Talking Hockey History: Wayne Gretzky

It is impossible to talk about the history of hockey without mentioning Wayne Gretzky. There’s a reason he is known as “The Great One.” At the time of his retirement, Gretzky held 61 NHL records. He played 20 years in the NHL (from 1979-1999) and amassed 2,857 points which included 894 goals. The next best statistical leader to ever play is Mark Messier, who has almost 1,000 fewer points and 200 fewer goals. This makes his records pretty much untouchable and with highlights like these it isn’t a wonder why:

Why Was He So Important?

Gretzky was important to the sport because he helped make people fans on the NHL. He was an unbelievable talent and people tuned in to watch him dominate. On August 9, 1988 he was traded from Edmonton to the L.A. Kings and that day will forever be considered one of the most important dates in NHL history. The trade would be comparable to the Chicago Bulls trading Michael Jordan midway through his career. Gretzky being traded was just unprecedented. Los Angeles was certainly not a hockey town before “The Great One” arrived, but after he did the Kings were instantly the talk of the town. His move also helped make more Americans aware and interested in the sport. The NHL was forever changed.

If you are still wondering how legendary Wayne Gretzky is to the sport of hockey, try to think of who in the league wears #99. No one does and no player ever will again.