20 Years Later: Wayne Gretzky's Last Game | SN Presents

Re-live Wayne Gretzky's last game 20 years later with appearances by The Great One himself, Gary Bettman and Mark Messier.
----------------------------------------------
Subscribe to Sportsnet on KZbin - sprtsnt.ca/2paAT2L
Visit Sportsnet.ca for more sports news and highlights - www.sportsnet.ca
Follow Sportsnet on Facebook - sprtsnt.ca/YTFB
Follow Sportsnet on Twitter - sprtsnt.ca/YTTWTR
Follow Sportsnet on Instagram - sprtsnt.ca/YTINST
Follow Sportsnet on Snapchat - sprtsnt.ca/YTSNAP
Watch Sportsnet on Sportsnet Now - sportsnet.ca/now

[@thinkingjack]

I was 14 and I convinced my parents to skip church so I could watch this game. My parents who are not English speaking sat with me to see why I was so freaked out to not miss it. During his goodbye laps I looked over at my mom and this woman who spoke only Spanish was bawling her eyes out.

[@encycl07pedia-]

Your parents are a..es for not learning English while living in the USA.

[@shawnmcburney6]

And that is why Hockey is the best!! And your mom!!! Hope you are still watching to this day!

[@6hughmungus9]

No one could have represented Canada any better than this legend. Thank you Wayne, for everything.

[@USMNTsoccerELITE]

Wayne Gretzky is the most overrated and least established hockey player of all time. The guy was nothing special, he didn’t have any flashy dekes or dangles. He was just riding on luck his entire career scoring goals and racking up assists. Gretzky played in an easy era where there weren’t many stars and the competitive level was fairly low. He was not naturally gifted. Just because his stats say he’s good doesn’t mean he actually is. Patrick Kane is a WAY better hockey player than Gretzky.

[@annam3112]

@@USMNTsoccerELITE Its to tell but I think Gretzky wouldnt do that good in this era.And as a Hawks fan I think Patty kane is better.

[@USMNTsoccerELITE]

Anna M Patrick Kane is easily the best player of all time, there is nothing that can be said to deny that.

[@annam3112]

@@USMNTsoccerELITE I argee

[@6hughmungus9]

Patty Kane for mayor of earth. Gretzky wishes he could put up 110 in 81

[@leahluostarinen]

Good old Wayne Gretzky the best hockey player ever

[@joshuafernandes5779]

Lmaoooooo

[@integrity101]

Ill take Mario Lemieux

[@jaybino3918]

Wasnt really a fan of gretzky

[@Ace-sw5fb]

And also bobby Orr is a good hockey player

[@Kimchi203010]

Gretzky needed 5000 points to convince some people 😑

[@roberthatch6153]

His dad was so kind to me. I was a 10yr old in BC and lost in the finals of the Vancouver cup and his dad went out of his way to come and encourage me and take a photo with me. I'm 30 now and I still remember that. It's amazing the impact we can have on each other. Be good be kind

[@thethomasj1795]

By all accounts, Walter Gretzky was a wonderful man. A great Human being and a role model for all. He will be missed very much.

[@adamdorgant9454]

@@thethomasj1795 You’re right about that!!!!

[@SlickSniper3]

I met Walter when I was sick in the hospital around Christmas time back in 1995 I believe. I was like 5 years old. I vaguely remember it but he gave me a signed puck from his son and added his name. Still got it kickin around somewhere. This was in Welland Ontario.

[@polishpat95]

YOU lost? You played for the Canucks?

[@bobarcher5837]

Walter was a great man. I know he did a ton for charity, but the fact that someone became a celebrity for building a rink that allowed their son to become the greatest hockey player of all time is so Canadian and hilarious

[@jeffwilson3363]

I remember watching that game with my dad in 1999, he said it was an honour just to watch Wayne Gretzky...he died on July 1, 1999, from cancer, and it was the last game I ever watched with him. I’ll never forget that day.

[@user-xh9js9qu2m]

Many have seen your comment, but strong subject. 1999 was ended for me with being sick with flu from travelling across the border, for a BMX competition. 😫🤢. take care

[@OompaL0ompa]

Best ever AND a real gentleman. When i was a teen, the nr 99 was THE number.

[@violetoconnell8479]

And it still is

[@adamdorgant9454]

Yes it is!!!!🏒🥅

[@bstokes219]

still is :)

[@MicBergsma]

I am so glad I got to watch him play when I was a kid.. good memories

[@sophiar1131]

lucky..

[@rafaelrene7102]

i realize Im kind of off topic but do anybody know a good website to stream new movies online ?

[@tracydutton7577]

Me too I lived in brantford

[@odeszaa]

I wish I got to see him play :(

[@deftone4656]

You missed out

[@chrishuber8930]

He was incredible.....over 200 points in one season.....almost 100 goals.....the guy was a machine. Noone will ever come close to him. People say he wasn't flashy....he didn't need to be ....he knew where the puck was going to be before it was there.....that's why he is the greatest.

[@MingTongPang54]

@@deftone4656 same, I wish I had a chance at watching him play live in an arena. I started watching hockey in 1998 and became a Rangers fan because my uncle's a Ranger fan. I got to see Gretzky on TV at the tail end of his career.

[@spungoflex3285]

B M I did... at Maple Leaf Gardens :)

[@qxverr.r6]

B M I met Wayne Gretzy's dad and got his autograph and met Wayne's brother!

[@p3terlos]

Wayne Gretzky is the best hockey player of all time. It's as simple as that.

[@joshuafernandes5779]

Hartwell lmaoooo

[@marcusabuwasilahfernandes2110]

Crosby and Ovi are better

[@steeleal1]

Gretzky was amazing but Crosby and ovi would decimate his era

[@USMNTsoccerELITE]

Wayne Gretzky is the most overrated and least established hockey player of all time. The guy was nothing special, he didn’t have any flashy dekes or dangles. He was just riding on luck his entire career scoring goals and racking up assists. Gretzky played in an easy era where there weren’t many stars and the competitive level was fairly low. He was not naturally gifted. Just because his stats say he’s good doesn’t mean he actually is. Patrick Kane is a WAY better hockey player than Gretzky.

[@USMNTsoccerELITE]

steele torgyik The best player of all time is without question Patrick Kane.

[@OviLVR8]

Gretzky going to LA was one of the best things to happen to the sport. It exploded. Out here in LA nobody cared about hockey then he came and started a new generation of young players which some are now playing in the NHL.

[@adamdorgant9454]

ramms mutter69 It was a Great Thing for Hockey, period!!! 🏒🥅

[@nolanderish]

Yea and Gretzky coming to LA also helped create the Sharks and Ducks, caused a surge of internet in hockey, so they decided to give NorCal a team in the Sharks, and of course Disney made The Mighty Ducks movie which lead to the Ducks

[@OviLVR8]

@@nolanderish I never thought growing up out here we would have 1 hockey team...now 3!!! SJ fans are surprisingly hard core about the team.

[@adamdorgant9454]

@@nolanderish Yes, now that you mentioned it!!!!

[@TheRecklessMetalhead]

@@nolanderish Good ol' days when Disney was in control of the Ducks until they gave it to a different ownership.

[@ethansucksatcuphead]

I wasn’t even born for another 7 years after this and I still got a lump in my throat.

[@Brave88720]

same

[@SharksRule86]

That was awesome how he used multiple sticks, and wore multiple jerseys, then at the end of the game he gives each one of them to his teammates and the team staff.

[@adamdorgant9454]

SharksRule86 You’re right about that!!!

[@davidovics92]

Wow, those jerseys were baggy... :D

[@clashman7950]

Everything was back then, it was the style. Now it's the complete opposite, because they learned it made a difference to have tighter clothing on.

[@KadruH]

it looked more baggy on him because he was skinny!

[@clashman7950]

@@KadruH lol that too. Question is, would the experts say before he was drafted, that he has to add tons of muscle to that frame or he won't make it in the NHL now?😂👍

[@willpare2647]

No fight strap

[@Emper0rH0rde]

Everything was baggy in the '90s. Everything.

[@twfchamp02]

This gives me tears. After the 93 Conference Finals against Toronto, I despised him until the day he retired. When I watched this game, I cried because I didn’t appreciate his career until it was over.

[@prissy499]

twfchamp02 I know what you mean 🙁

His career is like eyebrows on a human face. You don't notice them until they're gone. You gotta appreciate something before it's gone. Also you are lucky that you even lived during a time when Gretzky still played. By the time Gretzky retired, I wouldn't be born until two years later. I wish I could've witnessed his career.

[@SelfImprovement1111]

@ haha great way to put it lol

[@name028hfjsiwh2]

@ ye I wouldn’t notice 170 point seasons

[@stevehunt6741]

Sorry, as a life long Kings fan, I enjoyed it

[@jaydenchan7580]

Wayne Gretzky will always be the best

[@cityhawk]

In his last years with the Rangers, he represented the franchise with dignity and class. Thank you Wayne for what you gave to the game of hockey.

[@watcher6935]

I can't believe it's been 20 years either Wayne. Seems like yesterday I couldn't believe I was watching you play the last time.

[@musicman76enator]

God Bless Wayne Gretzky. The greatest hockey player ever. 🙂🏒🏒👏👏

[@garlicbread685]

Nah Pekka Rinne is just too good right now

[@garlicbread685]

Crish :D it was a joke....clearly

[@chrislfc2317]

@@garlicbread685 yes...

[@adamdorgant9454]

Yes indeed!!!!

[@kevintheman1129]

I really wish I could've been around to witness Gretzky play. What an amazing career

[@tna420wrestling]

Michael Jordan Wayne Gretzky.. The Earths Gem's.

[@Zilray]

lionel messi

[@GFY_FS]

George St Pierre too

[@emeralddimension3300]

This is the saddest video to watch, but at the same time continuously entertained. 😔

[@Icedkule]

one of the greatest? surely you mean THE greatest.

[@celticwarlord4204]

PB&J No, because Bobby Orr holds that distinction.

[@nlasswhipe2347]

Fever Check are you sure about that?

[@chrishuber8930]

@@celticwarlord4204 Bobby Orr isn't even close

[@celticwarlord4204]

I’d love see Gretzky try to take the puck from #4 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@chrishuber8930]

@@celticwarlord4204 be could do it easily. He would know where Howe was going

[@requix11]

The GREATEST player of all time no doubt. Probably the most likable athlete ever.

[@mallorybymers100]

That stick and jersey thing is amazing, hes such a great guy

[@TheBollocksPictures]

I remember his last game like it was yesterday, and it's been 20 years. Man, time sure flies.

[@Mayamax3]

Aside from his skill on the ice, the 2nd most remarkable thing about Wayne was his humility. I saw him in countless interviews from his days in Edmonton to LA & NY. I never once heard him say he was a great a player. He always gave credit to his teammates. To me, that's the mark of true greatness.

[@f13dfx]

I miss watching the GOAT. There will never be one like him ever again!

[@washboy154]

Wayne Gretzky is truly the best player and best person of all time. Smart, down to earth, good human. Makes me proud to be a hockey fan.

[@adamdorgant9454]

True!!!

[@milanskarvada7492]

very sad when at the end Wayne hangs the skates after the last match so I had a tear in my eyes I'm very happy that I was born at such a time in 1978 that I could see him play and that I could stick his photos and records in a notebook in elementary school . Thanks THE GREAT ONE

[@Ericjr2525]

My Dad brought me to see Kings/Hawks in 1993 at the old Chicago Stadium. Forever thankful to have seen #99.

[@faust1186]

You have to know that watching this is just going to make you cry, greatest hockey player and Man too.

[@CarolineVesper]

4:30 is why I have a soft spot for athletes and their passion for the game they play, you can see the sacrifice, joy, pride and sadness all at the same damn time in his eyes. Respect.

[@rossmorebaz]

The greatest of the greats .. he set records that will Never be broken

[@kenspedding4594]

From a Hockey Fan in the UK he is the greatest player I have ever seen. Wish like the NFL the NHL would start playing some games over here.

[@Draftspike]

Me too, I’m a uk fan aswell

[@B69ne]

I remember this game. Definition of GOAT.

[@trainmaster1548]

Hockey is one of my favorite things now. And learning about how good Gretzky really was made me like the game a lot.

[@brxy..]

I watched this on the NHL Network today, almost cried.

[@MrHowardMoon]

You Canadians really are a cool bunch of people lol. Much love from England!

[@libertarianarchives9932]

I was pretty young (9) but remembered watching that game (on my own volition since no one else in my family watched or cared for hockey or any sport), that and Jordan's last championship will always stick with me as far as memories of great historic moments. That significance of either moment only hit me after a decade later lol.

[@mcmxc3794]

As a 90s baby, I remember watching this game with my Grandmother here in Brantford Ontario one street over from the Gretzky Family house (I recall it being on mid day?). Ive seen & talked to Walter dozens of times over the years RIP. Ive never met Wayne but half my family knew him from the Neighborhood. Wish He played deeper into the 2000s so I could have “grown up” watching him. Regardless of that I still grew up a fan and proud knowing we were from the same town. Having Walter being so open and a part of the community ,Coming into my teams dressing room a handful of times before the game. RIP Walter Gretzky.

[@j.thomas7128]

I was at the Garden for that game in April of 1999. It was crazy emotional. Once the cheering stopped, bikers, off duty LEOs, and firemen were all crying. We all knew we saw the last game of the BEST player the NHL has ever seen and probably will ever see again.

[@CharlieND]

This guy was the best, and the crowd certainly knew it. What a legend.

[@YzerWings]

‘One of the greatest ever’? THE BEST ever

[@dgcmusi]

What an incredible man....watching him play was a thrill....when he became a Ranger I was so happy to see him every game .

[@JK.308]

His last game was 4 months before I was born. He was way before my time, but man I wish I could've seen him play in person. I love watching people do what nobody else can. Probably gonna be a similar situation with fans when Ovechkin retires.

[@yeltsin6817]

Greatest player, ambassador and generally good guy. I’m from Brantford and we’re proud of Wayne. His dad lives a block away from my folks. Great person as well...

[@annam3112]

Not a good guy but a good player

[@Ian-ji6kz]

@@annam3112 your the person thats saying Patrick Kane is the best ever. Gretzky was is a very good person and player. Patrick Kane will never even come close to being as good as Gretzky.

[@JP_HKY]

I love this! To bad I wasn’t around to be able to witness The Great One Play. He is such a great hockey player and an even better person.

[@Timmerz84]

So much respect for Wayne, just an amazing player and person. Truly the greatest to ever play, and so unbelievably humble that you'd never hear him admit it. He's one of my favourites, even though I was too young to ever remember seeing him play.

[@lancecrawford185]

Brings tears to my eyes every time I see his final game

[@martindlee3902]

Great guy, much respect to him and his Hockey career, we will remember you Wayne Gretzky

[@Skuidel]

His heart was bigger than the game, we can just have respect for him. Thanks for the great memories.

[@jamienoel7792]

That’s a true role model, a man who worked his ass off too be the best he could be, and became the best there ever was, that’s a man to look up too.

[@pheirphon4680]

Thanks Rene Sanches from Calgary, Alberta Canada😊

[@alextwist4105]

That man inspired me to play and i didn't even witness him play a single game himself. Thank you wayne for everything you have done for the game of hockey. 99 forever

[@monkeyddSOS]

I almost cried this is the most best video of sports

[@peterprincipe493]

What a hockey player! The real deal! Thank-you Wayne! (From a proud CDN)

[@Elijahandersson9596]

Can't believe it's been 25 years already.

[@dwaynegreene152]

I cried when i watched this and im tearing up now 😢

[@lmcd8381]

Amazing made me tear😢

[@jeannemarie3704]

What a humble lovely person. Always a fan since " back in the day" ❤ from Minnesota

[@billbonny8194]

Thanks wayne!!! My legendary canadian HERO!!!

[@TheNewsstandMan]

Thanks, Sportsnet. Excellent.

[@Ford69BOSS429]

Amazing to watch live. So lucky to see him play. In my opinion what makes him so great and why so many people love him is that he is genuinely a nice person. He is a great ambassador for the game.

[@sethsisneros6630]

The greatest to ever grace the ice, probably ever.

[@Erin-bd6jg]

Doesn't matter what team or what country. You have to admire Gretzky. He left a permanent mark on the sport, and did it with such class and humility. I don't know if we'll ever see that caliber of player in my lifetime again.

[@jakefromstatefarm6282]

Being born in 1999.. and watching this now is incredible. The fact that he cut and taped 40+ sticks for his teammates is fascinating. True legend on and off the ice. Bobby Orr is still my favorite, the way he change the game by rushing end to end creating the Offensive Defenceman role. Has the most points for a Dman in one season, followed by Paul Coffey by one point (139pts-138pts). Gordie Howe was the best "All around" player. The Gordie Howe hat-trick. 1 goal, 1 assist and 1 fight. The man could do it all and is fourth in all-time points. Gretzky was the greatest scorer. And a playmaker with the vision of a hawk. Take away his goals and he's still #1 in all-time points with his assist.

[@haveaday1812]

Dude is A living hero and legend.

[@aaaaaaaaf2]

Number 99 Retires 20 Years after his debut to retire in 1999 And then 20 years later Still with the hockey community Gretzky will always be the great one

[@justinsideyourhead]

The way those skates were still moving in the end

[@cammriggs]

One of my favorite moments not shown was a photo of him and jagr embracing each other. i feel as though that was a "passing the torch" moment.

[@troydavis705]

I love the last shot, he hung up his skates.

[@tannersworld2431]

So emotional 😭

[@breakaway2x]

Hockey stories are some of the best. No matter if you were Gretzky or an unknown player, their stories are all fascinating and amazing to hear about it.

[@KusherCZE]

Big Respect ! Legend !

[@josh89074]

The greatest player of his era and his generation

[@donscott4143]

What a class act ...what an emotional day !!

[@adamdorgant9454]

Agreed!!!

[@tommygrubbs2053]

Probably the classiest athlete of all time

[@carlel4219]

Life goes on.....wow what a way to mark the end of such a fantastic story .

[@NOTLeavingLV]

Seeing this in HD makes it so special. Whomever was responsible for filming that day was very smart to do that in a format that was generally unknown... That or whomever converted film of the day to HD bravo. Either way that's awesome.

[@accountemail9712]

Life does go on. Great aspect.

[@cedjj]

GOOD MEMORIES Wayne the G O A T

[@parkerbeard6170]

I was fortunate to get to see him play! I even got to see him play in person a few times!

[@i.hold.vertigo2329]

This is my first memory of watching the NHL on TV.

[@gocanuckurself1]

Wayne Gretzky, the greatest player of all time Walter Gretzky, the greatest hockey dad of all time

[@zanet812]

Legends never die 😭😢 Gordie Howe & Wayne #99

[@reasonablerage4370]

No one will ever be as good as the Great one.

[@adamdorgant9454]

Agreed!!!

[@Michael-vt2mm]

24 years. Goat 🐐

[@jcthivierge6623]

I was 5 years old when my dad made me watch this game, and I cried like a baby. My dad had instilled how great and unique this man was to the point t I could understand I was watching history at age 5

[@samuelnilsen5950]

I realy miss him on the ice😢😢

[@truthseeker7474]

Great guy also very humble 😂

[@baderp.6796]

GOOSEBUMPS.

[@lachlanmclean6752]

As a 7 year old at that time, I still clearly remember that day, and the sadness it brought to my whole family and community knowing that it was the end of an era.

[@martinmisenda]

Greatest of all time

[@tinyGiraffasaurus]

i wish gretzky would have played longer, but retiring in ‘99 was just so great

[@coastaku1954]

Just the most class, the most selfless player I've ever seen ever, He's just the great one

[@winniepride4608]

22 yrs ago tomorrow, I will always remember

[@nymike06]

This was great!

[@shpladoink]

What a nice young man!

[@krzyzak03]

can we appreciate the camera quality unlike other channels, 1999 looks like 2019, unlike other places that make it look like 1899

[@ogreman-lll-957]

ItsMeAdam ‘ ikr looks like 2009

[@outcastml278]

Thankful I was able to watch him on the ice in the mid 90s granted he didnt get the kings a championship in those years but he definitely helped give california hockey teams some notice in a primarily Canadian dominant league at that time