When Janet Jones encouraged Wayne Gretzky to take up a coaching role

Wayne Gretzky, popularly known as The Great One, is one of the greatest ice hockey players in history. However, his success wasn't achieved without obstacles, and his wife, Janet Jones, played a crucial role in supporting him throughout his career. When Gretzky was offered a coaching role in Phoenix, Janet Jones encouraged him to take up the job despite the potential challenges it presented.

At the time, Gretzky's family had five children, all under the age of 17, and resided in Los Angeles. Moving to Phoenix would have been disruptive and complicated for the family. However, Jones recognized her husband's talent and encouraged him to pursue the opportunity. She knew that coaching was a natural fit for him, and he had a lot of knowledge to offer. she said:

"Why not give back some of the knowledge you have?"

Despite his reservations, Gretzky eventually agreed to take on the coaching role with the encouragement of his wife. Jones has always been a pillar of strength for her husband, and her opinion meant a lot to him. She said:

"He likes to throw things at me to see if they'll stick,"

Her unwavering support and belief in him gave Gretzky the confidence he needed to take on a new challenge.

Wayne Gretzky met his future wife Janet Jones at a Lakers game

Wayne Gretzky is considered one of the greatest hockey players of all time. But not many people know the fascinating story of how he met his wife, Janet Jones.

Their encounter was a classic example of "Sports meets Hollywood," and it took place on the set of Merv Griffin's TV show Dance Fever. They didn't start dating until a few years later, and it all started at a Lakers game in Los Angeles. Gretzky and Jones were both single in 1987. They were inseparable from then on.

The couple's chemistry was undeniable, and the following year, Wayne Gretzky proposed to Jones over the phone. She said yes, and they got married in a lavish ceremony at St. Joseph's Basilica in Edmonton, which was dubbed "The Royal Wedding" by the Canadian press.

Interestingly, Jones was four months pregnant with their first child, Paulina, at the time of their wedding. Nonetheless, she wore a glittering $30,000 gown to the event, making it a truly glamorous affair.

Wayne Gretzky and Jones have been married for over three decades now, and their love for each other has only grown stronger with time. They have five children together and are known for their close-knit family.