Wayne Gretzky is a retired Canadian ice hockey legend. He had a stellar 20-season career in the NHL from 1979 to 1999. Nicknamed "The Great One," he played for the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers, earning global recognition as the greatest hockey player of all time. Upon retiring, he held 61 NHL records, including all-time goals, assists, and points, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame immediately after.
Gretzky was also involved with the Phoenix Coyotes (now Arizona Coyotes) from 2001 to 2009 as part-owner and head coach. He acquired a 10% stake to help stabilize the franchise and served in multiple roles, including alternate governor and managing partner. Despite high hopes, the Coyotes faced financial troubles, eventually filing for bankruptcy in 2009. Gretzky stepped down as coach and sold his ownership stake, officially ending his involvement with the team.
Wayne Gretzky’s jersey number
According to Fansided, Wayne Gretzky wore number #99 throughout his ice hockey career. The number later became synonymous with his legendary hockey career. However, it was not his initial choice when he started playing. During his early years with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League, Gretzky initially desired to wear the number 9 jersey as a tribute to his hockey hero, Gordie Howe. However, his teammate Brian Gualazzi already wore number 9, and Gretzky had to reconsider his options. His coach Muzz MacPherson at the time suggested wearing 99, which eventually Gretzky settled for. This decision not only paid tribute to Howe's number 9 but also created a unique identity for Gretzky.
From that point, Gretzky proudly wore the number #99 throughout his career with Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and lastly the New York Rangers. Interestingly, Gretzky retired in 1999 and immediately after his retirement, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on November 22, 1999, by-passing the usual three-year waiting period. Moreover, the Edmonton Oilers, where Gretzky spent the most successful years of his career, retired his jersey number 99 on October 1, 1999. On October 9, 2002, the Los Angeles Kings retired Gretzky's number 99. Notably, Gretzky's jersey number 99 was retired across the NHL on February 6, 2000, during the NHL All-Star Game, ensuring that no other NHL player would ever wear number 99.
Why did Wayne Gretzky choose 99?
According to Fansided, Wayne Gretzky wore jersey number 99 throughout his professional hockey career. The story behind the number traces back to 1977-78 when he was playing for the Soo Greyhounds in junior hockey. Initially, Gretzky wanted to wear the number 9 in honor of his idol, Gordie Howe, but that number was already taken. His coach jokingly suggested, "Why don't you wear two nines?" leading Gretzky to adopt 99, a number he stuck with for the rest of his career.
Read More: Wayne Gretzky's Age
FAQs on Wayne Gretzky
A. Wayne Gretzky has won four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers.
A. Yes, Wayne Gretzky's jersey number 99 was retired in honor of his contributions to the league.
A. This is because the league retired the number 99 to honor Wayne Gretzky, ensuring no other player in the NHL wears this number.
A. Wayne Gretzky is 63 years old.
