Former NHL pro, Wayne Gretzky has picked up valuable lessons through the advent of his historical career. However, he has perpetually credited his family to be his wall of support in most of his interviews. Apparently, The Great One wouldn’t have been so great if not for the Gretzky clan. 

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In a 2017 interview with Valuetainment on Youtube, Gretzky once again opened up about his parent’s significance while on his ice hockey journey. Moreover, he revealed a rather peculiar gesture from his father that kept Gretzky’s feet on the ground. What do you think that was? Let’s find out. 

Wayne Gretzky acclaimed his father.

Talking to Valuetainment, the 61-year-old athlete once got candid and disclosed his family’s significant role that humbled him throughout his life. When asked how his father, Walter Gretzky felt about his nickname The Great One, he responded by sharing an anecdote. 

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He said, “I would tell you about my dad. He is very smart. If I played really bad, he would say I had an OK game and if I’d play really well, he’d say: well, you weren’t so good tonight.”

Moreover, he gave a shoutout to his old man for filling him with humility and gratitude. 

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“He knew when to pick me up and he knew when to sort of knock me down, keep my head in check,” Gretzky added.

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In addition to that, he specifically acknowledged his mother’s efforts for the family. He emotionally admitted, “If it wasn’t for my mother, there wouldn’t have been a wing Gretzky.”

Evidently, Gretzky shared a beautiful bond with his father. Hence, it has been the locus of media’s attention for quite some time. 

Wayne Gretzky opened about his bond with his dear father.

As per CBC, the NHL heartthrob let out his emotions after his father’s death at 82 years old.

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“He was so special”, he mentioned as he spoke about his dear dad’s love for hockey and kids. Sharing a series of memories, Gretzky added, My dad started taking me to these local parks that had outside rinks.”

Additionally, he stated that it helped a young Gretzky to skate effortlessly since his childhood. Later on, his father built a backyard rink for him to practice. Undoubtedly, he is the man behind The Great One’s immense success and record-breaking achievements. 

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The Gretzky father-son duo symbolizes an ideal relationship. Standing beside the athlete in all his ups and downs is what makes him a champion father. Not that Gretzky himself denies that. He never failed to appreciate the love he received from his fam. Don’t you think they had an ideal bond? Let us know.

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Tiyasa Biswas

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Tiyasa is a sports writer at EssentiallySports, with a keen focus on ice hockey. She is as fascinated by the speed of the ice hockey players as she is by the surges of the surfers in the high seas. Drawing inspiration from legendary figures like Wayne Gretzky, the iconic GOAT of the Edmonton Oilers, Tiyasa's writing reflects her admiration for the tenacity and grit displayed by athletes in the face of challenges. With a background as a competitive basketball player during her school days, and a deep admiration for Michael Jordan, Tiyasa brings a unique perspective to her sports writing, combining her love for various sports and their icons. For Tiyasa, learning is a constant pursuit, much like the ever-evolving nature of ice hockey. She believes that knowledge is like ice, never melting, and she constantly strives to expand her understanding of the sports world through meticulous research and analysis. She continues to pursue her goal of carving a niche for herself in the American sports arena. Beyond her passion for sports, Tiyasa finds solace in art, and often spends her quiet evenings indulging in artistic pursuits.

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