“I Will Never Forget That”: 52 Years After Their First Meeting, Wayne Gretzky Reminisces Special Memory With His Idol

Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky‘s exceptional talent forever placed him above other renowned players. The Great One proved his mettle when he broke legend Gordie Howe’s amazing 801-goal record in 1994 by scoring his iconic 802nd goal against Los Angeles. However, Gretzky has always looked up to Gordie Howe as his idol since he was 10. Even now, Gretzky remembers a special memory with the hockey legend that he recalled recently.

Wayne Gretzky appeared in an interview with NHL TNT’s At Home with 99 show. The Great One reminisced his most loved memory with Howe and how he played a vital role in encouraging Gretzky to play when he was highly nervous.

Wayne Gretzky hilarious recalls an incident with Gordie Howe

In the NHL video, Gretzky remembered that for him Gordie Howe was a unique player. He met the legend at age 10 at a Lion’s Club dinner in 1971, the year when Howe scored his 400th goal against Montreal Canadiens.

Gretzky had a great conversation with his idol in his first meeting. In fact, during that meet, they took the iconic picture where Gordie Howe placed his golf stick around Gretzky’s neck. The Great One recalled, “he was bigger, better, nicer than I always had in my brain” From that dinner meeting, they remained great friends.

After Gretzky freshly entered his NHL era, he was selected to play his first All-Star game. Before the game, he was immensely nervous to perform. Moreover, his coach decided to send Gretzky and Howe together for integral gameplay. On knowing that he was going to pay with his idol, he told “Gordie I am so nervous.”

The Great One hilariously recalled his idol’s reply, “and he has legs up, he was sitting back and he was holding on his stick and his eyes closed and he opens one eye and says, “so am I”. Gretzky had a great laugh in the video remembering that incident with Howe and also added, “I will never forget that.” However, Howe explained to him a certain strategy to tackle his opponent that made it quick for the due to score a goal within ten seconds of the game. That made Gretzky realize that Gordie Howe was more brilliant than he thought.

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As Wayne Gretzky always remained a fanboy of Gordie Howe, he also came across some silly moments with the legend.

Gordie Howe winked at Wayne Gretzky

In a 2016 interview, Wayne Gretzky recalled his first game experience against his idol, Gordie Howe. When The Great One was 18, he excitedly prepped for a match against New England Whalers. Before the game, Gretzky was skating in the ice rink to warm up.

Every time he passed his idol, he noticed Gordie Howe winking at him. This got him excited. However, when he went to his dressing room to tell the fascinating incident to his fellow players, they told him that Howe had a blinking problem. Everyone ended up in a good laugh and the moment forever got engraved in Wayne’s mind.

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Indeed, Gretzky was a true Gordie Howe fan. His memories with the legend are forever going to be with him to cherish.