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Wayne Gretzky

Wayne Gretzky is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Wayne Gretzky is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Nicknamed "The Great One," he played 20 NHL seasons for the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers, and retired in 1999.

Early life

Wayne Gretzky was born in Brantford, Ontario, in 1961 and began skating at a young age. Biographical sources note that he developed exceptional hockey skills early in childhood.

NHL career

Gretzky played for the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers over a 20-season NHL career. He retired in 1999 after setting numerous league records, including all-time marks for points and goals.

Legacy

Gretzky is widely described by major reference sources as the greatest hockey player in NHL history. His scoring records, championships, and influence on the sport made him one of hockey's most recognizable figures.

Life after retirement

After retiring, Gretzky worked in hockey management and coaching, including roles with the Phoenix Coyotes and Canadian Olympic hockey operations. He has also been involved in business and philanthropic projects.

Key facts

  • Gretzky holds the NHL record for most career points, with 2,857, and most career goals, with 894.
  • He spent nine seasons with the Edmonton Oilers and won four Stanley Cups with the team.
  • He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1999.
  • He has also served as a coach, team executive, and Olympic hockey team executive.
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Canadian context

Gretzky is one of Canada’s most famous athletes and a major figure in Canadian ice hockey history. He also helped lead Canada’s 2002 Olympic men’s hockey team and remains closely associated with Canadian sport and culture.[4][13][15]

Frequently asked questions

Who is Wayne Gretzky?
Wayne Gretzky is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and coach, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NHL history.
How old is Wayne Gretzky?
Born on January 26, 1961, Wayne Gretzky is 65 years old as of July 23, 2026.
What happened to Wayne Gretzky?
He retired from professional hockey in 1999 after a 20-season NHL career. He later worked in coaching, team management, and other hockey-related roles.
What is Wayne Gretzky known for?
He is known for his record-setting NHL career, including the all-time leads in career points and assists, and for being called "The Great One".
Is Wayne Gretzky married?
Yes. He has been married to actress Janet Jones since 1988.
What is Wayne Gretzky's net worth?
A reliable net worth figure was not provided in the supplied sources.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayne_Gretzky
    Supports: Birth date, Canadian nationality, NHL career length, teams played for, retirement year.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Wayne-Gretzky
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, career overview, Edmonton Oilers tenure, all-time NHL points and goals records.
  3. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/athlete/wayne-gretzky
    Supports: Retirement year, Hall of Fame induction, spouse, children, career summary.
  4. Gretzky's Story — https://gretzky.com/bio.php
    Supports: Post-retirement roles, family details, Hall of Fame mention, charitable and business activities.
  5. WRAL — https://www.wral.com/story/wayne-gretzky-fast-facts/21239387/
    Supports: Birth date, marriage to Janet Jones, children, career records.
  6. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/sports-and-games/sports-biographies/wayne-gretzky
    Supports: All-time scoring record, career points total, recognition as 'The Great One'.
  7. Hockey Hall of Fame — https://www.hhof.com/induction_archives/ind99wg2.shtml
    Supports: Birth date, Hall of Fame induction context.
  8. NHL — https://www.nhl.com/player/wayne-gretzky-8447400
    Supports: Birth date and birthplace.