“He Pulled Up in His Big White Cadillac”: Gordie Howe Felt Like a Santa Claus to 10-Year-Old Wayne Gretzky During Their First Meeting in 1972

Dec 28, 2022 | 3:00 PM EST

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When two legends meet for the first time, the moment becomes memorable forever. This is exactly what happened when Wayne Gretzky met Gordie Howe for the first time in Ontario at an event. While Gretzky was a hockey prodigy, like any other 10-year-old, he felt nervous. During this time, a conversation with Gordie Howe completely changed his perspective.

In a 2017 conversation, Gretzky talked about the entire incident in detail. Along with Gordie Howe, there were also people belonging to the Canadian Football League (CFL) at the event. The ubiquitous Lion’s Club had a huge role in making this event happen successfully.

Wayne Gretzky’s untold disclosure about their first meeting in 1972

“I remember thinking, he pulled up in his big white Cadillac to the event that we were doing that day, he got out of this car like when you’re a kid and you see Santa Claus, you can’t believe it’s real”, Gretzky admitted. Continuing, Gretzky described how there were more than 500 people in this gathering. ‘

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Wayne Gretzky remembers Gordie Howe: “He was the nicest man I’ve ever met” https://t.co/49H03RYIWw
— TIME (@TIME) June 10, 2016

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Afterward, Gretzky explained how he was told to address this large gathering. This thought made Gretzky shake due to nervousness. At this moment, Gretzky confessed his true feelings to Gordie Howe.

On hearing about Gretzky’s nervousness, Howe disclosed that he felt the same. Further, he gave an unexpected piece of advice to Gretzky, “‘When you get up there, tell them you’re lost without your hockey stick and skates.” Boosted by this encouragement, Gretzky went on stage, thanked the audience, and began to cry. Impressed by his bravery in speaking, the audience stood up and applauded him. Gordie also praised how Gretzky managed the affair.

Wayne’s first face-off with Gordie Howe on the hockey field

This exciting encounter took place when Gretzky was just 18 years old. While Gretzky was playing for the Edmonton Oilers, Howe was playing for the New England Whalers. Gretzky who was excited to play with Howe had a misconception that Gordie was winking at him. Later, Gretzky realized that Howe had an eye issue and wasn’t winking at him. In this memorable game, Gretzky managed to steal the puck from Howe. Afterward, Howe warned him never to steal the puck from him again.

Gretzky’s statements about Gordie Howe show how Howe had the charisma and the ability to make anyone feel comfortable. Both Gretzky and Howe will always remain legends in NHL history. What do you think of their special bond? Let us know in the comments below.

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