Wayne Gretzky, nicknamed The Great One, who is the National Hockey League (NHL) career leader in goals, assists, and points. Playing center for the Edmonton Oilers of the NHL, Gretzky led the team to four Stanley Cup championships during the 1980s. His accomplishments earned him wide recognition as the greatest hockey player ever, and he was especially noted for his ability to improve the performances of his teammates by complementing their playing strengths.

A prolific scorer with graceful skating abilities and pinpoint passing skills, Gretzky set more than 60 NHL scoring records during a 20-year career that spanned from the 1979-80 through the 1998-99 seasons. Throughout that time Gretzky’s jersey bore the number 99. In a tribute during the final game of his career, the NHL retired the number, meaning that no other NHL player will ever wear it.

Born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, Wayne Gretzky began skating at the age of three on a backyard rink built by his father, Walter. He began playing organized hockey in grade school and was soon such a dominant scorer that he was moved out of his age bracket to play with youngsters several years older.

Gretzky’s idols as a young hockey player were his father and Hall of Fame forward Gordie Howe.

Gretzky’s idols as a young hockey player were his father and Hall of Fame forward Gordie Howe. After playing in several local and regional leagues, Gretzky advanced to play junior hockey with the Sault Sainte Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League, a developmental league for young players. During the 1977-78 season with the Greyhounds he compiled 182 points, with 70 goals and 112 assists in 64 games.

Gretzky stayed with the Greyhounds for only one season before signing a professional contract with the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association (WHA) in May 1978, four months before his 18th birthday. He played eight games with Indianapolis before the financially troubled franchise sold him and two other players to the Oilers. The young center had an outstanding first season in Edmonton, compiling 104 points on 43 goals and 61 assists in 72 games.

Gretzky was a skinny teenager playing a highly physical sport against grown men, but he was a dominant offensive player. Although he was rarely the fastest skater or the most powerful shooter, he possessed several skills that set him apart from other players. He had an uncanny ability to anticipate where the puck would go and where to pass or shoot it, quick acceleration while skating, and an accurate shot that he could release quickly before goalies had an opportunity to prepare themselves.

The Great One retired at the end of the 1998-99 season, holding records for the most career goals (894), career assists (1,963), and career points (2,857). Gretzky also holds the records for the most goals (92), assists (163), and points (215) scored in a single season, as well as numerous other records for single games, the NHL playoffs, and the NHL All-Star Game.

In addition to owning almost every individual NHL scoring record and playing the most important role in Edmonton's dynasty, Gretzky is credited with being one of hockey's best ambassadors. His presence in Los Angeles not only saved that franchise, but also convinced the NHL to admit two other California franchises, the San Jose Sharks and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Gretzky won the Hart Trophy as the league’s MVP on nine occasions (1980-1987, 1989) and won the Ross Trophy as the league’s leading scorer ten times (1981-1987, 1990, 1991, 1994). Additionally, Gretzky won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1985 and 1988, and the Lady Byng Trophy in 1980, 1991, 1992, and 1994. He was also a perennial fan favorite at the NHL’s annual All-Star Game.