Canadian · Brantford, Ontario · Born 26 January 1961Canadian ice hockey player widely regarded as the greatest of all time, holding numerous NHL records including most career goals and assists.
Wayne Douglas Gretzky was born in Brantford, Ontario in 1961. He is the only player in NHL history whose points total from assists alone (1,963) exceeds the combined points total of every other player in hockey history. His career total of 2,857 points is 1,016 more than the second-highest total — a margin so large it defies comprehension. He scored 894 goals — also the NHL record. He won nine Hart Trophies as MVP (1980–1987, 1989) and ten Art Ross Trophies as scoring champion. He won four Stanley Cup championships with the Edmonton Oilers (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988). He holds or shares 61 NHL records. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1999 — the eligibility waiting period was waived specifically for him. His trade from Edmonton to Los Angeles in 1988 is credited with establishing hockey as a viable sport in the American Sunbelt, leading to the expansion teams that transformed the NHL. He was named the greatest North American athlete of the 20th century by multiple publications. The NHL retired his number 99 league-wide — the only player in history to receive that honour. He is not just the greatest player in hockey history; the gap between him and second place is larger in hockey than in any other team sport.
He holds the NHL record for most career points with 2,857, a mark that seems virtually unbreakable.
He scored more assists alone than any other player has scored in total points — goals and assists combined.
Did You Know?How They Played
Gretzky possessed unparalleled ice vision and anticipation, often appearing to know where the puck would be before others realized where it was going. His exceptional passing ability and hockey intelligence allowed him to set up teammates with pinpoint accuracy. Though not the fastest or strongest player, his positioning and ability to read the game made him virtually unstoppable.
Lasting Impact
Gretzky transformed hockey from a primarily physical game into one emphasizing skill, speed, and creativity, influencing how the sport is played today. His records and achievements elevated the profile of hockey globally, particularly in non-traditional markets like California.
Career Honours
- Stanley Cup 4x (1984,1985,1987,1988)
- Hart Trophy 9x
- Art Ross Trophy 10x
- Conn Smythe 2x
- Hall of Fame (1999)
- NHL 100 Greatest Players
| Team | Period | GP | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edmonton Oilers | 1978–1988 | 696 | 583 |
| Los Angeles Kings | 1988–1996 | 539 | 246 |
| St. Louis Blues | 1996–1996 | 18 | 8 |
| New York Rangers | 1996–1999 | 234 | 57 |
| Indianapolis Racers | 1978–1978 | 8 | 3 |
Canadian Athletes