“That’s a Lie” Wayne Gretzky Debunked a Bizarre Myth Surrounding Him That Called for a Serious Problem for the NHL in 1992
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“That’s a Lie” Wayne Gretzky Debunked a Bizarre Myth Surrounding Him That Called for a Serious Problem for the NHL in 1992
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 14: Wayne Gretzky #99 of the Edmonton Oilers skates on the ice during an NHL game against the Philadelphia Flyers on January 14, 1982 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by B Bennett/Getty Images)
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 14: Wayne Gretzky #99 of the Edmonton Oilers skates on the ice during an NHL game against the Philadelphia Flyers on January 14, 1982 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by B Bennett/Getty Images)
Wayne Gretzky’s huge popularity has proven to be a boon and a bane. While his fame is responsible for several profitable endorsement deals, it has also led to several myths about Wayne as an athlete. A popular one was that Gretzky never gets hit. In a frank conversation in 1992, ‘The Great One’ disproved this myth and shared rare insights about his struggles.
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In a press conference, Gretzky spoke of an injury he received while playing for the Los Angeles Kings. Prior to this, Gretzky had been training intensively for the upcoming season which could be a possible reason for the injury. The hockey legend also explained in detail his treatment of the injury.
Disclosure about Wayne Gretzky’s injuries, the myth and Gretzky’s frank views
The incident took place after Gretzky complained of severe pain in his chest in 1992. Taking his complaint seriously, the doctors checked him,led by Mr Washington. It was later that Gretzky realised that the pain was as a result of pressure on his back. Afterwards, the Champion mentioned that he took six days of rest and medication after the injury.
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Bildnummer: 03383278 Datum: 15.06.1999 Copyright: imago/UPI Photo
Wayne Gretzky (New York Rangers) jubelt noch einmal im Trikot der Los Angeles Kings – PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY (LAP99061505); Vneg, quer, Karriereende, Rücktritt, Abschied, verabschieden, Jubel NHL 1998/1999 Los Angeles, LA, L.A. Freude, Eishockey Herren Mannschaft USA Einzelbild optimistisch Aktion Personen
Talking about his injury, Gretzky gave his frank opinion. “Those people who said Wayne Gretzky never gets hit, I guess I’m living proof that that’s a lie. . . . To me, (the injury) is not from one hit. It’s the culmination of getting pounded night after night.”
This was not Gretzky’s only injury. A 1991 match between Canada and the United States, left him, with a difficult injury. This was caused due to Gary Suter checking Gretzky from behind. This resulted in a bad fall and a lasting effect for Gretzky.
Gretzky’s amazing comeback and response after the serious back injury
After these injuries, the hockey legend gradually began training and made an unbelievable comeback in the 1993 Stanley World Cup Finals. In the finals, Gretzky’s team The Los Angeles Kings competed against the Montreal Canadiens. The NHL legend went on to become the lead scorer with 40 points in this memorable match. “Nobody expected me to play this well”, Gretzky remarked. Needless to say, Gretzky proved his critics wrong.
The Great One’s fight against his injuries depicts his tremendous willpower which fans will always admire. Which aspect do you like the most about Gretzky as a fan? Let us know in the comments below.
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Written by
Edited by
Anupama Ghosh