Wayne Douglas Gretzky, professionally known as Wayne Gretzky, is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player, coach, and entrepreneur.
Widely regarded as the greatest ice hockey player of all time, he earned the nickname “The Great One” for his extraordinary achievements in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Gretzky is best known for leading the Edmonton Oilers to four Stanley Cup championships and for holding more than 60 NHL records, including the all-time records for goals, assists, and points.
Essential Data
- Full Name: Wayne Douglas Gretzky
- Stage Name: Wayne Gretzky
- Born: January 26, 1961
- Age: 65 years old
- Birthplace: Brantford, Ontario, Canada
- Nationality: Canadian
- Ethnicity: White (Belarusian, Ukrainian, and German ancestry)
- Occupation: Former Professional Ice Hockey Player, Coach, Entrepreneur
- Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
- Religion: Christianity
- Parents: Walter Gretzky and Phyllis Hockin Gretzky
- Siblings: Kim Gretzky, Keith Gretzky, Glen Gretzky, and Brent Gretzky
- Spouse: Janet Jones (m. 1988)
- Children: Paulina Gretzky, Ty Gretzky, Trevor Gretzky, Tristan Gretzky, and Emma Gretzky
- Relationship: Married
- Net Worth: $250 million USD
Early Life and Education
Wayne Gretzky was born on January 26, 1961, in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. He was raised by his parents, Walter Gretzky, who became widely known as “Canada’s Hockey Dad,” and Phyllis Hockin Gretzky.
He grew up alongside his sister, Kim Gretzky, and his three brothers, Keith Gretzky, Glen Gretzky, and Brent Gretzky, all of whom shared an interest in hockey.
His ethnicity is White, with Belarusian, Ukrainian, and German ancestry. Wayne attended Ross Sheppard High School and later focused entirely on developing his hockey career.
Career
Wayne Gretzky began his professional career in 1978 with the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association (WHA) before joining the Edmonton Oilers, where he quickly emerged as the league’s biggest star.
When the Oilers entered the NHL in 1979, Gretzky dominated the sport with his exceptional vision, passing ability, and scoring touch.
During the 1980s, he led Edmonton to four Stanley Cup championships (1984, 1985, 1987, and 1988) while winning numerous league MVP awards and setting scoring records that still stand today. His remarkable consistency earned him the nickname “The Great One.”
In 1988, Gretzky was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in one of the most significant transactions in sports history, helping expand the popularity of hockey across the United States.
He later played for the St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers before retiring in 1999. After his playing career, Gretzky served as executive director for Team Canada, head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes, and remained active as a businessman, ambassador, and television analyst.
His impact on hockey extends far beyond his statistics, as he is widely credited with helping transform the NHL into a global sport.
Awards and Nominations
- 4 Stanley Cup Championships
- 9 Hart Memorial Trophies (NHL Most Valuable Player)
- 10 Art Ross Trophies (Leading Scorer)
- 5 Lady Byng Trophies
- 2 Conn Smythe Trophies
- Order of Canada
- Hockey Hall of Fame (1999 – inducted immediately with the waiting period waived)
- Named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players (2017)
Social media
- Instagram: @waynegretzky
- Facebook: Wayne Gretzky
Personal Life
Wayne Gretzky, 65, married American actress Janet Jones in 1988. Together they have five children: Paulina Gretzky, Emma Gretzky, Trevor Gretzky, Tristan Gretzky, and Ty Gretzky. Their daughter, Paulina Gretzky, is married to professional golfer Dustin Johnson.
Gretzky enjoys golf, philanthropy, business ventures, and spending time with his family. He has also remained actively involved in promoting youth hockey and charitable causes throughout North America.
Net Worth
Wayne Gretzky has an estimated net worth of $250 million USD. His wealth comes from his legendary NHL career, endorsement deals, business investments, restaurant ventures, winery operations, broadcasting, speaking engagements, and long-term partnerships with major global brands.