How Wayne Gretzky Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Wayne Gretzky—a timeline of influence.

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

1967: Start of Companionship Appointments

In 1967, the Governor General's office started appointing individuals as Companions of the Order of Canada. According to a 2015 statement, between 1967 and 2015, 467 individuals were appointed.

1972: Summit Series Impact

Beginning in 1972 with the Summit Series, the Soviets developed a more team style of play and had successfully used it against the best NHL teams.

1984: Oilers voted greatest NHL team ever

In 1984, the Edmonton Oilers team, later voted the greatest NHL team ever, was the one most directly impacted by the June 1985 rule change.

June 1985: NHL Introduces Offsetting Penalties

In June 1985, the NHL Board of Governors introduced offsetting penalties, a rule change that became known as "the Gretzky rule."

1990: Gretzky Named Athlete of the Decade

In 1990, Wayne Gretzky was named Male Athlete of the Decade by the Associated Press.

1992: "The Gretzky Rule" Reversed

In 1992, the NHL reversed the offsetting penalties rule, also known as "the Gretzky rule".

1997: Gretzky Ranked as Greatest NHL Player

In 1997, The Hockey News committee of experts voted Wayne Gretzky as the greatest player in NHL history.

August 1999: Honorary Chairman of Open Ice Summit

In August 1999, Gretzky was named honorary chairman of the Open Ice Summit, focusing on improving Canadian ice hockey. He emphasized the importance of playing for the love of the game and skill development.

October 1999: Edmonton Freeway Renamed

In October 1999, Edmonton honored Gretzky by renaming Capilano Drive, a freeway passing by Northlands Coliseum, to Wayne Gretzky Drive.

November 22, 1999: Induction into Hockey Hall of Fame

On November 22, 1999, Gretzky was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, bypassing the three-year waiting period. He was the tenth and last player to do so, as the Hall of Fame discontinued the practice thereafter.

1999: Induction into Hockey Hall of Fame

In 1999, after his retirement, Wayne Gretzky was immediately inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, with the waiting period waived.

2000: Jersey Number Retired League-Wide

In 2000, Gretzky was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame. At the 2000 NHL All-Star Game, Gretzky's jersey number 99 was retired league-wide, inspired by Major League Baseball's retirement of Jackie Robinson's number 42.

2000: Induction into IIHF Hall of Fame

In 2000, Wayne Gretzky was inducted into the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Hall of Fame.

2002: Jersey Retirement and Statue

In 2002, the Kings held a jersey retirement ceremony and erected a life-sized statue of Gretzky outside the Staples Center. Also, Gretzky received a star on Canada's Walk of Fame in Toronto.

2004: Brantford Walk of Fame Induction

In 2004, Gretzky was inducted into Brantford's "Walk of Fame."

2004: Induction into Ontario Sports Hall of Fame

In 2004, Wayne Gretzky was inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame.

2012: Received Order of Hockey in Canada

In 2012, Wayne Gretzky received the Order of Hockey in Canada.

2015: Governor General's Office Statement on Investiture

In 2015, a spokesperson for the Governor General's office confirmed attempts to arrange Wayne Gretzky's investiture as a Companion of the Order of Canada. The spokesperson also noted that, between 1967 and 2015, 467 individuals had been appointed as Companions, with five, including Gretzky, not yet invested.