#Fact1Grandson Tatum Gretzky Johnson born on January 19, 2015 to daughter Paulina and pro golfer Dustin Johnson.2After Chicago Cubs GM Jim Hendry drafted Trevor Gretzky in the 7th round of the MLB draft, Gretzky personally negotiated Trevor's contract with Hendry. Trevor signed for $375,000. (July 18, 2011).3President and part owner of Phoenix Coyotes [2001]4Named head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes on August 8, 2005, the first time Gretzky coached hockey at any level. He resigned in September 2009 with a 143-161-24 record and zero playoff games.5He is of Polish, Belarusian, and Ukrainian descent on his father's side, and has English ancestry on his mother's side.6Fellow hockey legend Mark Messier is the godfather of his daughter, Paulina Gretzky.7One of his favorite positions on the ice was to take the puck to the back of an opponent's goal and try to set up teammates for a goal.8Portrayed by Kris Holden-Ried in Waking Up Wally: The Walter Gretzky Story (2005).9Was a part-owner of the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL with McNall and John Candy. The group signed Raghib Ismail on the first day of the 1991 NFL draft, where he was projected the #1 overall pick.10He was awarded the O.C. (Officer of the Order of Canada) on June 25, 1984 for his services to sports.11In 1984, when the Oilers won their first Stanley Cup, he was asked to do the "I'm Going To Disneyland", bit for a commercial. He respectfully declined, because he didn't want it to interfere with the moment of winning the Stanley Cup for the first time.12In 1990, the year the Edmonton Oilers won the Stanley Cup, the CBC wanted Gretzky to appear as a reporter for Hockey Night in Canada, should the Oilers win the Stanley Cup (the first time without him), but he respectfully declined, not wanting to interfere with the Oilers' victory.13Sport Illustrated writer and author Rick Riley felt that writing Gretzky's biography back in 1990 was a difficult task, because Gretzky is so humble, he won't talk too much about himself.14Returned to Edmonton in 1989 to attend the unveiling of a statue of him hoisting the Stanley Cup, now at the entrance of Skyreach Centre. At the ceremony, former owner Peter Pocklington gave Gretzky's then-infant daughter Paulina a $25,000 savings bond. He later blasted Pocklington in his 1990 autobiography as being "a cheapskate."15Loves to wear white suit/sport jackets, but will no longer wear them, due to the jackets being ruined from Sharpie pen marks applied accidentally by fans while signing autographs.16Gretzky's trade to the Los Angeles Kings caused such a stir in Canada, Canadian Parliment tried to declare Gretzky as a national treasure, wanted the trade declared null and void. In addition, Parliment talked about buying Gretzky's contract, so it could be sold to a Canadian based team17Has more assists (1,963) than any other NHL player has total points (goals plus assists).18Has dual Canadian/American citizenship.19Inducted into the Hockey Hockey Hall of Fame, bypassing the 3-year waiting period. Following Gretzky's induction, the Hall announced the waiting period would not be waived for any future players. (November 22, 1999).20One-time owner with Bruce McNall of the Honus Wagner baseball card, the world's most expensive sports card. Only 50 in existence, each is valued at almost a half-million dollars.21Baroque comic opera "The Loves of Wayne Gretzky" by composer Brad Walton debuted in Toronto. In it, Gretzky leaves his wife for Mario Lemieux (February 1994).22Did a series of TV ads for Sharp Viewcam Camcorder with son Ty.23Print/Radio/TV ads for Power Automotive Group of Southern California debut. Gretzky is also the pitchman for Ford of Canada (May 2003).24The Wayne Gretzky International Award is presented annually by the United States Hockey Hall of Fame to "an international citizen who has been deemed to have made a major contribution to the growth and advancement of American hockey."25Famous for talking about himself in the third person.26Played for the Edmonton Oilers (1978-1988), the Los Angeles Kings (1988-1996), the St. Louis Blues (1996), and the New York Rangers (1996-1999).27The statue of Gretzky at the entrance of Skyreach Centre, home arena of the Edmonton Oilers, temporarily had a sign hanging from it that read "U$ Lackey" in protest of his comments supporting George W. Bush in the war against Iraq. (25 March 2003)28Art Ross Trophy (1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1994). Conn Smythe Trophy (1985, 1988). First All-Star Team (1984). First All-Star Team Centre (1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1991). Hart Memorial Trophy (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990). Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (1980, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1999). Lester B. Pearson Award (1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987). Lester Patrick Trophy (1994). Second All-Star Team Centre (1980, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1994, 1997, 1998).29Godfather to Jari Kurri's twin sons Ville and Joonas.30Contrary to his image for gentlemanly play, Gretzky was ejected 11 times in his NHL career for unsportsmanlike conduct.31Wayne has agreed in principle to head the Canadian Olympic hockey team for 2006 in Italy if NHL hockey player are involved.32Sold custom-built Georgian-style estate in Thousand Oaks, CA in 2005 to Lenny Dykstra. It was sold at auction in 2010 after Dykstra lost it in foreclosure. It sold again 2013 in for $9,500,000, $5,495,000 less than asking.33Was told by Michael Jordan that retirement was "heavenly." Soon afterward, Jordan returned to the NBA.34Owns homes in Toronto, Westlake Village, CA, Coeur D'Alene, Idaho (which features two water slides), and Vancouver.35Accompanied Queen Elizabeth II to an NHL pre-season game on October 6th 2002 in Vancouver, Canada.36Reportedly saving the stick he used to break Gordie Howe's NHL career points record on 15 October 1989 against his old team, the Edmonton Oilers, for his son, Ty.37On the cover of Cigar Aficionado magazine with his wife, Janet Jones. [February 1997]38While in Edmonton, he began to turn himself into a brand name, endorsing everything from soft drinks and blue jeans to his own wallpaper, pillow cases, hockey games, breakfast cereals and a Mattel "Great Gretzky" doll. "Forbes" magazine estimated that between 1990 and 1998, Gretzky earned $93.8 million from hockey and endorsements.39After his retirement, he became the spokesperson for Tylenol Arthritis Formula, even though he doesn't actually have osteoarthritis.40(August 9, 1988) In a move that forever changed the dynamics of the NHL, Gretzky, Marty McSorley, and Mike Krushelnyski were sold to the Los Angeles Kings for Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, $15 million cash, and the Kings' three first-round draft picks in 1989, 1991, and 1993. Gretzky and Carson later played together in Los Angeles (1992-1993, 1993-1994).41In 1980, hit .492 for hometown Brantford CKPC Braves senior league baseball team, attracting the attention of the Toronto Blue Jays, who offered him a tryout. He declined.42(February 25, 1991) Bought the CFL Toronto Argonauts with Bruce McNall and John Candy.43Proposed to wife Janet over the phone.44(October 2, 1998) Launched his own line of menswear, The Wayne Gretzky Collection, carried by Canadian department store chain The Bay, with prices from $85.00 to $300.00.45Eldest of five children.46It was believed that he engineered his 1988 trade to the L.A. Kings to help Janet's career. According to the program "Kings Ransom", this was not true. Ironically, he broke up with live-in girlfriend, singer Vicki Moss, because she wouldn't give up her career. Moss was involved briefly with Gretzky's friend, David Foster.47First child, Paulina, was born 5 months and 2 days after his wedding.48(February 18, 2002) Gretzky, executive director of the Men's Canadian Olympic Team, lashed out at a bizarre and impromptu press conference, saying everyone hated Canada and blamed the team's 1-1-1 start on "American propaganda.".49(February 24, 2002) The Men's Canadian Olympic Team won the Olympic gold medal, beating the United States 5-2. Canada's victory came 50 years to the day the Edmonton Waterloo Mercurys won the nation's last gold at the 1952 Oslo Winter Games.50Unsuccessfully attempted to get the number 99 copyrighted, but did succeed in getting the address of his Toronto eatery changed to "99 Blue Jay Way."51Smokes cigars.52His front teeth were knocked out in a hockey game when he was 10.53"Wrote" a daily "journal" syndicated throughout Canada's newspapers detailing his thoughts and feelings about his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame as that day neared.54Has "written"/authorized at least 4 books about himself.55All 5 of his kids were born at Ceders-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.56His wedding to Janet Jones was broadcast live throughout Canada. It even included uniformed "guards" from the Fire Department on the church steps. The Archdiocese of Edmonton was criticized for allowing St. Joseph's Basilica to hold the ceremony because neither Gretzky or Jones is Catholic. The wedding reportedly cost Gretzky over $1,000,000; Janet's dress alone cost $40,000. The reception was hosted by Alan Thicke.57Widely considered as the best ice hockey player ever.58Father of Tristan Gretzky, Trevor Gretzky, Ty Gretzky, Paulina Gretzky, and Emma Gretzky. Older brother of Glen Gretzky, and Brent Gretzky. Son of Walter Gretzky and Phyllis Gretzky.59Member of the 1998 Canadian olympic hockey team.60Currently holds 61 NHL records.61Owns a restaurant called "Wayne Gretzky's" at 99 Blue Jays Way in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.