Wayne Gretzky

Wayne Gretzky, often referred to as "The Great One," is recognized as one of the most elite players in ice hockey history. He has maintained a strong presence in the sport post-retirement. His current role involves providing his expert analysis on TNT's hockey broadcasts, and he has previously held executive positions such as the Head Coach and Executive Vice President of the Phoenix Coyotes from 2005 to 2009, and the Vice Chairman of the Edmonton Oilers from 2016 to 2021. His influence in the game was also evident in his role as the official ambassador for the NHL’s Centennial Celebration in 2017.

After a successful 20-season stint, Gretzky retired from professional play on April 16, 1999. Throughout his career, he was instrumental in securing four Stanley Cup Championships and three Canada Cup tournament titles. Gretzky's unmatched skills on the ice led him to become the NHL's all-time leading goal, assist, and point producer for both regular season and playoffs. His numerous accolades include 10 Art Ross Trophies, nine Hart Trophies, and two Conn Smythe Trophies. Furthermore, Gretzky was awarded the Lady Byng Trophy five times and made 18 consecutive All-Star Game appearances, with three All-Star MVP Awards to his name. He has been named eight times on the First All-Star Team and seven times on the Second All-Star Team.

Upon his retirement, Gretzky held an impressive 61 NHL records. The NHL acknowledged his incredible contribution to the sport by retiring his "No. 99" jersey number across all member clubs during the 2000 NHL All-Star Game in Toronto. This honour ensured that no NHL player would wear the number again. In the same year, Gretzky was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, making him the tenth and final player to have the mandatory three-year waiting period waived by the Hall's board of directors.

Not only limited to playing, Gretzky also contributed to the sport in a managerial role. He served as the Executive Director of Team Canada's Olympic Hockey Team in 2002 and 2004. His leadership guided Team Canada to secure a gold medal in the 2002 Olympics and participate in the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.

Off the ice, Gretzky has involved himself in numerous charitable activities. His Wayne Gretzky Foundation is dedicated to enabling disadvantaged children across North America to participate in hockey. He is also an Honorary Chairman of Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities in Canada and an Athlete Ambassador for Right to Play, an organization aimed at enhancing child development in disadvantaged communities worldwide. Continuing to influence the sport in various ways, Gretzky also participated in “Hands That Shape Humanity”, a project for the Desmond Tutu Peace Centre.

In addition to his contributions to hockey, Gretzky has had an impact outside of the sport. He opened Wayne Gretzky Estates, a winery and distillery in Ontario in 2017. He has authored multiple books, including "Gretzky: An Autobiography," "99: My Life in Pictures," and "99: Stories of the Game".