“I’m Not Going To Pull It on Ever Again”: Wayne Gretzky Made an Honest Admission Following His Retirement in 1999

Whenever Wayne Gretzky stepped on the ice hockey rink, the crowd always went crazy and cheered for him loudly. On April 18, 1999, the spectators were extra loud at Madison Square Garden as Gretzky made his way out on the ice. But, there was a lingering sadness in everyone’s voices as “The Great One” appeared for his “One Last Dance”.

After his final NHL match, while addressing the press, Gretzky made an honest confession that made everyone in the room emotional. 

Farewell to the “99” jersey

Gretzky played his last NHL game as a New York Rangers player, against Pittsburgh Penguins, where his team lost by 2-1. After an hours-long farewell ceremony, Gretzky appeared for his final NHL press conference, still dressed in his Rangers jersey.

Hence, someone asked the legend why he was still in his uniform. While replying to the question, Gretzky admitted, “Probably, subconsciously, I don’t want to take it off. I’m not going to pull it on ever again. It’s hard. It’s hard to take it off right now. I have to be honest with you. I don’t want to take it off.”

After hearing his raw emotions, many people in the room shed a few tears, along with teary-eyed Gretzky. Throughout his career, Gretzky donned the number 99 jersey, which also became a part of his identity. Hence, the NHL decided to retire the number as another tribute to the GOAT.

Besides, Gretzky concluded his final press conference by remembering the beginning of his career. “I was a boy that happened to love a game and got lucky, and the good Lord gave me a passion for it,” said the iconic player.

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As emotional as Gretzky was after the game, it was not different prior to it. However, the situation during his final ice hockey game was no different than his last NHL game. During this, even Gretzky’s wife was unable to control her emotions.

Wayne Gretzky saw right through his wife’s wit

In the same year, Gretzky appeared for his final All-Stars game in Tampa Bay. It was also the last time Gretzky played as a ‘current’ ice hockey player. Hence, Gretzky’s wife, Janet Jones, was right by his side to support her husband on a historic day.

However, despite feeling sad, Jones tried to make Gretzky laugh by asking him to win the car in the last game. Her sense of humor actually worked on Gretzky, who let out a hearty laugh. However, he knew his wife better than anyone else. He told his wife although she was cracking jokes; he knew she was as emotional and saddened as him.

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Nonetheless, Gretzky fulfilled his wife’s wish, as he won his one last MVP car and began his journey as a retired ice hockey player. Even today, Gretzky remains one of the most iconic players whose contributions to the sport are exceptional.