Wayne Gretzky

Wayne Douglas Gretzky was born January 26, 1961 in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. His parents are Walter and Phyllis Gretzky. He began skating at age two and a half. He was first taught how to play hockey by his father. At age 6 he played as an all-star in novice hockey with 10 and 11 years old. In 1977 he played at the Junior World Cup competition, he was the youngest player and the leading scorer.

Gretzky went professional in 1978, playing for the Indianapolis Racers in the World Hockey Association (WHA). His contract was later sold to the Edmonton Oilers who joined the NHL in 1979. As center and team captain, Gretzky led the Oilers to four Stanley Cup victories from 1983–88. After the 87–88 season, he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings.

In the 1980–81 season he became the first player in NHL history to average more than two points a game. Gretzky won the Art Ross Memorial trophy (leading NHL scorer) for seven consecutive years, from the 1980–1987 seasons. Early in the 89-90 season he broke Gordie Howe's NHL all-time scoring record of 1,850. Gretzky won the Art Ross Memorial again in 1989–90, 1990–91, and 1993–94. He was the first player to win the Hart memorial trophy, given to the most valuable player each season, for eight consecutive years from 1979-1987 season. He received it again in 1988–89.

Late in the 1993–94 season he broke Howe's record for career goals (801). In 1996 Gretzky was traded by the Los Angeles Kings to the St. Louis Blues. Later that year he signed with the New York Rangers. With his 1,851st assist, scored in a 1997 game against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, Gretzky broke yet another record, scoring more assists than any player had scored points in an NHL career.

Gretzky retired after twenty years in the NHL from 1979-1999 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. His career totals include 2,857 points and 894 goals. The NHL retired his jersey number (99) after his final game. Wayne Gretzky is my hero because he is the greatest hockey player of all-time.