Wayne Gretzky Chooses Silence Over Controversial Question Ahead of Conference Finals for Stanley Cup

The battle had been a hard-fought one in the West, with Game 6 between the Dallas Stars and the Winnipeg Jets being no different. Now, the series moving ahead with tight scores as well as high emotions, the Stars didn’t just find a way to lock in when it mattered most but edged out the Jets to close the series 4-2. There’s nothing like playoff hockey, that’s for sure. Because the Stars, having set the date for their Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers, had a very special guest in the building for game 6. Who? None other than the all-time legend, Wayne Gretzky.

The former hockey star had some words of encouragement for the Stars following their win. In a clip posted by NHL on X, HC Peter DeBoer can be seen welcoming Gretzky into the room, who concluded his mini speech with, “Congratulations and now we got Edmonton Dallas.” But before anything else, a voice cut in asking him who he was cheering for. Gretzky, wise enough to neither confirm nor deny deep in Stars territory, jokingly responded with, “Hey, can we enjoy the night tonight?” amidst a smattering of laughter ringing around the room.

However, his words did highlight how the Stars played. And Gretzky described it perfectly in just three words—hard, physical, and fair—and how they should be proud of each other. “The greatest game in the world and you’re going to go up against one of the greatest teams ever, Edmonton. I wish you good luck. It was so much fun watching you guys play today. You guys play hard, you play physical, and you play fair and you guys should be so proud,” Gretzky pointed out the next big challenge lying ahead of the Stars. Because hey, it wasn’t just praise but a nod to the kind of team-first hockey that defines postseason greatness.

But out of everything, it was one particular quote that outshone the rest. Because it cut to the emotional core of what makes playoff hockey so meaningful. And when the jets’ alternate captain solely contributed to one goal while playing for his team during his toughest times, Gretzky couldn’t end his congratulations notes but add, “And Winnipeg was so good and I’m so proud of Mark Scheifele, his dad passing. I know all you guys all care about each other. What a wonderful night for him as far as he played his heart out.” Scheifele, who lost his father recently, didn’t go unnoticed and Gretzky’s one quote just captured the essence of sportsmanship.

And the Great One did share some advice with the Dallas Stars.

Wayne Gretzky shared words of wisdom with the key players

Starting with the captain of the team, Gretzky reminded Jamie Benn of the value that often goes unseen on the scoresheet. “Don’t worry about scoring goals. You’re playing unreal,” the legend said. And Benn, the team-first veteran, responded with a grin, “I’m just a checker now.” A quick affirmation of the role and Gretzky replied back, “That’s OK. It’s important.” After all, in the playoffs, grit, discipline, and sacrifice often carry more weight than flashy numbers, right?

Moving ahead, he made a memorable impression on Stars centre Wyatt Johnston. “You’re such a good player. I always told my brother. He didn’t draft you. They picked another guy over you, and I always give him [a hard time],” Gretzky said to Johnston while appreciating the young star’s talent on ice while emphasising Johnston’s draft that was ignored by his brother Keith Gretzky, his brother and the assistant general manager of the Oilers front office, who selected centre Xavier Bourgault over him.

Nevertheless, with the Stars now preparing to face the Edmonton Oilers, all eyes will be on this clash of styles and stories. Why? Because it promises to be a battle not just of skill, but of heart, resilience, and legacy—like the one built by Wayne Gretzky himself. While every player will be called on to bring their best, Gretzky’s words will indeed echo in the background with the stage all set for an unforgettable showdown!