Hockey fans all across the world recognize the number 99 because of Canadian icon Wayne Gretzky. Even though Gretzky left the NHL over twenty years ago, he still holds many records. The White Tornado earned the nickname “The Great One” due to his impressive career. Gretzky was also instrumental in introducing many game-changing innovations. Leaving the league on April 18, 1999, was one of the most iconic events of The Great One’s career. After the game, Gretzky spoke to the press while still in the sweater. While the events of the game and its aftermath are common knowledge to any hockey fan, Gretzky had one more story to tell about his last NHL game.

Twenty-four years have passed since Wayne Gretzky played his last NHL game on April 18, 2023. NHLonTNT recently shared The Great One’s touching account of what occurred between him and his father, Walter Gretzky, before the game.

A moment before his last NHL game

Everyone in the ice hockey world showed up to Wayne Gretzky’s last NHL game because of the extraordinary career he had forged over the years. Gretzky’s last game as a New York Ranger was played against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Madison Square Garden. The Rangers, playing at home, were defeated in overtime, with the final score being 1-2. Gretzky contributed to his team in his last game by setting up Brian Leetch, a former defenseman, for a goal in the second period. There were 18,200 people in the arena, and they didn’t seem too concerned about the game so long as they could give Gretzky a standing ovation as he made his last laps around Madison Square Garden.

“Cried My Eyes Out”: Fans Left Emotional As Wayne Gretzky Shares a Heartfelt Message on His 24th Retirement Anniversary

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Gretzky recently reflected on the 24 years that had passed since the day he retired, saying that it seemed like just a week ago. The Great One was overcome with emotion as he prepared to leave the sport he loved so much. Even on the way to his last NHL game, he and his father, Walter Gretzky, had a heartfelt conversation, which he describes, saying, “Like every kid, being in sports is your parents driving you to your games, and I said, for the last game, I’m going to drive my dad to the game. I thought it was a nice ending to it. And the whole way there, he just kept hitting me on the leg saying, ‘You know, you could play one more year’ I said, ‘Dad, I think I’m done.’” 

Walter wanted his son to stick around the NHL for some more time, but the superstar center always knew it was time to lace up those skates.

The record of Wayne Gretzky is in danger

The Canadian ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky set several records throughout his playing career. The most notable record is for the most goals scored in the league. In 1,487 games over 20 seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers, Gretzky racked up 894 goals, 1,963 assists, and 2,857 points. Since the Great One’s retirement, the 894 goals have remained at the top of the list. However, this record might be in jeopardy in the 2023–24 NHL season when this Russian player returns with his club.

Alexander Ovechkin, a Russian-born NHL player and the current captain of the Washington Capitals, is the man in the discussion. Ovechkin, well known by his fan nickname “Ovi,” is rapidly approaching the Great One’s scoring total. The Capitals may have failed their 2022–23 NHL season, but they will return even better the following season. Since joining the Capitals in 2005, Ovi has racked up 1,485 points (822 goals, 663 assists) in 1,347 games. The Russian NHL superstar has no intentions of retiring in the 2023-24 season, so he and his club will be gunning for the league’s top scorer and the Stanley Cup.

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His father’s desire for him to play another NHL season was more evidence of his pride in his son’s accomplishments.