signed the 17 year old future superstar, Wayne Gretzky to, at that time, a whopping personal contract worth between $1.125 and 1.75 million US over 4 to 7 years. Skalbania, knowing that the WHA was fading, felt owning the young star was more valuable than owning a WHA team. But, needing cash, only eight games into the 1978-79 WHA season, Skalbania liquidated his greatest asset to his old friend and former partner Peter Pocklington, owner of the Edmonton Oilers. Pocklington purchased Gretzky and two other Indianapolis players, goaltender Eddie Mio and forward Peter Driscoll, paying $700,000 for the contracts of the three players, although the announced price was actually $850,000. On Gretzky's 18th birthday, the 26th of January, 1979, Pocklington signed him to a 21-year personal services contract, the longest in hockey history, worth $4-5 million US. Gretzky would go on to capture the Lou Kaplan Trophy for rookie of the year, finish third in league scoring (110 points), and help the Oilers to first overall in the league. That would be Gretzky's only season in the WHA, as it folded following the Avco World Trophy finals.

Related Topics:
WHA - Nelson Skalbania - Indianapolis Racers - 1978-79 WHA season - Peter Pocklington - Goaltender - Eddie Mio - Peter Driscoll - 26th of January - 1979 - Lou Kaplan Trophy - Avco World Trophy

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~