The year was 1999, and the New York Rangers were playing against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Madison Square Garden, where the game took place, was usually always packed with crowds. But this day was a special occasion, as the iconic Madison Square Garden became the epicenter of the Hockey world on April 18, 1999. It was Wayne Gretzky’s final game. A two-decade-long NHL career was coming to an end. Today, on the 24th anniversary of his retirement, fans got emotional as Gretzky posted a throwback image.

Wayne Gretzky’s impact and legacy on the game of ice hockey are monumental. He is the highest goal scorer in the history of the NHL, but more importantly, he has carved a special place for himself in every hockey fan’s heart, that is difficult to replace. Today, they are all paying their tributes.

Wayne Gretzky and Janet Gretzky recall that heartbreaking moment from 24 years ago

Wayne Gretzky took to his Instagram and wrote, “Seems like yesterday. Good luck Rangers in the Playoffs!” He had attached a picture of the New York Rangers team posing for a group photo, presumably after a match. Gretzky is at the front of the picture beside their coach John Muckler. The picture was from when Gretzky last played in the NHL. His wife Janet Gretzky also paid tribute to her husband by sharing an Instagram post of her own. She wrote, “Life is on speed dial! Seems like yesterday all wonderful memories. Goodluck to all the Teams in the NHL playoffs”.

The game itself was a tight one. Although the result didn’t go in favor of the Rangers, the whole ice hockey world was just tuned in to watch The Great One for one last time. The Penguins won 2-1 against the Rangers, and at the closing ceremony, both the national anthems of the USA and Canada were played. To pay tribute to Gretzky, singer Bryan Adams even replaced the lyrics ‘O Canada, we stand on guard for thee’ with ‘We’re going to miss you, Wayne Gretzky’.

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Such was the impact of the man. Gretzky will forever go down in history as one of the greatest Canadian sportspersons that ever lived. Even Alex Ovechkin’s 400 goals on home turf weren’t enough for him to get out of Gretzky’s shadow, according to hockey fans.

Fans share their own emotional stories from the day Gretzky retired

Seeing Wayne Gretzky’s post, remembering the day, and what the moment was like for these fans, here are some emotional comments:

“Hockey hasn’t been the same without him on the ice”, said a die-hard fan of Gretzky. When a long career of a great player comes to an end, fans are bound to feel this way.

“Wayner how can you do this to me”, said another fan. The deep emotions could be felt in the words. It was almost as if the fan was crying.

“I remember it so well. Cried my eyes out. You’re the best!!!” recalls a fan from the moment he/she witnessed it live on April 18, 1999.

“Edmonton 80s girl here. I’m finally over The Trade. Thank you for sharing these wonderful memories”. Gretzky was a player for Edmonton Oilers for a long time before being traded to LA Kings. Several Canadian fans couldn’t digest the fact very easily that their favorite son was going to go and play for a US team now. They were heartbroken. But her love for Gretzky made her forget everything.

“Flew 13 hours from Hawaii to LA to NY to be there live. Couldn’t miss it! Greatest sports moment I’ve ever witnessed. Also, the 1st time I ever cried at a sporting event”, recalls another fan about the moment he was there to watch Gretzky retire live. Only those with a die-hard fandom can be like this.

It doesn’t matter if Wayne Gretzky’s records stay forever or if somebody breaks them someday. His contribution to the game over the span of his carer is irreplaceable. Fans will love him no matter what.

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