Wayne Gretzky

Wayne Douglas Gretzky, OC (born January 26, 1961) is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player who is currently part-owner and head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes. Born in Brantford, Ontario and nicknamed "The Great One," Total Hockey: The Official Encyclopedia of the NHL calls Gretzky "the greatest player of all time".[1] He is generally regarded as the best player of his era and has been called "the greatest hockey player ever" by many sportswriters,[2][3][4] players,[5] coaches, and fans. Along with his many awards and achievements, he is the only player to ever have his playing number, 99, officially retired across the entire National Hockey League.

Identified as a hockey prodigy at a very young age, Gretzky regularly played at a level far above his peers.[6] He became a full professional at the age of 17 in the World Hockey Association, leading to a long career in the NHL. He set 40 regular-season records, 15 playoff records, 6 All-Star records, won four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers, and won 9 MVP awards and 10 scoring titles. He is the only player ever to total over 200 points in a season (a feat that he accomplished four times in his career). In addition, he tallied over 100 points a season for 15 NHL seasons, 13 of them consecutively.

He retired from playing in 1999, becoming Executive Director for the Canadian national men's hockey team during the 2002 Winter Olympics. He also became part owner of the Phoenix Coyotes in 2000 and following the 2004-05 NHL lockout became their head coach.

Gretzky's paternal grandparents were ethnic Polish immigrants who came to Canada at the beginning of the 20th century from the town of Mogilev in the Russian Empire (now Belarus).[7] Taught by his father Walter, Gretzky was a classic prodigy. An accomplished athlete in several sports besides hockey, particularly baseball, the Gretzky family attempted to provide a normal upbringing for Wayne and his brothers Keith and Brent. Despite these efforts, Wayne's extraordinary skill often led to jealousy and inappropriate behaviour, especially by parents of teammates and competitors alike.[8]

At age 6 he was skating with 10-year-olds. By the age of ten he scored 378 goals and 139 assists in just 85 games with the Nadrofsky Steelers and the first story on him was published in the Toronto Telegram. At 14, partly to further Wayne's career, and partly to remove him from the uncomfortable pressure he faced in his hometown, the Gretzkys challenged the Canadian amateur hockey rules to win Wayne the right to play elsewhere, something which was disallowed at the time. The Gretzkys won, and Wayne moved to Toronto to play Junior B hockey with the Toronto Nationals. He earned Rookie of the year honours in the Metro Junior B Hockey League in 1975–76, with 60 points in 28 games. The following year, as a 15 year old, he had 72 points in 32 games with the same team, then known as the Seneca Nationals. In addition, he signed with his first agent.

Despite his celebrity, Gretzky was bypassed by two teams in the 1977 OHA Midget Draft. Oshawa picked Tom McCarthy, and Niagara Falls picked Steve Peters second overall. With the third pick, the Greyhounds selected Gretzky. The Greyhounds took him, even though Walter Gretzky had written the team to advise that Wayne would not move to Sault Ste. Marie, a city with a northern Ontario location that inflicts a heavy traveling schedule on its junior team. He played a season in the Ontario Hockey League at the age of 16 with the Greyhounds. While playing for the Greyhounds, he began wearing the number 99 on his jersey. He had originally wanted to wear number 9 — for his old hero Gordie Howe — but it was already being worn by another teammate, Brian Gualazzi. At coach Muzz MacPherson's suggestion, Gretzky settled on 99.[9]

In his first NHL season, 1979-80, Gretzky proved his critics wrong. He was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy as the League's Most Valuable Player (the first of eight in a row) and tied for the scoring lead with Marcel Dionne with 137 points, which remains the most points by a first-year player. Since Dionne scored more goals (53 vs. Gretzky's 51), he was awarded the Art Ross Trophy over Gretzky. (It is also worth noting that Gretzky played 79 games to Dionne's 80.) Gretzky became the youngest player to score 50 goals but was not eligible for the Calder Memorial Trophy, given to the top NHL rookie, because of his previous year of professional experience. The rule was later changed. Instead, Boston Bruins' defenseman Ray Bourque won it.

In his second season, Gretzky won the Art Ross (the first of seven consecutive) with a then-record 164 points, breaking both Bobby Orr's record for assists in a season (102) and Phil Esposito's record for points in a season (152). He won his second straight Hart Trophy.

During the 1981-82 season, he surpassed a record that had stood for 35 years: 50 goals in 50 games. Set by Maurice "Rocket" Richard during the 1944-45 NHL season and tied by Mike Bossy during the 1980-81 NHL season, Gretzky accomplished the feat in only 39 games. His 50th goal of the season came on December 30, 1981 in the final seconds of a 7-5 win against the Philadelphia Flyers and was his fifth of the game. Later that season, Gretzky broke Esposito's record for most goals in a season (76) on February 24 1982 scoring three goals to help beat the Buffalo Sabres, 6-3. He ended the 1981-82 season with records of 92 goals, 120 assists, and 212 points in 80 games, becoming the first and only player in NHL history to break the 200-point mark. That year, Gretzky became the first hockey player and first Canadian to be named Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year. He was also named Sports Illustrated Magazine's 1982 "Sportsman of the Year."

The following seasons would see Gretzky break his own assists record three more times (125 1982-83, 135 1984-85, and 163 1985-86; he also bettered that mark (120 assists) in 1986-87 with 121 and 1990-91 with 122) and his point record one more time (215). By the time he finished playing in Edmonton, he held or shared 49 NHL records, which in itself was a record.

The Edmonton Oilers finished their last WHA season first overall in the regular season. The same success was not immediate when they joined the NHL, but within four seasons, the Oilers were competing for the Stanley Cup. The Oilers were a young, strong team featuring forwards Mark Messier, Gretzky, Glenn Anderson and Jari Kurri, defenceman Paul Coffey, and goaltender Grant Fuhr. Gretzky was its captain (from 1983–88). In 1983, they made it to the Stanley Cup finals, only to be swept by the three-time defending champion New York Islanders. The following season, the Oilers met the Islanders in the Finals again, this time winning the Stanley Cup, their first of five in seven years. Gretzky was named an officer of the Order of Canada on June 25, 1984 for outstanding contribution to the sport of hockey. Since the Order ceremonies are always held during the hockey season, it took 13 years, seven months and two Governors-General before he could accept the honour. The Oilers, with Gretzky, also won the Cup in 1985, 1987, and 1988; and without him in 1990.

99 Reasons Why Gretzky is the "Great One"Wayne Gretzky has been named the greatest player in hockey history by many people for many reasons. NHL.com gives you 99 reasons why.
Wayne Gretzky: Greatness AscendantFor two decades, the ethereal Wayne Gretzky has lifted hockey to new and dizzying heights while establishing himself as the greatest player of all time. He transcends hockey and is the most statistically dominant player in the history of North American team sports.... Full Story

Gretzky Photo GalleryTake a look at some moments from Gretzky's final game in the photo gallery.

All-Star and International HighlightsWhen he wasn't obliterating the NHL record book, Gretzky spent some of his free time dominating All-Star Games and international competition.

NHL Records Held or Shared by Wayne GretzkyWayne Gretzky holds or shares 61 records listed in the League's Official Guide and Record Book.

Gretzky Stats PackDuring his 20-year career, Wayne Gretzky has captured 61 NHL scoring records. NHL.com provides a collection of Gretzky's career numbers

At the age of 10, Gretzky scores 378 goals in Brantford's atom league - still an age group record.
Circa 1968 - Wayne dominated the Brantford atom league, scoring 378 goals.

While playing in the prestigious International Pee Wee Hockey Tournament in Quebec City's Le Colisee, the 14-year-old Gretzky is frequently besieged by autograph seekers.

As a teenager, young Wayne often competes against players much older. At 14 he plays in Tier II junior and major junior at 15.

Wayne first dons his now famous No. 99 jersey as a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Originally wanting to wear No. 9 like his idol Gordie Howe, Gretzky settles on his trademark number after wearing No. 19 for a few weeks

In May 1978, Gretzky turns pro at 17 with the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association.

The financially strapped Indianapolis franchise trades Gretzky to the Edmonton Oilers of the WHA in May of 1978.

In his first season with the Oilers, Gretzky registers 46 goals and 110 points on his way to capturing WHA rookie of the year honors.

The Edmonton, Hartford, Quebec and Winnipeg franchises join the NHL for the 1979-80 season. Gretzky makes his NHL debut on Oct. 10 and registers his first career NHL point, an assist on Kevin Lowe's goal against Chicago.

His first NHL goal does not come until three games into the season on Oct. 14 against Glen Hanlon of the Vancouver Canucks.

Circa 1977 - Wayne first wears No. 99 with the Soo Greyhounds.

Gretzky wins his first of eight consecutive Hart Trophies in 1979-80 as the MVP of the League.
With the 51 goals in 1979-80, Gretzky becomes the youngest player (19 years, two months) to score 50 goals in a single season.

Sets an NHL record for most assists in one game by a first-year player, with seven on Feb. 15 vs. Washington.

As a first-year player, No. 99 is named as the NHL's Second Team All-Star at the age of 18.

In his sophomore season, Gretzky wins his first of seven consecutive Art Ross Trophies as the NHL's leading scorer, setting NHL records for assists (109) and points (164) in a single season.

Named the NHL's First Team All-Star Center in 1980-81.

Ties an NHL mark for most goals in one period, netting four vs. St. Louis on Feb. 18, 1981.

On Dec. 30, 1981 against Philadelphia, Gretzky scores his 50th goal in an unimaginable 39 games. The previous mark was 50 goals in 50 games by Maurice Richard and Mike Bossy.

In 1981-82, he wins the first of five Lester B. Pearson Awards as the NHL's outstanding player as voted by the players.

Captures his second League scoring title in 1981-82 after becoming the first player in NHL history to record over 200 points, collecting 212.

Sets an NHL record for most goals in one season with 92 in 1981-82, breaking Phil Esposito's record of 76, set with Boston in 1970-71.

Breaks his own mark of most assists in a single season with 120 in 1981-82.

Nets 10 hat tricks in 1981-82 to garner yet another record.

Surpasses his own mark for most assists in a single season with 125 in 1982-83.

Gretzky earns MVP honors in the 1983 NHL All-Star Game at Long Island after netting four goals.

Apr. 2, 1980 - Gretzky becomes the youngest player to score 50 goals.

Notches an NHL record with a 30-game scoring streak during the 1982-83 season, surpassing Guy Lafleur's record of 28 in 1976-77.

Finishes the 1982-83 season having played in 310 consecutive games.

Sets NHL Stanley Cup Playoff records during the 1983 postseason with 26 assists and 38 points.
Establishes a new record by notching at least one point in 51 consecutive games, tallying 61 goals and 92 assists for 153 points during the streak in 1983-84. The next longest streak is held by Mario Lemieux, who had a 46-game scoring streak in which he scored 39 goals and 103 points.

During the 1983-84 regular season and playoffs, Gretzky scores a combined 100 goals (87 regulars season, 13 playoffs).

Sets an NHL record with 12 shorthanded goals and ties his own mark with 10 hat tricks during the 1983-84 season.

Captains the Edmonton Oilers to their first Stanley Cup championship in 1984 over the New York Islanders in five games.

Success continues to find Gretzky during the 1984-85 season. He wins the Hart Trophy for the sixth consecutive year, the Art Ross for the fifth, the Lester B. Pearson for the fourth and makes his fifth First Team All-Star appearance at center.

Leads the NHL in 1984-85 with a plus-98 rating.

In 1984-85, Gretzky ranks first in goals, assists, points, shorthanded goals, shots on goal and consecutive-game point streak.

Breaks his own single season record with 135 assists in 1984-85.

During the 1985 postseason, Gretzky rewrites the record books, with 30 assists and 47 points in one playoff year.

Gretzky keeps raising the bar for points in one season, including playoffs, registering 255 in 1984-85.

Records his 1,000th career point on Dec. 19, 1984 vs. Los Angeles.

Captures the 1985 Conn Smythe Trophy while leading the Oilers to their second consecutive Stanley Cup.

May 26, 1988 - The Edmonton Oilers win their fourth Stanley Cup in five years.

Gretzky makes a habit of breaking his own records, when in 1985-86 he sets new marks for assists (163) and points (215) in a single season.

Ties an NHL record for most assists in a game with seven on Feb. 15, 1980 vs. Washington; also tallies seven assists at Chicago on Dec. 11, 1985 and on Feb. 14, 1986 vs. Quebec.

Notches a point in 77 of the 80 games in the 1985-86 season.

Gretzky scores his 37th career three-goal-game on Jan. 8, 1986, tying Mike Bossy's career mark.

In Rendez-Vous '87 against the Soviet Union, Gretzky is named Team NHL's Player of the Series.

At the tender age of 25, Gretzky scores his 500th NHL goal on Nov. 22, 1986 vs. Vancouver goaltender Troy Gamble, becoming the 13th player to reach that plateau.

Establishes a new mark for career hat tricks during the 1986-87 season when No. 99 has four three-goal-games to lift his career total to 41.

On April 9, 1987, Gretzky tallies his 177th career playoff point vs. Los Angeles, surpassing Jean Beliveau as the all-time leading scorer in Stanley Cup playoff history.

Leads the League in postseason scoring with 34 points, helping the Oilers win their third championship in four years.

Gretzky notches his 1,000th career assist vs. the Rangers on Nov. 4, 1987.

On Mar 1, 1988, Gretzky becomes the NHL's all-time leader in assists, notching his 1,050th vs. Los Angeles.

His 31 assists during the 1988 Stanley Cup playoffs remain the most by any player in a single postseason.

Gretzky captures his second Conn Smythe Trophy as the Edmonton Oilers win their fourth championship in five years.

On Aug. 9, 1988, Gretzky is traded to the Los Angeles Kings along with Marty McSorley and Mike Krushelnyski in exchange for Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, a 1989 first round pick (Martin Rucinsky), a 1993 first round pick (Nick Stajduhar) and cash.

Mar. 23, 1994 - Gretzky scores his 802nd career goal, surpassing childhood idol Gordie Howe.

Makes his Kings debut on Oct. 6, 1988 vs. Detroit and records his first point on his first shot.

Captures the Hart Trophy for the ninth time in 1989, becoming the first Kings player to ever win the award.

Registers his 600th NHL goal on Nov. 23, 1988 vs. Detroit.

Notches seven points, including his 1,800th career point, with two goals and five assists on Feb. 18, 1989 vs. Quebec.

Earns MVP honors of the 1989 NHL All-Star Game in Edmonton.

Sets a Los Angeles club record for assists (114) and points (168) in a single season during the 1988-89 campaign.

Moves past Marcel Dionne into second place on the all-time scoring list in a game at Hartford on Jan. 21, 1989.

Becomes the all-time leading scorer on Oct. 15, 1989 against his former team, the Edmonton Oilers, surpassing Gordie Howe's total of 1,850.

His 1,850th point comes on a goal tying the game with 53 seconds remaining in regulation. He also scores the game-winning goal in overtime.

Tallies his 1,900th point with an assist on Dec. 10, 1989 vs. Quebec.

Garners his eighth Art Ross Trophy and leads the League with 102 assists in 1989-90, extending his own record of consecutive 100 or more assist season to 10.

During the 1990 Stanley Cup Playoffs, "The Great One" ties a Kings record for points in a single playoff game with five (one goal, four assists).

The 1990-91 season sees Gretzky win his second consecutive Art Ross Trophy and ninth all-time.

Apr. 29, 1996 - Wayne get his first goal as a St. Louis Blue.

His 122 assists leads the League in 1990-91 and sets a Kings club mark for helpers in a single season.

Becomes the only player in NHL history to register 2,000 career points after recording an assist on Oct. 26, 1990 at Winnipeg.

During the 1990-91 season, Gretzky has four games in which he accumulates five or more points, increasing his career total to 90.

Becomes the fourth player in NHL history to tally 700 goals in a game against the Islanders on Jan. 3, 1991.

Moves into first place on the all-time playoff goal-scoring list, surpassing Jari Kurri, with 93.

Tallies a pair of game-winning goals during the 1991 Stanley Cup Playoffs, tying Maurice Richard's NHL record of 18.

Wins his second consecutive and third overall Lady Byng Trophy in 1992.

Notches his 13th consecutive 100-point season. Mario Lemieux, Guy Lafleur, Peter Stastny, Mike Bossy, Steve Yzerman and Bobby Orr are tied for second with six consecutive 100-point seasons.

Scores his 732nd goal on Dec. 21, 1991 vs. Detroit and moves past Marcel Dionne into second on the all-time scoring list.

Gretzky records his 2,200th point on Jan. 10, 1992 vs. Washington and his 1,500th career assist on March 4, 1992 at San Jose.

Becomes the only player in NHL history to register 300 career playoff points in Game Two of the Smythe Division Finals in 1992.

Totals 40 points in the 1993 playoffs to lead the League as the Los Angeles Kings make their first ever Stanley Cup Finals appearance.

Jan. 9, 1998 - "The Hockey News" selects Gretzky as its All-Time Greatest Player.

Gretzky scores his 100th career playoff goal on May 17 in Game Three of the Smythe Division Finals vs. Vancouver.

Sets a record for most postseason hat tricks with his eighth in Game Seven of the Conference Finals against Toronto on May 29, 1993. The previous record was held by Maurice Richard.

Gretzky becomes the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, surpassing Gordie Howe. His 802nd comes against Vancouver goaltender Kirk McLean on March 23, 1994.

Wins his 10th Art Ross Trophy in 1994 to become the oldest player, at age 33, to win the scoring title in 31 years (Gordie Howe won the title at 35 in 1963).

Registers his 1,600th career assist on Nov. 30, 1993 vs. Winnipeg and his 2,400th career point on Jan. 12, 1994 vs. Hartford.

Records his 2,500th career point with an assist on April 17, 1995 at Calgary.

On Feb. 27, 1996, Gretzky is traded to the St. Louis Blues and finishes the season as the Blues leading scorer with 102 points. It marks the 15th time in his career he reaches the 100-point plateau.

The New York Rangers sign Gretzky to a free-agent contact on July 21, 1996, reuniting him with former Edmonton teammate Mark Messier.

Versus Montreal on Dec. 1, 1996, he becomes the only player in NHL history to reach the 3,000-point plateau (including regular season and playoffs).

Collects his 2,700th NHL career point vs Boston on April 3, 1997.

On Oct. 26, 1997, Gretzky earns his 1,851st assist, giving him more assists than any player has total points.

Jan. 24, 1999 - Gretzky wins his third career All-Star MVP award.

Registers his League-leading 10th career playoff hat trick on May 18, 1997 in Game Two of the Conference Finals against Philadelphia.

Collects a pair of assists at the 1998 All-Star Game to become the all-time leading scorer in All-Star history (12 goals, 10 assists, 22 points).

Picks up his 50th career regular season hat trick to pad his overall lead on Oct. 11, 1997 at Vancouver. Mike Bossy is second with 39.

Notches a power-play goal on March 7, 1998 at New Jersey for his 1,000th career goal, combining regular season and playoffs.

On Jan. 9, 1998, Gretzky is named the Greatest Hockey Player of All-Time as selected by The Hockey News.

Gretzky tallies three points (one goal, two assists) in the North America All-Stars' 8-6 victory over the World All-Stars on Jan. 24, 1999, increasing his record career points total in All-Star Game play to 25 (13 goals, 12 assists) in 18 games.

Gretzky puts his stamp on hockey history once again on March 29, 1999, scoring the 1,072nd goal of his professional career. Between his NHL and WHA career, Gordie Howe tallied 1,071.

Gretzky won nine Hart Trophies in 10 seasons as the NHL's most valuable player. Gordie Howe's six Hart awards represent the second-highest total. The highest number of MVP honors earned in other sports are: NBA - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 6; Major League Baseball, many with three.

A 10-time NHL scoring leader, Gretzky would have won three Art Ross Trophies strictly on the basis of assists and tied for a fourth.

Gretzky recorded four 200-point regular seasons: 212 in 1981-82; 205 in 1983-84; 208 in 1984-85 and 215 in 1985-86. No other player has recorded a 200-point season. Mario Lemieux scored 199 in 1988-89.

The Great One verra le jour à Brantford, en Ontario. Déjà très jeune, le jeune Wayne connaît des saisons exceptionnels dont une de 378 buts en 82 matchs! Même Gordie Howe viendra le voir jouer à Brantford! Les gens le considèrent déjà comme le successeur du grand Gordie Howe. Gretzky rêvait même d'une carrière dans le baseball, mais son choix c'est arrêté vers le hockey. Probablement la meilleure décision de sa vie. À 14 ans, il devra aller en famille d'accueil à Toronto pour pouvoir jouer dans une ligue plus forte. C'est à ce moment qu'il découvrira sa force, le derrière du filet. Ne pouvant rivaliser par la force contre les autres joueurs, il fera ses jeux derrière le filet où les joueurs ne pourront pas l'arrêter. C'est avec l'équipe de Sault-sainte-Marie dans le junior qu'il aura son fameux numéro 99. À 16 ans, il participera aux championnats du monde juniors où il sera élu le meilleur attaquant du tournoi.À 17 ans, notre héros national jouera pour les Oilers d'Edmonton dans la WHA. L'année suivante, la ligue disparaît et Edmonton sera intégré dans la LNH.

À sa première saison, Gretzky terminera 2e derrière Marcel Dionne au classement des pointeurs. Cette même année, il ne gagnera même pas le Calder puisqu'il a joué dans la WHA. Tout de même, il sera récompensé avec le trophée Hart à 19 ans. En 1981, le magnifique battera le record de Maurice Richard avec 50 buts en 39 parties! Un record qui ne s'aura jamais battu. Il terminera la saison avec 212 points un record. Même Maurice Richard le considère comme un grand. "J'ai maintenant suffisamment vu jouer Gretzky pour pouvoir dire qu'il aurait été le meilleur marqueur dans n'importe quelle décennie."En 1981-1982, Edmonton fera 412 buts ce qui fait 5 buts par match. Le seul problème était que Wayne Gretzky était incapable de gagner en série éliminatoire. Il battait tout les records de la ligue avec son équipe, mais les séries c'est une autre histoire. Il réussira à gagner la Coupe Stanley à 4 reprises avec Jari Kurri et Paul Coffey. Edmonton domine la ligue jusqu'au moment où Coffey décida d'arrêter de joueur au hockey pendant deux mois pour avoir un meilleur salaire. Les Oilers devront l'échanger à Pittsburgh et c'est à partir de ce moment que les salaires augmentèrent ce qui est un désastre encore aujourd'hui. Edmonton devra donc faire l'inimaginable, échanger Gretzky. Edmonton n'est plus capable de suivre. Il sera échangé à Los Angles en compagnie de McSorley et Krushelnyski, contre deux joueurs, trois premiers tours de draft, et quinze millions de dollars. Le Canada entier est surpris! Même un député est dégoûté de la nouvelle. " Vendre un symbole national, au même titre que le castor."Son passage à Los Angeles est simple, vendre des billets pour faire "vendre" le hockey aux États-Unis. Même les vedettes devront allez voir jouer le magnifique pour faire de la belle publicité. La croissance de la LNH est fulgurante et même les experts disent que ce sera le sport du XXIè siècle. Mon oeil! Son passage avec les Kings ne lui permettra pas de battre des records, mais au moins une autre grande vedette prendra sa place, Mario Lemieux. Lors de la saison de 1989-1990, il battera le record de Gordie Howe pour le plus grand nombres de points en carrière. Il dépassera le cap des 1850 points à Edmonton! Wayne ne sera plus jamais le même à Los Angeles. Malgré le retour de Coffey et Kurri avec lui dans l'alignement, il ne réussira pas à gagner la coupe Stanley.

Sa plus grande chance était contre le Canadien de Montréal en 1993. Tout le monde connaîent le reste de l'histoire. D'ailleurs, si Los Angeles n'avais pas gagner en finale d'association de l'Ouest, le CH aurait affronté les Maples Leafs de Toronto. Une finale qu'il rêvait de voir depuis qu'il est jeune.Gretzky finira par prendre sa retraite un 18 avril 1999. "Le plus dur, c'est que depuis longtemps, on ne fait plus que me comparer à moi-même. Et on dit que j'ai vieilli." Le dernier exploit du "Great One" remonte en 2002. Il réussira à gagner la médaille d'or aux jeux Olympiques de Salt Lake City en étant le directeur général. En 1487 joutes, il marquera 894 buts, 1963 passes pour 2857 points.Les statistiquesCoupe Stanley: 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988Trophée Hart: 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989Meilleur marqueur de NHL: 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1994Trophée Lester B. Pearson: 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987Trophée Conn-Smythe: 1985, 1988Meilleur marqueur des play-offs: 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1993Membre de la première équipe: 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1991Meilleur fiche +/-: 1982 (+81), 1984 (+76), 1985 (+98), 1987 (+70)Trophée Lady Byng: 1980, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1999

From the time Wayne Gretzky was a 10-year-old scoring machine in Brantford through his official retirement from the NHL, Sun Media writers and photographers have been at his side. The content of SLAM! Sports lets us remember many of these original articles and photos through our Wayne Gretzky site. It is a unique history of the Great One's unparalleled career. Check out his career stats or peruse the list of Gretzky's Trophies and NHL records. Go to Highlights for a biographical sketch and a synopsis of his career, but save most of your time for the Gretzky Library and Photo Gallery. Or review Gretzky's live chat with SLAM! Sports hockey fans. There are also entire sections dedicated to Gretzky entering the Hockey Hall of Fame and Gretzky's retirement. So here it is - browse, enjoy, remember and cherish.