Early Life and Education of Wayne Gretzky: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Wayne Gretzky, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Wayne Gretzky, nicknamed "The Great One", is widely considered the greatest ice hockey player in history. He played 20 seasons in the NHL, from 1979 to 1999, for four teams. Gretzky holds NHL records for career goals, assists, and points, with more career assists than any other player has total points. He is the only NHL player to surpass 200 points in a single season, achieving this four times, and exceeded 100 points in 15 professional seasons. Upon retirement in 1999, he held 61 NHL records.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1960: Marriage of Gretzky's Parents

In 1960, Wayne Gretzky's parents, Phyllis Leone (Hockin) and Walter Gretzky, married and lived in an apartment in Brantford.

January 26, 1961: Wayne Gretzky's Birth

On January 26, 1961, Wayne Douglas Gretzky was born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada.

Others born on this day/year

1963: Birth of Sister Kim

In 1963, Wayne Gretzky's sister, Kim, was born.

October 1971: Profile in Toronto Telegram

In October 1971, John Iaboni wrote a profile of the young Wayne Gretzky in the Toronto Telegram due to his impressive performance with the Brantford Nadrofsky Steelers.

1972: World Hockey Association Established

The World Hockey Association was established in 1972 to compete with the NHL.

February 1975: Booed at Maple Leaf Gardens

In February 1975, Wayne Gretzky was booed on "Brantford Day" at Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens, which was a tipping point for his family to consider moving him to Toronto for his hockey career.

1978: WHA Struggling

By 1978, the World Hockey Association (WHA) was struggling with only seven surviving franchises.

1980: Exceptional Stamina

In 1980, tests revealed Gretzky had exceptional physical stamina and recovery abilities. An exercise physiologist testing the Edmonton Oilers was surprised by Gretzky's high score, suggesting the machine might have been broken. His stamina was reflected in his ability to score late in games.

1980: Baseball Contract Offer

In the summer of 1980, Gretzky batted .492 for the Junior Intercounty Baseball League's Brantford CKCP Braves, leading to a contract offer from the Toronto Blue Jays.

1987: Gretzky's Contract Converted

In 1987, Wayne Gretzky and Peter Pocklington agreed to replace Gretzky's personal services contract with a standard NHL contract.

1988: Gretzky's Return to Edmonton

In 1988, Wayne Gretzky made his first appearance in Edmonton after being traded, receiving a four-minute standing ovation.

1988: Oilers Planning to Trade Gretzky

In 1988, shortly after winning the Stanley Cup, Wayne Gretzky learned that the Edmonton Oilers were planning to trade him to another team due to financial issues.

May 2000: Agreement to Buy Stake in Phoenix Coyotes

In May 2000, Gretzky agreed to buy a 10% stake in the Phoenix Coyotes, partnering with Steve Ellman, and taking on roles as alternate governor, managing partner, and head of hockey operations to prevent a potential move to Portland, Oregon.