Latest news with #Gretzky
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Wayne Gretzky boldly declared 18-year-old Connor McDavid the perfect star for a new NHL generation
Wayne Gretzky lauded rookie Connor McDavid as the ideal player for the modern NHL (Getty Images) In 2016, Wayne Gretzky acclaimed then 18-year-old rookie Connor McDavid as the ideal player for the modern NHL , foreseeing his unique route to greatness. Gretzky underscored McDavid's exceptional on-ice vision, puck retrieval skills, explosive acceleration, and passion for the game, comparing him to hockey legends. He predicted McDavid would achieve 800 career goals and lead the Oilers to championships. Before the records and awards, Wayne Gretzky saw a legend in Connor McDavid Back in February 2016, hockey legend Wayne Gretzky offered profound insights into an arising phenom, 18-year-old Connor McDavid, during his rookie season. Gretzky, in an interview, utterly declared McDavid the "perfect guy" for the contemporary National Hockey League, a witness to his exceptional talent and promising future. When pressed to draw parallels between McDavid and other players, Gretzky featured individuality. He phrased, "It's tough to compare players. I always say guys sort of make their own footprints on the ice, their own path. Connor, without question, is going to make his own path. He's the perfect guy for this era." Gretzky's admiration extended to McDavid's on-ice attributes, phrasing, "He sees the ice extremely well. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gold Is Surging in 2025 — Smart Traders Are Already In IC Markets Learn More Undo He has a nose for getting pucks back when he loses them. He has an explosive acceleration to get to another gear that other guys don't have. And most importantly, you can tell he loves to play and he loves to win." Wayne Gretzky compared teen Connor McDavid to legends and predicted a historic NHL future Drawing parallels to an elite group, Gretzky remarked, "We don't get players of that caliber come along so often. Crosby came along. Ovechkin came along. You've got guys like Bobby Orr, Mario Lemieux, Mark Messier, and Connor is kind of in that realm of that conversation." He even alluded that McDavid possessed the passing prowess of Lemieux and the scoring touch of Brett Hull, boldly foretelling, "He'll be on his way to the 800-goal mark. There's no question in my mind." Gretzky replicated his high praise in October 2016 when McDavid, at just 19, was named captain of the Edmonton Oilers. He proclaimed, "I don't think there's any question that Connor's the best 19-year-old hockey player I've ever seen and I saw (Mark) Messier, I saw Lemieux, I saw Lafleur. This kid is special." Gretzky concluded with a lighthearted comment that he could score 60 goals playing alongside McDavid, confidently noting, "He will win some championships. ' Even with McDavid's incredible personal achievements and top-tier play, the Stanley Cup is still the one championship he and the Oilers are fiercely chasing. Also Read: Wayne Gretzky gets brutally honest about Gordie Howe's influence and how he survived fame FAQs Q: What did Wayne Gretzky say about Connor McDavid in 2016? Wayne Gretzky called 18-year-old Connor McDavid the 'perfect guy' for today's NHL and predicted his greatness. Q: Who did Wayne Gretzky compare Connor McDavid to? Wayne Gretzky compared Connor McDavid to legends like Sidney Crosby, Mario Lemieux, and Mark Messier. Q: Did Wayne Gretzky think Connor McDavid could reach 800 career goals? Yes, Wayne Gretzky believed Connor McDavid had the tools to score 800 goals and dominate the league. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Wayne Gretzky reveals he was nicknamed ‘The Great One' at age 10 after scoring 400 goals in a single season
Wayne Gretzky's iconic nickname, "The Great One," originated when he was just 10 years old (Getty Images) Long before Wayne Gretzky dominated NHL record books and became a global icon, his legendary nickname — The Great One — was already following him around the rinks of Ontario. But as Gretzky recently revealed ahead of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final, the origin of that iconic moniker goes back to when he was just 10 years old, lighting up minor league hockey in Brantford. Wayne Gretzky's 400-goal season as a kid drew the attention of the media Speaking candidly, Gretzky shared how a mind-blowing 400-goal season as a 10-year-old caught the attention of a reporter from the London Free Press. The journalist, impressed by the young prodigy's scoring spree, wrote a feature story that would unknowingly set a cultural moment in motion. 'I was 10 years old,' Gretzky said. 'A reporter from the London Free Press came down and did a story on me — I scored 400 goals that year. 'At the end of the article, he said, 'NHL guys have one nickname — Mr. Hockey, the Golden Jet. And he said, 'We should just call him The Great One.'' The nickname, intended as a compliment from a local reporter, had staying power. But not everyone was on board at first — especially Gretzky's father, Walter, who was hesitant about the title being attached to his son so early. Walter Gretzky tried to tone down the hype, but the nickname stuck 'Well, my dad tried to kill that right away,' Gretzky recalled. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy the Dip: Top 5 Dividend Stocks with Growth Potential Seeking Alpha Read More Undo 'And it just kept coming back and coming back.' Despite his father's initial resistance, the name became inescapable. And as Wayne continued to grow into the sport — eventually scoring 894 NHL goals, collecting 2,857 career points, and winning four Stanley Cups — the nickname proved prophetic. 'Finally, I just was like, 'Well, we're going to have to live with it,'' Gretzky added with a laugh. Also Read: Anton Frondell snubs Blackhawks and Connor Bedard to stay in Sweden with childhood club In hindsight, the reporter's intuition was spot-on. 'The Great One' didn't just describe Gretzky's potential — it defined a career that would go unmatched in hockey history. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Wayne Gretzky's wife Janet Jones dragged into $1.7M mob-linked gambling scandal
Janet Jones linked to massive 2006 sports betting ring (Getty Images) In early 2006, the National Hockey League found itself blindsided by a scandal that threatened its already fragile public image post-lockout. The controversy wasn't over hits or contracts—but rather, high-stakes gambling, and it dragged "The Great One" Wayne Gretzky's family into the media storm. Janet Jones linked to massive 2006 sports betting ring in ' Operation Slap Shot ' A t the heart of the investigation, dubbed 'Operation Slap Shot,' was Janet Jones—Gretzky's wife, a former actress turned hockey royalty. Authorities alleged that Jones was one of several individuals involved in an illegal nationwide sports betting ring that was organized in part by New Jersey state trooper James Harney and former NHL player Rick Tocchet—Gretzky's top assistant coach with the Phoenix Coyotes. The accusations rocked the NHL just as it tried to rebuild fan trust after a season-long lockout. More than 1,000 bets totaling over $1.7 million were reportedly placed on professional and college football and basketball—not hockey, a distinction league officials were quick to stress. Gretzky publicly defended his wife and denied any involvement. 'First of all, my wife is my best friend,' he told reporters. 'My love for her is deeper than anything. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gentle Japanese hair growth method for men and women's scalp Hair's Rich Learn More Undo The reality is, I'm not involved, I wasn't involved and I'm not going to be involved.' He further denied that Jones had ever placed bets on his behalf. The case painted an uncomfortable picture. Police claimed Tocchet and Harney operated the ring, with Tocchet allegedly financing it and funneling illegal bets back to New Jersey. Tocchet, well-respected in NHL circles, was summoned to meet with league commissioner Gary Bettman and later faced charges of conspiracy, money laundering, and promoting gambling. Despite the magnitude of the investigation, both Harney and fellow accused James Ulmer were released after posting bail, while authorities seized $27,000 in cash and multiple bank accounts linked to the operation. Law enforcement also hinted at connections to organized crime in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey. Also Read: Wayne Gretzky's daughter Paulina Gretzky's Marbella photos wow fans as she shares sneak peek of new song While Gretzky and Jones attempted to steer clear of the legal blowback, the controversy left a permanent stain on that NHL season. It remains one of the most sensational off-ice scandals in league history—and a moment when even the Great One couldn't avoid the glare of the spotlight. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
How The Rangers Could Wind Up With Connor McDavid
Perry Nelson-Imagn Images Connor McDavid doesn't betray his anger and frustration too often. He's too cool a guy for that. But when the sounds of fury no longer cam be contained by hockey's greatest player, LOOK OUT! So, here's why Mister McD could become a Rangers in our lifetime. Advertisement 1. RIPS COACH: Did you hear Connor's post-Final loss? "We were doing the same thing over and hitting our heads against a wall." By The Maven's deduction, that's a gratuitous kick in the coach's tush. 2. NO CUP IN EDMONTON: McD has to be fed-up-to-here with Oilers management inability to produce one dependable major league goalie, let enough a better defense and more depth that the club needs. He wants a Cup-winner and knows it won't happen in Ed Country. 3. EGO AND AGE: Edmonton is a wonderful hockey town but it's also one of the smallest big-league cities in North America. If you're the best player in the world, you want to play in The Big Apple. Gretzky, Messier and Lowe got the message. McDavid should wise up. 4. SIGNALS: Sniping at the coach is one thing but when The Big Man is asked about re-signing with Edmonton and getting it over with, he pulls out the "UNDECIDED" card, you have to wonder. (I mean he could have said: "Yeah, I'm staying" and get it over with; but he did not. Advertisement Does that mean he's going to exit Ed City sometime? Many of the "Insiders" insist that it won't happen and they could be right. Analyzing Connor McDavid's Future With The Oilers And Where The Rangers Fit Into This Equation Analyzing Connor McDavid's Future With The Oilers And Where The Rangers Fit Into This Equation The big question on everyone's mind is will Connor McDavid leave the Edmonton Oilers? But if the Oil miss the Cup again next year – and why not? – he should pack his bags and at least think about leaving the Northlands for The Gotham. The super-est of superstars belongs on a bigger stage than the Number Two Town in Alberta.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'People felt betrayed': Wayne Gretzky's ties with Donald Trump resurface and spark heated debate in Canada
Wayne Gretzky's association with Donald Trump ignited a fierce debate in Canada (Getty Images) In a moment that reignited political and cultural tensions across Canada, Wayne Gretzky—hockey's most iconic figure—found himself under renewed scrutiny in 2025 for his past ties to U.S. President Donald Trump . Though once universally beloved, Gretzky's presence alongside Trump at Mar-a-Lago events and his attendance at the 60th Presidential Inauguration became flashpoints for Canadians grappling with what national loyalty and celebrity responsibility truly mean. Wayne Gretzky 's public support of Donald Trump triggers backlash at home Wayne Gretzky's friendship with Donald Trump had long been a quiet footnote in his storied career, but recent photos and videos—especially of him smiling alongside Trump or giving a thumbs-up to Team USA while serving as honorary captain at the 4 Nations Face-Off—rekindled fierce criticism online. 'People felt betrayed,' said one Edmonton-based political analyst. 'Seeing a Canadian icon so publicly cozy with someone like Trump—who's made inflammatory remarks about Canada's sovereignty—it rubbed a lot of people the wrong way.' The backlash was swift. A petition to rename Edmonton's 'Wayne Gretzky Drive' collected nearly 14,000 signatures. Even more shockingly, the bronze statue of Gretzky outside Rogers Place was vandalized in March with what appeared to be feces—an act symbolic of just how deeply some Canadians felt the sting of perceived political betrayal. Critics and defenders clash over whether Wayne Gretzky's legacy should be judged by politics Still, others urged restraint, arguing that Gretzky's impact on Canadian culture transcends politics. 'At the end of the day, [Gretzky] played here for a long time,' said longtime fan Brian Foulken. 'The diehard Oilers [fans], we love him. He's an amazing player.' But for critics, it wasn't about athletic greatness—it was about symbolism. Trump had repeatedly floated the idea of Canada becoming the U.S.'s 51st state and sparred with Canadian leaders over trade and sovereignty. For Gretzky to remain so visible in Trump's inner circle raised uncomfortable questions. Also post: Wayne Gretzky teams up with Palm Beach Gardens to build elite youth ice facility and launch Gretzky Invitational Even so, Gretzky never directly addressed the controversy, opting instead to stay silent as headlines circulated and fans debated. For many, the incident highlighted a broader cultural divide—between those who view athletes as apolitical heroes and those who demand accountability, even from legends. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
