“I Don’t Even Have Skates!”: Wayne Gretzky Once Received a Rare Honor That Only NBA Legend Bill Russell and MLB Icon Jackie Robinson Boast of in America

Wayne Gretzky is one of the greatest ice hockey players in the world. In his 20-year-long career, Wayne achieved multiple titles and massive respect from every sports lover. During 1979-1999, the 61-year-old played for four NHL teams. One of his most predominant teams was Edmonton Oilers, with which he played for nine seasons. While retiring in 1999, he received an emotional farewell ceremony from the Oilers.

Gretzky, nicknamed ‘The Great One,’ was idolized by many hockey players. In 1978, he became the top scorer at the World Junior Championships. He is also credited for bringing a massive change in the Los Angeles Kings in 1988, which led them to the 1993 Stanley Cup Finals. Apart from being an ice hockey player, Wayne also coached the Canadian Hockey Team.

Wayne Gretzky received the greatest honors in America

Wayne Gretzky’s titles and talent speak for him out loud. After his successful 20-year career in hockey, he announced his retirement in the 1998-99 season of the NHL. The hockey legend realized that he could not play the sport anymore at the age of 38. It was not tough for him to accept his decision. Wayne was quite content with it.

Of course, his retirement announcement upset many ice hockey lovers at the time. However, to honor his glorious career, Wayne received an outstanding ceremony in 1999. Along with Wayne’s retirement, NHL decided to retire his iconic ’99 jersey’ as well. Moreover, only two athletes have received such honors in past; when NBA retired Bill Russell’s jersey number and MLB announced the retirement of Jackie Robinson’s number.

On 2 October 1999, the Oilers also created a blue banner bearing Gretzky’s name, number, and the team’s oil drop logo, which was lifted to the ceiling in Edmonton, Alberta. On receiving the honor, the hockey legend stated,“I guess it’s only fitting that they’re parking me (the banner) behind that net,”

Gretzky’s iconic ceremony was witnessed by more than 17,000 fans screaming and cheering for him. The crowd chanted to Gretzky; “One more year! One more year!..They took my skates to the Hall of Fame!,” he added, “I don’t even have skates!”

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Moreover, Gretzky’s family, father Walter, mother Phyllis, wife Janet, and children Paulina, Ty, and Trevor also attended the grand occasion. Most of Gretzky’s fans that day were wearing Gretzky sweaters and Oilers’ jackets, raising handmade cardboard signs plastered with hearts and 99s.

Gretzky’s career post-retirement

After retiring in 1999, Wayne Gretzky became the head coach of the Canadian Hockey Team, Phoenix Coyotes. He later joined as a studio analyst on TNT and TBS..

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Presently, he collaborates with multiple global brands for promotion and awareness purposes. He also had a restaurant in America that closed after 27 years in 2020.