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, a Canadian former professional ice hockey player, widely regarded as "the Great One," is considered the greatest hockey player ever. He played 20 seasons in the NHL, setting numerous records. Gretzky holds the record for career points and assists, remarkably having more assists than any other player's total career points. He is the only NHL player to surpass 200 points in a single season, achieving this four times and exceeding 100 points in 15 seasons. Upon his retirement in 1999, Gretzky held 61 NHL records, solidifying his legacy as a dominant force in ice hockey.

Sections (5)

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

1960: Parents' Marriage

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. He would grow to become a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and former head coach. He is often called the greatest ice hockey player ever.

Others born on this day/year

1963: Sister Kim Born

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

February 1975: Booed at Maple Leaf Gardens

In February 1975, Gretzky was booed on "Brantford Day" at Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens, which was a factor in his family's decision to move him to Toronto to play hockey.

1980: Summer Baseball Performance

During the summer of 1980, Wayne Gretzky batted .492 for the Junior Intercounty Baseball League's Brantford CKCP Braves, which led to him being offered a contract by the Toronto Blue Jays.

1980: Exceptional Stamina

In 1980, Wayne Gretzky's exceptional physical stamina was highlighted when an exercise physiologist tested the recuperative abilities of the Edmonton Oilers. Gretzky scored so high that the tester thought the machine was broken.

2015: Scheduling Conflicts for Investiture

In 2015, Wayne Gretzky's agent cited scheduling difficulties as the reason for his non-attendance at the Order of Canada investiture. He had been in Canada for other events during the past fifteen years.

2015: Attempts to Arrange Investiture

In 2015, a spokesperson for the Governor General's office confirmed attempts to arrange an investiture for Wayne Gretzky. Between 1967 and 2015, 467 individuals had been appointed as Companions of the Order of Canada.

2025: Absence from Order of Canada Investiture

As of 2025, Wayne Gretzky had not attended the investiture in Ottawa to be appointed as a Companion of the Order of Canada. His agent mentioned in 2015 scheduling difficulties.