“I’ve Waited for 25 Years for This”: Wayne Gretzky Was Drenched in Celebrations After Lifting Maiden Stanley Cup in 1984

The 1984 Stanley Cup Finals was one to remember for ages. When the Edmonton Oilers faced the New York Islanders, a very successful team, hopes were high for a major clash. However, the Oilers won their best-of-seven series, 4-1, and landed Wayne Gretzky his first Stanley Cup. 

Edmonton Oilers, who had previously won the Campbell Conference, faced the Islanders for one final shot at the cup. They won 4-1 and the jubilations in the Oilers dressing room hadn’t stopped for a long time. Gretzky particularly looked over the moon when he joined a reporter for a quick chat. 

Wayne Gretzky’s reaction was summed up with his million-dollar smile

Wayne Gretzky is widely regarded as the Greatest Hockey Player of all time. Sportswriters, broadcasters, The NHL, and in general fans, all combined, hail Gretzky as the greatest of all time. So, when he won the Stanley Cup for the 1st time, it was a jubilant occasion for all hockey fans. 

Gretzky carried a broad smile with joy in his eyes when he joined a reporter for a quick interview. He shared his feelings about their 1st ever victory at the tournament. The reporter started off by asking him a poignant question about the many individual awards that he won, and where exactly did he see them standing next to the Stanley Cup. He answered, “I have won a lot of individual awards, but those awards mean nothing like this”. The truth in those words was visible on his face. 

Wayne said that they had started believing in their team’s chances after they won the 1st match. They lost the 2nd match but bounced back quickly in their 3rd. The Oilers went on to win 57 out of 80 games, to advance into the playoffs as group toppers. In playoffs, they defeated Winnipeg Jets (3–0), then moved on to face Calgary Flames who they beat (4–3). The Oiler then beat Minnesota North Stars (4–0), before facing the New York Islanders in the finals.

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The Oilers’ confidence was always high after that victory. Even going into the playoffs, they started believing that they could win, with each victory further building their confidence.

Getting drenched in alcohol and Gretzky’s dignity toward opponents

Gretzky’s voice shook, he had goosebumps, but it was all the result of that out-of-world feeling that one gets in a situation like that. Hence, the reporter didn’t seem to mind as he sported a big, lovely smile displaying his entire upper jaw to the camera. They started getting drenched in the middle of the interview causing a momentary delay, but nothing could deny him on that day. Gretzky said, “I have waited 25 years for this”, with all smiles. The reporter quickly pointed out, that he was still relatively young since many have had to wait much more for such an elusive title. 

Gretzky bowed out of that interview in a dignified and sportsmanlike manner by paying their opponent due respect. He said, “They are great champions. I hope we can be as great as they are”, complimenting the Islanders. His humble response at that moment, while standing at the zenith of his career, is something every sportsperson should take note of. 

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Wayne Gretzky retired from the sport with the distinction of being the most decorated Hockey player in the history of the NHL. The Edmonton Oilers retired Gretzky’s jersey no. 99 as a means to show respect and pay tribute to him. So, here’s leaving all of you readers with a Wayne Gretzky quote to ponder upon – “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”.