Wayne Gretzky

by Chad Ficara

Biography
Wayne Gretzky was born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada on January 26, 1961. Even before he was 10 years old he was expected to be one of hockey's greatest, and he did more than live up to the expectations. In 1979 he made his first NHL (National Hockey League) appearance on the Edmonton Oilers.

In 1984 and 85 he led the Oilers to win two Stanley Cup Championships, and received his first Conn Smyth Trophy (playoff MVP). In 1987 and 88 he led the Oilers to another two consecutive Stanley Cup titles, and received his second Conn Smyth trophy in the 1988 playoffs.

Then, in 1988, hockey fans worldwide were shocked when the NHL's hottest and greatest star was traded to the L.A. Kings, where he remained from 1988-95. He then played on the St. Lois Blues for a season, before joining the New York Rangers. He remained on the Rangers until April of 1999, when he retired from the NHL.

However, this did not end Gretzky's career in hockey. He went on to become the head coach of team Canada at the 2001 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, where he led his team to their first gold medal in 50 years.

Gretzky's Career Highlights

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Won the Hart Trophy (an award given to the player who plays the largest role in the success of his team) in 1980, '81, '82, '83, '84, '85, '86, '87, and '89.

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Won the Lady Byang Trophy (an award given annually to a player who displays great, and gentlemanly play) in 1980, '91, '92, '94, and '99.

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Won the Art Ross Trophy (most goals in a single season) in 1981, '82, '83, '84, '85, '86, '87, '90, '91, and '94.

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Broke the NHL record for most assists in a single season in 1981, '82, '83, '85, and '86.

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Broke the NHL record for most goals in a single season in 1982.

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Broke the NHL record for most points in a single season in 1981, '82, and '86.

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Won the Lester B. Pearson Award (an award voted on by NHL players, and given to the player that they feel was the most valuable throughout the season) in 1982, '83, '84, '85, and '87.

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Won the Conn Smyth Trophy (an award given to the MVP in the playoffs) in 1985, and '88.

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Won the Lester Patrick Trophy (an award presented to a player who has contributed the most to the advancement of hockey in the USA) in 1994.

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Played in the NHL All-Star game in 1980, '81, '82, '83, '84, '85, '86, '88, '89, '90, '91, '92, '93, '94, '96, '97, '98, and '99.

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At the 2001 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City he coached team Canada to a 5 - 2 victory over the USA.

gallery - links

•	Won the Hart Trophy (an award given to the player who plays the largest role in the success of his team) in 1980, '81, '82, '83, '84, '85, '86, '87, and '89.
•	Won the Lady Byang Trophy (an award given annually to a player who displays great, and gentlemanly play) in 1980, '91, '92, '94, and '99.
•	Won the Art Ross Trophy (most goals in a single season) in 1981, '82, '83, '84, '85, '86, '87, '90, '91, and '94.
•	Broke the NHL record for most assists in a single season in 1981, '82, '83, '85, and '86.
•	Broke the NHL record for most goals in a single season in 1982.
•	Broke the NHL record for most points in a single season in 1981, '82, and '86.
•	Won the Lester B. Pearson Award (an award voted on by NHL players, and given to the player that they feel was the most valuable throughout the season) in 1982, '83, '84, '85, and '87.
•	Won the Conn Smyth Trophy (an award given to the MVP in the playoffs) in 1985, and '88.
•	Won the Lester Patrick Trophy (an award presented to a player who has contributed the most to the advancement of hockey in the USA) in 1994.
•	Played in the NHL All-Star game in 1980, '81, '82, '83, '84, '85, '86, '88, '89, '90, '91, '92, '93, '94, '96, '97, '98, and '99.
•	At the 2001 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City he coached team Canada to a 5 - 2 victory over the USA.