When Wayne Gretzky texted Nathan Mackinnon some words of inspiration during the playoffs

Wayne Gretzky is considered by many to be the greatest hockey player of all time. In 2022, during the playoffs, Nathan MacKinnon received a lot of compliments from hockey legends and experts. But one compliment, in particular, stood out for him, and it came from none other than Wayne Gretzky.

On the 32 Thoughts Podcast with Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman, MacKinnon said he received numerous texts from Gretzky during the playoffs, praising his exceptional performance. Gretzky didn't offer any advice, but MacKinnon was thrilled to receive compliments from the hockey legend.

For any hockey player, receiving a compliment from Gretzky would be a dream come true, and for MacKinnon, it was no different. He admitted that it was surreal to see Gretzky's name pop up on his phone during the playoffs.

MacKinnon's outstanding performance in the playoffs was one for the ages. He scored the most playoff goals and was a standout player for the Colorado Avalanche as they ended their 21-year-long Stanley Cup drought.

His performance has cemented his place among the best players in the world, and many believe he will be the best-paid player in the NHL as he negotiates a new contract.

MacKinnon's journey to the top of the hockey world wasn't easy, but his hard work and dedication paid off. He has now established himself as a fan favorite and a player who is a joy to watch. Moreover, when the Great One himself sends words of inspiration and praise, it's a sign that MacKinnon has truly arrived as one of the best players in the game today.

Wayne Gretzky revealed his unusual pre-game meal

In an interview with Graham Bensinger, Wayne Gretzky, widely considered the greatest ice hockey player of all time, revealed his unusual pre-game meal. It consisted of junk food such as hot dogs, pie, and diet coke. While this may seem shocking to many, it’s important to consider the context of the time.

Gretzky found that drinking diet coke provided a similar energy boost to the glucose found in many energy drinks. He also indulged in chocolate bars, which he found gave him the energy he needed to perform on ice. While a healthy diet is important, athletes may need to experiment with different foods to find what works best for them.