Joe Buck welcomes THE GREAT ONE, Wayne Gretzky, to the show and talks about his years playing hockey as a youth, the famous quote, and the journey to becoming one of the NHL's greatest players of all time.
His parents were terrific. I took my son to his house in Brantford once and sat in my car. My son knocked on the door and Walter welcomed him in immediately. 45 minutes later my son finally comes back to the car. They had given him milk and cookies with autographed pics of Wayne and a tour of all the trophies and awards Wayne had won. How many would do that for a stranger knocking on your door.
Give credit to you for giving your son a memory of a life time, as you called wayne’s parents terrific im sure he has or will say “my dad was terrific” you sitting in the car waiting shows you wanted him to have that moment by himself im sure you wanted to go in there too lol you a good man sir.
You and all Canadians have so much to be proud of, so many Giants who have contributed to so many arts, sciences, sports….everything! I especially love the great Canadian songwriters and musicians, and also Glenn Gould! He’s the only pianist I’ll listen to who recorded the keyboard works of Bach! I grew up across the bay from Duluth, MN, just a few hours south of your border, so Canada has always been on my radar in the best way possible. Also, I learned over the years that two of my ancestors fought for the British in the Revolutionary War and had to escape over the border to Canada (today’s New Brunswick), one in a box hidden in a wagon full of goods because he had a price on his head. They stayed with groups of Loyalists and eventually migrated westward, eventually moving south into Lower Michigan about 100 years later. So that’s another reason for me to love Canada!
@@voraciousreader3341cool story! We do have a lot to be proud of, thanks a lot! My great grandparents are from Romania, Austria, Poland and mostly Ukraine. We were on all sides too and got free land to work the land in 2 yrs. My grandpa had flat feet so he was rejected from the military and saved my dad's family tree. My mom's dad was a gunner and trained in Halifax, NS but didn't go as the war ended. I am thankful. ❤
Listen, I agree about Gretz being a class act. Problem : This new GAMBLING problem. He does NOT need the money so whydid he pounce with bothfeet and NO hesitation....It just cheapens his reputation....I can sort of see it with thr young guns (Mathews,McDavid, etc.....) but GRETZ has made his money --- and he MUST have thought of how thus would make his reputation fall and be sullied by his actions. Or is it"Its a business -- who gives a hoot , just go fer' the cash grab", who cares about my reputation as long as I earn another couple of million......!!
I lived in Brantford and just one street north of the Gretzkys. I worked at the zehrs store and they would shop there. You’d never know their son was the greatest scorer ever. So down to earth. After Mrs Gretzky passed my mom would run into Walter at various local church garage sales. He was always trying to find a decent dishcloths to use and would ask my Mom what she thought. She said he was such a nice and friendly guy and he d talk to everyone Here is even a better story. I came by to visit my dad and mom. My dad was Always bored so we d go to the Brantford Mall and all these old retired guys would hang and talk. I see Mr Gretzky walking towards us and my dad jumps up and says Walt. I want you to meet my son. He comes over and we chat for a few minutes. All he asked was questions about me and my wife and kids etc. then I said take care Mr Gretzky. My dad had a puzzled look and asked how do you know him??? I said Dad…. That’s Walter Gretzky. He still didn’t click it. So I said that is Wayne Gretzkys sad. Everyone knows him. My dad’s was dumbfounded. He said I’ve been talking to that guy for a year. He never once said anything about that. That shows you how humble he was.
@yeltsin6817 He didn't want to stay there because of Mike Keenan! His wife is from St. Louis. They actually own a home in St. Louis. He was there for the Winter Classic game at Busch Stadium. He was wearing the good Blues jersey, not the horrible one that he wore when he played for the Blues. Those were the worst jerseys in Blues history!
Mr Gretzky came to our game to drop the ceremonial face-off. A true man of class. Always had time for the community. Wayne-o is a pretty big beautician himself.
I usually don't comment on these sorts of interviews, but after listening to Wayne Gretzky I just have to. I was never a big hockey fan when he was playing because I just wasn't into hockey in my younger years. But after listening to this guy, because I never knew anything about him before except that he was a great hockey player, I have to say this is just one "Down-Home-Your-Average-Joe-Next-Door GREAT GUY." I don't tip my hat to too many people, but Wayne Gretzky, I am TIPPING MY HAT to you, right here, right now ...!!!!!
We were all devastated when he was traded from Edmonton. I still remember that day. I don't think we ever really recovered. It was nice when he came back to work for the organization. He did so much for hockey and has always been the nicest human being.
@bluegregory6239 was good to see Minnesota get their team back! The prairies deserve their hockey teams and have the best fans!! Cheers from Edmonton 😊
He also skated his @ss off, from the age of 2, for _HOURS!_ It’s just the same with any prodigy…..the God given talent has to kneel before the Goddess of Discipline and the Handmaiden of Application. Talent-however exceptional-will only get a person so far.
The complete package on and off the ice, in front of and behind the cameras. Watching him hoist the cup was a big part of my childhood and am grateful I got to follow him throughout his career. Never once let his fans down. The perfect idol.
I met Walter in Red Deer about 10 years ago at a golf tournament. He was so amazing. We talked for a good half an hour. He even helped me put up a sign on my outdoor food cart. This is my most favourite memory. He raised a great 1 and I don’t doubt that. Rip Walter! Love watching Wayne ❤😊
Met him during a baseball tournament at Cooperstown,NY. Didn’t want to bother him and just said hello. He was very accommodating to the ones that did approach him. We were a powerhouse (won the tournament) and put it on his sons team from Lakewood California pretty good but his son was not only a bright spot on the team he was a true sportsman and shook the hand of every player that did the home run trot by his shortstop position. Both great athletes and better sportsman. Class acts for sure!
Great interview! I could listen to Wayne talk for hours. I was such a big huge fan and was always torn when the Oilers played my Islanders. Glad to hear that he and Trots were good friends.
I grew up just outside of Chicago and I played hockey but I was an Oilers fan because of Wayne. My dad bought me an Edmonton Oilers jacket for Christmas which I wore to an Oilers game against the Blackhawks at the Chicago Stadium. For about 2.5 hours I feared for my safety 😂😂😂 Learned some awesome new curse words though.
One time Wayne bought Walter a Cadillac. Several years later Wayne was visiting and noticed he still was using his old van and the Cadillac was still in the garage. He asked if there was any issues and Walter told him how good the old van was and the luxury car wasn't really needed. What a beauty of a man.....
Gretz was a class act on and off the ice. He idolized Gordie Howe and Bobby Orr. His trade to Los Angeles in the summer of ‘88 brought the sport to America. He’s the greatest ambassador of the game of hockey. Ever. All the records, all the championships: An inspiration to kids and fans around the world.
I never learned anything new cause I’ve seen every interview of Wayne. N I still immensely enjoyed. He’s such a great passionate story teller, even when you know the ending.
I never saw Gretzky brag or put himself above anyone else. he was always classy. many don't realize how freaky good his numbers were. unprecedented doesn't explain it well enough. if I was destroying every record known to man and that far ahead of my peers I'd never shut up about it. I'd be unbearable
Now that’s a human being!!!!❤ his championships are in his heart and soul… what I wouldn’t give to hang out with Wayne Gretzky for a day? Wow would I learn so much!
I grew up in Edmonton, watched Wayne play the whole time he was there, and this is the first time I've heard his whole story. MIND BLOWN. Great interview!! Bravo!
There are so many amazing stats and things that set Wayne apart. I love that every time someone does something great in the NHL they throw up a graphic and there’s Wayne at the top of the list of the people who’ve done that thing…just a mile ahead of the second guy on the list.
It’s unbelievable how fucking cool wayne is. I could listen to him talk forever. It’s like he never knew he was Wayne Gretzky. I think he thought he was Joe from the local auto parts store.
Edmontonion here since 1977. Still here, now 69. Nothing but sincere admiration & pride of the affinity that only Wayne,THE Edmonton Oilers, all of them at that time, Walter, his family, THE ENTIRE CITY OF EDMONTON, OUR JANET WILL EVER GET TO SHARE AGAIN! YOU HAD TO BE HERE TO FEEL THAT VERY UNIQUE BOND BETWEEN A ENTIRE CITY & THIS ENTITY, & HIS TEAM. I FEEL THAT CONNECTION TO THIS DAY & NEVER MET HIM. OH, I WAS THERE AT THE OPEN CAR PARADE & REACHED IN TO TOUCH THE STANLEY CUP AS IT SLOWLY PASSED ME ON JASPER AVE & 100 STREET. CAN'T FORGET JOEY. I COULDN'T AFFORD TICKETS BUT THERE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN A BIGGER FAN THAN ME! THE CUPS WERE FOR EVERY EDMONTONION!
I could listen to Wayne Gretzky all day long. He is such a class act. Followed his whole career and saw him play a couple of times - just watching the crazy things he could in practise was incredible, never mind what he did when the puck dropped. Thank you, Wayne, from a loyal fan :-)
We would go down to the Forum and watch him play with Marty, Luc, Kelly, Jari etc.. that place was a pit in the middle of the ghetto but it sure was fun.
His influence on the game gave way to teams in places that never had Hockey. North Carolina, Florida, Phoenix. Even Las Vegas. Think that at least 3 of those teams have even won a Stanley Cup,. Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes and The Golden Knights ( i think)
Kevin Lowe has a similar story, played hockey locally 62 km NW of Montreal, mover as a Teenager to Quebec , to play with the Quebec Ramparts, was Edmonton's First draft pick upon entering the NHL, and scored Edmonton Oilers first score
It's so true about them and the cup. Remember going to a friends house for a BBQ and walk out and the cup was sitting on the picnic table brought by Mark. Had wayne sign a puck for me once and like a fool played road hockey with it all summer. Lol no signature left. They were all such great down to earth guys.
Gretzky if he stayed in Edmonton, “I don’t know if we’d win one more(SC), but we sure had great team.”..Same thing Troy Aikman said if Jimmy had stayed in Dallas. Great show Joe!👍
I was Coaching a Softball Team and we were in a Tournament short one player . I ended up finding a 9 yr old that was willing to step in . She was 4 yrs younger than my team . She Cranked Out A Home Run and Set the Tone . We Won .
I thought I knew every Gretzky trivia fact there was to know. I didn’t know about him wearing #24. I bet that jersey would command a million plus dollars.
With help from a encouraging father nobody worked harder than Wayne Gretsky to become the greatest hockey player of all time IMO. hockey heros of my youth were Henri Richard, Stan Makita, Boby Orr, Gordie howe. One of the smartest things Wayne did was quit playing at age 38. one of the dumest things i ever did was thinking I could play pickup hockey until I was 60.
Nice job Joe! Without question he will go down as the greatest ever and it’s so hard to see anyone catching him outside of Ovechkin and his goals nobody will!
Love Wayne, although I lived in Calgary during the battle of Alberta and had to cheer for Lanny & the boys I admire you as a person. My son raced MX and he loved you as well. He loved your joy for the sport and ethics. He put this on his bedroom door when he was 7 and it is still there 20 years later. It's a sign with your #99 from his bike and below it reads "be nice or leave". True Canadian😂
Both my parents grew up on a farm. In Alpena, Michigan. They gave me a list of things to do every day while they were gone in the summer time. My friends would be knocking on my door at 9 am, I would say check back with me at 1, i have chores to do. I thank my parents ten fold, for teaching me work ethic.! I can't thank them enough for this ethic.!
Top three favourite memories at the Edmonton Coliseum: 1). 50 goals in 39 games - 5 goal game against Philly. 2). Game 4 1988 Stanley Cup win vs Boston. Game 4 should have been in Boston but the lights went out in the Gaaaahdens. 3). Breaking Howe’s point record. It was a remarkable time to be a hockey fan in Edmonton. His records are amazing but 4 Cups in 5 years is his greatest achievement.
I can remember as a kid playing hockey a teamates father asked my father to come and see this kid play. So my father went. The score was 17-1 and guess who got 16 out of the 17 goals
Most hockey players, as my Dad said many years ago, would play the game for free. That's a stretch, I know. But a lot of hockey players, no matter what level, will lace up the skates and play in a league. Not many contact sports will say that. Side note. 1 Orr. 2 Howe. 3 Gretzky. 4 Messier. 5 Roy. Ex goalie here.
1 Gretzky. 2 Orr. 3 Howe. 4 Lemieux. 5 Hall (Glenn). It's difficult to rank hockey players, in different eras. I generally agree with your post, though.
Hello! 1)Gordie Howe by a mile. Great team player, great shooter, great passer, always played defence and could beat the shit out of you. 2) tie with Gretzky and Orr. Both great on offense and both transcended the game to a new level. Everybody else is up for long debates and opinions.
What people who didn't watch him play at the time don't realize is how he controlled the game. Most people when they think of the greatest players in a given sport think of someone with blazing speed so they can run around defenders, amazing athleticism so they can juke a defende out of their shoes or jump over them, or massive strength so that they can overpower their opponents. Gretzky was the exact opposite...he would force defenders to play at his speed. He made the game slow down. It wasn't about speed but rather about change of pace, anticipation, and seeing open space where others see chaos. Uneducated people watch his highlights and say "everyone plays so slowly...how good can he be?" But he made everyone slow down with puck control, incredible dexterity, and unbelievable vision and skill. He was a grandmaster chess player playing against us novices. It was incredible to watch him do his thing and I don't think just watching his highlights does him any justice as to how much he controlled the game. As a Canucks fan I freaking HATED him!! He destroyed my team! haha!!
@9:47... after the season ends, one can put the equipment away and play ULTIMATE FRISBEE. Having played both for yrs, I dropped my stick when I discovered another 10 minutes of drive time gave me the chance to play indoor @ UNH during 5 below snowfall... NEVER looked back - but ALWAYS thankful for the experience.
