“Kid Do Not Ever Take the Puck From Me Again”: Wayne Gretzky Once Received a Stern Warning From His Idol Gordie Howe During Their Maiden Faceoff

Dec 12, 2022 | 2:45 PM EST

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When two of the finest hockey players compete against each other, there’s bound to be entertainment. This is exactly what happened when Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe played against each other for the first time on November 17, 1979. During a talk in 2021, Gretzky recalled the memorable match, narrated an interesting anecdote, and also gave his frank opinion of ‘Mr. Hockey’.

Wayne Gretzky was playing for the Edmonton Oilers whereas Gordie Howe was playing for the New England Whalers. Along with the amusing anecdote, Wayne Gretzky also narrated a misconception he had about ‘Mr. Hockey’.

Wayne Gretzky recalled the unforgettable game and gave his views on Gordie Howe

‘The Great One’ revealed that he looked forward to facing Gordie Howe in the 1979 game. He said, “I was in the warmup, and I was so, so excited to play against Gordie Howe, and I thought, ‘Wow, this is something really cool. And we’re skating around the warmup getting ready for the game, and every time I went by Gordie, he was winking at me, and he’s getting me excited for the game.”

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Gretzky revealed that his teammates later informed him Gordie had an eye problem.

The hockey legend also recalled how he stole the puck from Howe during the game and took it far from his reach. After moving in another direction, he suddenly felt Gordie’s stick.

“Kid, do not ever take the puck from me again,” Gordie admonished him. Gretzky replied, “No, I never will.”

Gretzky also spoke about how ‘Mr. Hockey’ inspired him and described a special ‘Gordie Howe Putter’ that he has. “I idolized and loved Gordie so much… We were good friends.”

Unfortunately we lost the greatest hockey player ever today, but more importantly the nicest man I have ever met. (1/2)
— Wayne Gretzky (@WayneGretzky) June 10, 2016

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When Gordie Howe died on June 10, 2016, Wayne Gretzky gave him a heartfelt tribute on Twitter. Calling him one of the greatest players in hockey, Gretzky also said ‘Mr. Hockey’ was the nicest person he had met.

Wayne Gretzky’s reaction to breaking Gordie Howe’s record

After breaking Gordie’s record by scoring his 802nd goal in 1994, ‘The Great One’ celebrated with his parents and wife. The hockey legend went on to say that it was something very special. He expressed that he found it difficult to describe in words and said the best records are tough to break.

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Gretzky’s statements about Gordie Howe show how he was in awe of ‘Mr. Hockey’ and had huge respect for him. Gretzky and Howe’s legacy will always be unforgettable in NHL history. Out of the two NHL greats Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe, who is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.