The ice hockey career of Wayne Gretzky has been phenomenal, from start to finish. He was the youngest player (19) to score 50 goals in a single season. Additionally, holds the record for the most points in a season, along with 4 Stanley Cups under his belt. They also incorporated his name in the Hall of Fame and he retired with his jersey number 99.

Underlining his great journey, Conan O’Brien, in an interview on YouTube, teased a peculiar effort of Gretzky’s opponents ahead of his retirement. Let’s find out what that was. 

Opponents didn’t want to hit Gretzky

As per a recent interview by Team Coco, the 62-year-old revealed that his decision to retire was nuanced by his rival teams itself. Since ice hockey is a predominantly aggressive sport and injuries are inevitable, Gretzky’s opponents suddenly became protective. Apparently, in his last playing year, his adversary players began warning him amidst a game. 

“I was playing my last year and people I was playing against, before they would hit me they would scream my name and say: Hey heads up or Wayne get out of the way or here we are,” he said. And then he knew, “it was time to retire.”

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Quite ironically, it was a heartwarming gesture by the players. Furthermore, it only reflects the amount of respect and honor the legend holds within the NHL sphere. However, the highest degree of honor he received was at the time of his retirement. 

 Wayne Gretzky retired with his jersey number. 

Wayne Gretzky retired as an Edmonton Oilers player in 1999. Thus, as per a report by ESPN, after his official announcement, NHL retired his jersey number 99 from the league as a token of honor. Significantly, only two players besides Gretzky have received the same appreciation: NBA pro, Bill Russell and MLB player, Jackie Robinson. 

Moreover, the Oilers team also put out a giant banner donning his name and jersey number in the team’s signature colors. “I guess it’s only fitting that they’re parking me (the banner) behind that net,” he said. 

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Only a few in the entire sports industry have received such heights of acclamations. Although there’s no doubt that Gretzky was more than deserving of it. The GOAT of NHL, Wayne Gretzky! Let us know your thoughts in the comments.