Important Years
How old was he when he first put on skates?
2
What hockey accomplishment did Gretzky have after retiring?
He coached Team Canada to get a gold medal in the 2002 Olympics.
Where was he born?
Ontario, Canada
What teams did he play for?
Edmonton Oilers
Los Angeles Kings
New York Rangers
What did Gretzky have in his backyard when he was growing up?
His own ice-rink.
What year was Gretzky born?
1961
Why did Gretzky get the Lady Byng Trophy?
For being a gentlemanly player. (Good sportsmanship.)
What was Gretzky accused of when he played hockey as kid?
Being a ball-hogger.
What number did Gretzky have?
99
What business did he open in his retirement?
A restaurant. (He donated the proceeds to charity for young aspiring hockey players.)
What year did he lead his team to winning the Stanley Cup?
1985
When did Gretzky enter the Hockey Hall of Fame?
During his last game. (His jersey was also retired at this time.)
How many children did Gretzky have?
Five - 2 boys and 3 girls.
How did he get the number 99?
He wanted to be nine, but it was already taken, so his coach let him be "double 9."
What fear did he have?
He was afraid to fly in a plane. (He was once in a private jet that brushed the treetops.)
What year Gretzky join a professional team?
1978
2,857
He wanted to be able to get back to playing as soon as possible.
What was unusual about the way he wore his uniform?
He always tucked in one side. (Wayne was only 6 when he started playing on a team. He was much smaller than the other children because he was so young, so he had to tuck in the jersey in order to be able to shoot. He continued to do this as an adult.)
What happened to a big birthday cake that his team bought him?
A teammate sat on it, as a joke.
What year did he retire from professional sports?
1999
What is one significant record that Gretzky broke?
50 goals in 39 games.
Where did Gretzky meet his wife?
At a basketball game.
What other sport was Gretzky good at?
Baseball. (The Bluejays offered for him to try out for their team.)
What part of the court is known as "Wayne Gretzky's Office?"
Behind the other team's net. (Gretzky used to wait there in order to pass to score or to bank off the goalie.)