Topic spans: 1960 - 1988
The Great Wayne Gretzky
By now it's practically hockey legend. Wayne Gretzky started playing the game in the backyard rink built by his dad. It marked the beginning of the most spectacular career in hockey history. From the time Gretzky donned his first pair of skates at age two to the shocking trade that took him south of the border, we look at how the "Great One" set the bar higher for Canada's favourite game.
Wayne Gretzky photo from the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame.
16 television clips
8 radio clips
Number 99 goes to Edmonton
Broadcast Date: Nov. 3, 1978
After just eight games with the Indianapolis Racers, Wayne Gretzky is traded to Edmonton along with veteran players Peter Driscoll and goalie Eddie Mio. The whiz kid is at the centre of the trade. During a break while practising with his new teammates in Edmonton, Gretzky tells CBC Television that he's trying not to think about the pressure. The 17-year-old is more concerned with finding room and board. "I'm not ready to live on my own yet," says Gretzky. "I can't cook my own meals yet."Number 99 goes to Edmonton
• Edmonton, which was part of the World Hockey Association, was swallowed by the more prestigious National Hockey League for the 1979-80 season along with Quebec, Winnipeg and Hartford.• The WHA folded in 1979.
• Gretzky finished the 1978-79 season with the Edmonton Oilers with 110 points. He was named the WHA's Rookie of the Year.
• Eddie Mio was the best man at Gretzky's wedding to actress Janet Jones in 1988.
• Edmonton Oilers owner Peter Pocklington signed Gretzky to a 10-year, $3 million contract on his 18th birthday. A year later Gretzky shared his thoughts with CBC Television about being part of the up-and-coming Edmonton team.
• As part of his 19th birthday celebrations, Gretzky attended an ABBA concert in Edmonton. Crowds went wild when one of the singers came out on stage wearing a number 99 jersey.
• In 1979, defenseman Kevin Lowe and centre Mark Messier joined the Edmonton Oilers. The two, along with Gretzky, were a force to be reckoned with on and off the ice. Lowe and Messier became two of Gretzky's closest friends.
• In 1981, Edmonton drafted goalie Grant Fuhr. Gretzky said Fuhr was the best goalie who ever lived.
Number 99 goes to Edmonton
Medium: Television
Program: Newsday
Broadcast Date: Nov. 3, 1978
Guest(s): Peter Driscoll, Wayne Gretzky, Eddie Mio
Interviewer: John Wells
Duration: 2:11
Last updated:
Oct. 28, 2008
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24 clips in this topic . page
Television
5:26
This 1970 documentary profiles 22-year-old Bobby Orr, already the NHL's premier defenceman, on the verge of winning his first Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins.
Television
10:21
Former NHL superstar turned Team Canada general manager Steve Yzerman describes the type of NHLer he wants at the Olympics.
Number 99 goes to Edmonton.
The CBC Digital Archives Website.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Last updated: Oct. 28, 2008.
[Page consulted on Feb. 14, 2012.]