“Can’t Wait to Go”: Wayne Gretzky’s Wife Janet Once Mocked the Hockey Legend by Comparing Him to a Kid

Ice hockey fans unanimously regard Wayne Gretzky as the greatest of all time. The Canadian’s incredible achievements on the field earned him the nickname “The Great One.” Despite his accomplishments and immense respect, Janet Jones, Gretzky’s wife, once playfully mocked the ice hockey legend.

Wayne Gretzky married Janet Jones in 1988, and the couple has five children. It’s safe to say Jones knows Gretzky like no expert or fan could. In Sports Illustrated’s book, The Great One: The Complete Wayne Gretzky Collection, Jones compared one of Gretzky’s habits with that of a kid. However, Jones also explained why she made the comparison.

Wayne Gretzky often acted like a child

The book, The Great One: The Complete Wayne Gretzky Collection, revealed what Jones said about her husband a year before his retirement. Jones explained even after surpassing nearly every record, Gretzky enjoyed playing. “You know how a kid cries if his Little League game is rained out? That’s Wayne,” said Jones about the multiple-time Stanley Cup winner.

Gretzky’s wife revealed that, like a child, the ice hockey legend got anxious and fidgety before every game. “At 4:30 on game day, he starts to sweat a little bit, and he can’t wait to go,” said the former actress. She added The Great One would enjoy a game of ice hockey without thinking of winning or losing. Janet Jones said Gretzky never dreaded going to a hockey game.

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Even during a season when the ice hockey player didn’t live up to his expectations, Gretzky would be excited to get on the field. Jones had also revealed that Gretzky would retire when he felt it was the right time to retire. The Great One retired after the 1998-99 season. The NHL also retired Gretzky’s No. 99 jersey.

Gretzky: The birth of a superstar

Gretzky’s wife may have playfully mocked his childlike behavior. However, Gretzky wasn’t even 18 when he joined the World Hockey Association. At 17, the young prodigy joined the Indianapolis racers. The Racers traded the young talent to Edmonton Oilers. The following season, the Oilers joined the NHL, and Gretzky showcased his insane talent.

The Great One became the league MVP in his very first NHL season. Besides winning the prestigious award, Gretzky also won 23 individual awards. However, despite winning many awards in his first season, the legend didn’t win the Calder Trophy as the league’s best rookie. Gretzky got disqualified since he had already played in the WHA.

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Do you think any individual player can top all of Gretzky’s achievements? And what are your thoughts about this small anecdote? Let us know in the comments.