"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."
—Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Gretzky was called the "Great One" as a hockey player. He began skating at age two at his grandparents' farm near Brantford, Ontario. He showed his skill early and scored 378 goals in a youth league at age 10. Gretzky started his pro career in the World Hockey Association in 1978. After one season the National Hockey League absorbed the WHA and Gretzky made the league switch as part of the Edmonton Oilers.
He very quickly became a superstar in the NHL, setting records at an unbelievable pace. He set an amazing record scoring 50 goals in 39 games in the 1981-82 season; tallied 92 goals in one season and posted a remarkable 215 points another season. He also led the Oilers to four Stanley Cups. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the NHL nine times.
Gretzky was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988 and introduced hockey to the southern California area. He finished his career with the New York Rangers in 1999 and still holds or shares 61 NHL records. Throughout his career, Gretzky conducted himself with class and grace and was a true gentleman off the ice. His love of the game showed in the way he played. "I love every part of (hockey)-skating, playing, (and) joking around with the guys in the dressing room," he said. Currently Gretzky is part-owner of the NHL's Phoenix Coyotes.
This billboard about Class And Grace features Wayne Gretzky.
YOUR COMMENT
I want to be like him one day
Dixe normas, May 9, 2022
I've met Wayne Gretzky for the first time while on Labatt's Blue Skydiving Team and we jumped into his celebrity golf tournament. Such a true gentleman with being the best NHL hockey player of all time and still had time to greet all of us!
Tim )'Shea from Toronto now East Aurora, NY, November 26, 2021
Amazing
Anonymous, January 29, 2018
awesome
aUJC from QYTFD, December 6, 2016
a real nice guy
hunter from ricardo, September 20, 2016
i love wayne
deez nuts from UNKNOWN, September 19, 2016
What's with the whole nice guys finish last thing
Ash from Made up ville , April 1, 2016
The Best Hockey Player Ever!
Sam, January 30, 2016
you gotta shoot to score
chad from jyes, November 24, 2015
nice story
Anonymous, September 11, 2015
regardless of where ive lived in the past 15 years, my front door has always been open and to have those same people come back and thank me me and my family what we've done and witnessing inturn passing that on is absolutely wonderful
Celine Van Wegen from Riverbank, CA, August 31, 2014
Wayne Gretzky is a great team player and a nice person to everyone no matter who they are.
Lavon Conner from Junction City, Kansas, April 28, 2014
Gretzky was an amazing player. I love his character and passion for the sport.
Tiffani Thompson from California, March 5, 2014
What an inspiring story of a great curler.
Andrew from Texas, January 15, 2014
Wayne was an awesome player and a great person as well. He deserves all the respect that he recieves
John Bruszer from Sunnyvale, TX, January 15, 2014
Nice billboard of the great one. Loved for his off-ice class as much as on ice talent
Trev Larock from Ottawa Ontario, October 27, 2013
I teach at a men's prison unit. A few days ago I was at the airport and saw your George Washington Leadership billboard. I have been teaching the Constitution and loved this billboard mainly because it said leadership. I visited your website today and can't wait to get back into class and share the billboards and quotes. It is so hard to get adult men who are locked up for years inspired to get their GED. Your billbords and quotes are perfect. They need to see people who have accomplished great things despite their disabilities or challenges. They need to see that even Presidents fail. They need to know that despite their mistaked they can start over and be great.
R Berry from Ft Stockton Texas, August 19, 2013
best hockey player ever
austin from ct, February 4, 2013
He was a very genuine person, and we need more like him in life.
Sierra Jensen from Indianapolis, March 22, 2012
Wayne Gretzky is indeed an honourable gentleman and the pride of our city. Despite his fame and fortune, his parents (obviously great role models for their children), continued to live in their modest home in our community. They stayed because they loved the neighbourhood and being near their family and friends. Wayne's Mum passed away about five years ago and shortly afterwards, his father suffered a stroke. Walter Gretzky fought back with the same spirit as his son and recovered from his stroke. Today, he lives in Brantford and is a willing ambassador for our city as well as tirelessly working for every charitable event he can. Walter has raised millions of dollars for many local charities and is a shining example of a devoted father, husband and caring community supporter. He too is classy, graceful and humble.....like Wayne!!
Janny from Brantford, Ontario, Canada, July 22, 2011
My first time ice skating as a kid, I was having a tough time. My mom grabbed this man as he skated by because "he looked like he knew what he was doing." He retied my skates, gave me a few suggestions and words of encouragement, then skated off. What my mom didn't know was that the guy she had grabbed was Wayne Gretzky. I will never forget that moment as long as I live.
Corey from Minneapolis, May 29, 2011
Wayne Gretzky is my favourite!
Anonymous, March 24, 2009
Wayne was and is my favorite sports hero. He is the epitome of class and grace. No drugs, no drama, no arrests just honest hard work and dedication. Pass it on...
Matt M. from Santa Maria, California USA, December 5, 2007
You can add the FBL logo by scrolling to the bottom of the page and clicking "Link to Us." Help spread these values!!
Ben M. from Colorado, USA, November 30, 2007
I would love to add these banners to Facebook or Myspace profiles. Is there a code somewhere that I can do that?
Gina G. from Fort Washington, USA, November 24, 2007
Marvelous. Absolutely marvelous.
Thomas L. from USA, September 4, 2007
Great message for today's athlete.
Walt M. from South Carolina, August 6, 2007
My hero...for his athletic talents and personal convictions. What a combination!
Jen L from Ohio, July 23, 2007
Lovely.
Sheryl S. from Satnta Barbara, California USA, July 9, 2007
I like the idea a lot...cheers!!
Sana from Karachi, Pakistan, July 7, 2007
All that...and without steroids!
David S. from Springboro, Ohio, May 2, 2007
We will always miss Wayne in Edmonton.
Tracy M from Edmonton, May 2, 2007
It is nice to remember that you do not need to lie, cheat and steal to be the best...humility will do just fine!
Brandi R from Pennsylvania, April 27, 2007
He has some major grace and glass I'd say. Thanks a ton. Party on, Wayne.
Anonymous, April 9, 2007
