How Wayne Gretzky Earned His Nickname

The author and hockey legend had a lot to live up to after being tagged 'The Great One' at the age of 10.
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Stephen Colbert took over as host of The Late Show on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015. Colbert is best known for his work as a television host, writer, actor, and producer, and best known for his charity work teaching English as a second language on Tunisian date farms. Prior to joining the CBS family -- and being officially adopted by network president Les Moonves -- Colbert helmed “The Colbert Report,” which aired nearly 1,500 episodes and required Stephen to wear nearly 1,500 different neckties. The program received two Peabody Awards, two Grammy Awards, and several unwelcome shoulder massages. It won two Emmys for Outstanding Variety Series in 2013 and 2014, both of which appear to have been lost in the move. Colbert is pronounced koʊlˈbɛər, according to Wikipedia. His understudy is William Cavanaugh, who will be hosting The Late Show approximately one third of the time. Good luck, Bill!"

[@umchoyka]

Saw this video in my feed and, as a Canadian, was legally obligated to watch it. Was not disappointed.

[@starwalk3r]

Haha, nice.

[@shaundon5170]

umchoyka I'm watching heroin addiction documentaries, saw this on my feed and I had to watch

[@MrMAC8964]

you must be american

[@Markyroson]

umchoyka same! 😂

[@sudsysutherland359]

I totally agree. As a Canadian myself i grew up in the era of Wayne Gretzky in the 80's, the Edmonton Oilers were unstoppable & the best team ever imo. The New York Islanders won 4 straight Stanley Cups in the early 80's then Edmonton took over, Gretzky,Messier,Kurri,Anderson,Fuhr, Mcsorley,Moog,Smith,Tickanen etc, just an unreal team in all aspects of the game, so much fire power but yet they could play defence as well & the great goal tending of Grant Fuhr who was a righty meaning he caught with his right hand which is pretty rare for hockey goal tending, you'd think Fuhr would be out of position & then boom he'd come sliding across with the splits & make an unreal save & this was before the butterfly style came in which Patrick Roy invented & perfected. Now Edmonton has a great team on paper but just can't get it together, Connor Mcdavid is so fast & talented but the team just can't gel.

[@tyfenrir]

"You scored 400 goals when you were 10!?" Wayne: "I played with some good players." Such a humble classy man.

[@christinearchambault5019]

he also said he was paying defense ! amazing

[@vladtepes97]

specifically 378 goals.

[@Markyroson]

Tyler James yup 😂

[@jdirkes]

That is just about the most beautifully Canadian statement ever. That along with, "All in all, I'm pretty proud of my NHL career." Really? You know that you don't have to qualify that, right? It's physically impossible not to be proud of your career.

[@ironswan9990]

Best pro athlete to ever live ,on or off the ice

[@hhscadets0925]

Here's a fact that non-hockey fans may not know that shows just how good Wayne was: if he scored no goals in his entire NHL career, he would still be the all-time leader in points.

[@seamusgallagher6860]

Mike Lowrey AND HE SCORED THE MOST GOALS!!!!! Staggering

[@seamusgallagher6860]

AND HE SCORED THE MOST GOALS!!!! Staggering

[@gabrflyan6364]

Yepper. 1,963 assists and 0 goals still gives him more points then anyone else in the league ever.

[@oz_jones]

Playing with the best makes you shine brighter too :)

[@myd0ugie]

Gabr Flyan so you get points for assist in hockey?

[@clook222]

Look at us Canadians... bragging about how humble we all are. Sorry about that.

[@jameswade9375]

there goes how humble we are.iam so humble about it..

[@jameswade9375]

humble bragging

[@kevinchappell3694]

It’s not bragging if it’s true! 🤗🇨🇦

[@liammiles7601]

you mean sorry aboot that eh

[@kevinchappell3694]

@@liammiles7601 No, it is about....it is the Scots (and Scottish-Canadians) who say aboot.

[@TheSkyatollah]

It's amazing how humble Wayne is.

[@Crlarl]

Bar none, I am the most humble-est Number one at the top of the humble list My apple crumble is by far the most crumble-est But I act like it tastes bad outta humbleness

[@TybudX]

Wayne Gretzky was forced to invent 'sports talk' for interviews after showing literally zero fucks about how much of a shellacking he had brought upon them that night.

[@IceColdProfessional]

He's Canadian.

[@Nukahwhat]

+Carl Siemens what the shit? That's the best comment I've ever read on KZbin

[@olit92]

Damian Skyfire the Canadian way

[@myaa22]

I love how he acknowldge that the game is better now and the athletes are bigger and better and it would be harder for him if he played now , it is exactly the complete opposite of what every retired NBA, NFL player answer this question

[@backinorange]

this is a humble guy indeed, which makes him even more awesome

[@OhNikk]

alaa zaid I think a lot of baseball players would say something along the lines of Wayne. But yes, majority of NFL and NBA hall of famers would say how they'll never be stopped blah blah blah.

[@kevinbent4696]

alaa zaid Today's game is boring to me. Faster doesn't mean better. The league is now a watered down mess. Where's the superstars? Where's the personalities? Gretz was great only because he was protected and no one was allowed to go near him. A great player fights his own battles. Good player but a bit of a whining crybaby at times.

[@jommywop]

Kevin Bent A good player? Dude you're a moron. Every team protected their top players with enforcers back then.

[@kevinbent4696]

Kurwin Saunders Sure they did but not to the degree that HE was protected moron! Bit of a crybaby, just like you maybe. ;D.

[@goonerdotcom]

This is how you become and remain great. Humble, intelligent and CANADIAN !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ultracurious]

Every pro athlete who makes way more than the vast majority of the fan base supporting them should be required to take a course taught by Gretz: "Remaining a Gentleman in the Public's Eye" 😉

[@RC-bl2pm]

well said...what a great representative for sport and for Canada

[@OriginalPuro]

Norwegians are the same, look at Solskjaer that played for ManU for instance, humble, smart and fantastic at what he did, Petter Solberg in rally, Aksel Lund Svindal in super-G, Bjørgen in cross country are other examples. Being humble gets you far.

[@ROMSradio]

Ole Gunnar was a pleasure to watch. should have been in the starting 11 imo. I have to agree with the original comment here and wanted to compare American athlete Michael Jordan that dude is so disrespectful to his fans and just plain off his rocker.

[@conneryates1767]

Nataks Won Well, we have other athletes than Jordan...

[@ThomasBryant]

I don't know as many humbled and inspiring celeb athletes like Wayne. Truly a class act.

[@candacesuessmilch9414]

As a proud Canadian and big Gretzky fan, I agree wholeheartedly. I am also a tennis fan, and I look at players like Federer and Nadal as meeting the very high bar that Wayne meets.

[@PRYVTgomerPYLE]

Not to mention he stayed out of the tabloids! No cheating, no bullshit, loyal the love of his life... Even when Edmonton hated him for it! "Good form" Wayne. That is what truly makes you "The Greatest One!"

[@myopinion3908]

Trev Linden is another outstanding humble player

[@snaggiz]

A lot of hockey players are this way. Not all, but certainly plenty. They are very honest, down to earth, professional people and I think that’s what makes them good role models for kids.

[@jameswade9375]

orr

[@20thcenturyremnant]

Once heard this comment about Wayne : "The greatest thing about Wayne is that he's a better human being than he was a hockey player". That's a tribute.

[@yishaqdavid2029]

This is how a true athlete acts.

[@youreallinsane]

As opposed to....?

[@Crlarl]

Ray Rice.

[@youreallinsane]

And this is relevant how?

[@Crlarl]

youreallinsane You wanted an example of how a true athlete shouldn't act. I offered you Ray Rice on a platter.

[@youreallinsane]

Carl Siemens How is the fact that Ray Rice is not a way a true athlete should act relevant to anything?

[@matkojapan]

Man, the guy DESTROYED my Canucks every time he played. But, I could never hate him. Too good and too classy. Met him a few times and he is exactly like you see him here. Wish people outside Canada could understand how well loved the guy is. Wish there were more athletes these days like him.

[@annerchisline9641]

Too bad about Crosby's concussions, eh? He's a cool guy and a fellow Maritimer.

[@sl0ptart]

matkojapan yup... grew up in red deer Alberta and got to watch him live a couple of times. Between the oilers to the north with Gretzky and the flames to the south with fleury I grew up in hockey heaven. Lol

[@Markyroson]

matkojapan same

[@kimmomatikainen1843]

The respect for opponent's great players is something that many of the fans don't have. No fan who can't respect great skills across team boarders can never be a fan of sport. It is great to see how sometimes home crowd gives a standing ovation to a player from a visitor team. That is how it should be when there is a reason for it.

[@ccbuddy813]

Vancouver sucks tho bro they never win

[@dragonflysurgeon]

His "hockey sense" was the ability to anticipate and be wherever the puck would be in the next few seconds. I've never seen a player come close to doing this. But he was also very fast and one of the best skaters in history. The best player of all time.

[@chrispereira420]

I love how he just nonchalantly says ya "I scored 400 goals when I was 10... I played defense" Are you shitting me? 400 goals? And as a defenseman? Jeebus Fucking Christ!!!!

[@divdeshwar]

I loved reading your comments about him. Honestly I have no clue about the game but loved your description of him and his game!😊

[@chrispereira420]

Divya Kotian Thanks so much! He was my favourite player growing up and such an awesome guy! So much class that you don't see much of any more in today's athletes

[@Ryan8583]

Chris Pereira in he's documentary he says the team didn't have enough defence so he would literally play the entire game

[@agrosaxon1743]

The reason he played defense is he would get more ice time he played forward but other players parents would get upset cause he was always on the ice not letting others get the same amount of time on ice so his dad told him to play defense instead as he would still have the ice time as dmen usually play more minutes than forwards.

[@gitbint]

maybe the way he became the great one dot dot dot was carrying an entire team on his back when he was 10 years old. that made every team after that feel like a breeze

[@thecoatesieshow95]

I love how Stephen yells his name with an echo effect, calls him the great one, the stage fills with dry ice...and Gretzky just sort of casually walks out.

[@almo8989]

He's one of the few sports superstars that wants his records broken. He believes records are meant to be broken and are better for the game. Most players of his caliber are more worried about their own legacy. Gretzky is a true ambassador for the sport of hockey.

[@moriellymoproblems7842]

You forgot to mention his 9 Hart trophies and 2 Conn Smythe trophies.

[@freedoms2010]

Colbert was already out of breath anyway.

[@rosannarossi4472]

And 10 scoring titles. First year tied Dionne or It's 11 scoring titles. And Gretzky that year also missed 2 games.

[@smitsmit222]

And faster to 50 goals

[@rudy1999]

Who the fuck beat out him for playoff MVP 2 times?

[@cityboyis2]

I would give you a like but that would spoil your 99 likes 😮

[@marksmithy69]

To put Gretzky's dominance into perspective...if Wayne Gretzky played 16 more seasons without registering a point, he would still be a point per game player. I don't think there is any other athlete in any other sport that dominated like he did.

[@holdengr]

And if he never scored a goal he would still be the all time leading scorer. Amazing.

[@johnbondola3246]

Wilt Chamberlain, has over 70 records, STILL &, hasn't played a game in about 50 yrs. (he was a center during the "Golden Age" of the NBA, & centers in the game).

[@SouthJerzVillains]

@@johnbondola3246 not even close wilt isn’t even the goat in basketball not even top 3 lol

[@manwithnoname8229]

Don Bradman's batting average

[@PanelFlow]

Oh my god... I thought I knew all of the hockey stats on Gretzky, but this is a new one. Jesus Christ. What an animal. I was born after he played, so I only get to watch highlights and listen to legends of him. In terms of total domination of a sport, which admittedly didn't last as long as Gretzky's career, is Tiger during the Tiger Slam and him being world number 1. That's the only person in any sport that I can make a case for, but at the end of the day, the Great One is the Great One.

[@nithinr818]

I know a minimal amount about hockey, but after this interview I'm going to have to watch a lot more. Something about this guy is just awesome. He carries himself like royalty, really cool to see

[@chrispereira420]

mr_reddy It's the best dude! Once you can figure out what icing and offsides are, it's an easy game to understand. Speed, hitting, fighting and hands down the best Championship celebration in all of sports. There's nothing like seeing a guy like Ray Bourque play his whole career without a cup and to finally win one in his last year and raise it over his head... it brings tears to your eyes

[@canadianpoker83]

Well he actually is royalty. Hockey royalty that is.

[@LiveLXStudios]

Its a sport that holds a lot of sportsmanship with its players. There's a reason why you don't typically hear about drama from hockey players, and its not because they don't cover it as much in the US (well, its partially because of that, but not mostly)

[@TheWitchOvAgnesi]

Toughest, most frustrating and yet still the funnest sport to play. I've played dozens throughout my life - soccer, tennis, track, fencing, lacrosse, bowling, baseball... none of them compare. Not even close. In hockey, an "injury" is a broken bone or a concussion. Anything less than that is not worth mentioning.

[@JungleScene]

mr_reddy in a sense, he is hockey royalty. he is to hockey what Muhammad Ali is to boxing, or Senna is to F1, or or babe Ruth to baseball. as iconic as it gets.

[@richardsucksx]

"I remember a night when Wayne Gretzky insulted Michael Jordan at the table. It was a private salon game. Michael had ordered a drink from the cocktail waitress, and he gave her a five-dollar chip. Wayne took it off the cocktail waitress's tray, gave it back to Michael, grabbed a hundred-dollar chip from Michael's stack and put it on the cocktail waitress's tray. Then he said, "That's how we tip in Las Vegas, Michael."

[@jackalvonstone250]

And that's when he took it personal.

[@cheesypizza4045]

“Ok fine”

[@Eclipse2582]

Look Wayne...if you don't wanna play that way, THEN DON'T PLAY THAT WAY. BREAK.

[@markdemell3717]

Michael should be ashamed .Wayne made the girls night.

[@swegtaswegta7578]

@@markdemell3717 no

[@ryanswan6480]

Wayne Gretzky would be the person to actually make me read a book...

[@Fnargl99]

The only book I read until university was wayne gretzky's autobiography, which I read 9 times. and I'd say I'm reading 99 right now but I'm really using my computers text to speech.

[@hades1321]

Degenerate

[@dougdavis8986]

Did you?

[@coryhall7446]

I idolized Mr Gretzky my entire life. I saw him in Regina at an exhibition game at the Agridome against the Blues. I was 5 years old but I will always remember that. What a good man. So nice. Thank you!

[@mattb9351]

The Great One won 8 consecutive MVP awards in a row and 9 overall. He dominated his sport unlike any North American athlete ever.

[@vladtepes97]

as opposed to 8 consecutive, but not in a row?

[@jimwade7680]

Don't cry over batflips orr

[@Hollins23]

He has that truly humble, laid-back, polite Canadian vibe.

[@richardhodge5964]

One word : Class. Saw him play in Nashville at age 38 in 1998. He had 5 assists that night. Nobody ever has had the God given skills this man had. Thanks Wayne.

[@Evan-rl1rn]

Crazy how a player could have 100 point seasons for 2 decades straight and still not match Gretzky's point record

[@jasondashney]

Match? He wouldn't even be in the ballpark! That's mind blowing.

[@jameswade9375]

150 points a year for allmost 20 years......maybe give it 3000 or 4000 years from now...maybe...

[@dmac26official]

Realistically, an elite hockey player COULD have 6 100 point seasons... it would take 29 in a row to MATCH Gretz.

[@ExileOnDaytonStreet]

Defining his hockey sense: Gretzky always seemingly intuitively knew where his teammates and opponents were on the ice, and always played with his head up, trusting his stickhandling so he could focus on where everyone was. Exploiting this, he could position himself better in shooting lanes and find open teammates in vulnerable spots on the ice. For all young hockey players: Gretzky is THE example for why you should practice your stickhandling and playing as much of the game as possible with your head up. That and so you don't get blindsided by a head-hunting defenseman.

[@chrispereira420]

ExileOnDaytonStreet On the Ultimate Gretzky DVD he tells the story of how his Dad made him watch the game with a piece of paper and a pen. He would follow the puck with the pen on the paper to see where the plays would develop the most. That's how he learned to be in the right places at the right time. Friggin ingenious! That blew my mind when I heard it

[@D_isco_D_ancer]

BAsically Gretzy opened up the smart and intelligent way of playing Hockey. People think that it's power and speed but smart and understanding will win over that.

[@thefives7ar]

Don't give the the kids any advice. I enjoy seeing guys get Kronwalled every now and then lol

[@flaccidego9468]

ExileOnDaytonStreet Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner! That's why Gretzky is the greatest INTANGIBLE player of any sport of all time. He always had his head up seeing the whole field of play(which is an ice rink), being able to be aware of his opponents and teammates positions in the field of play and at the same time he was able to be aware of where that tiny disc was in relation to his stick at all times. As said before, u take away all this mans goals scored and he still has the all time NHL scoring record based on assists alone!!!!!!! That's ridiculous.

[@jameswade9375]

he had a free no hit me ticket...

[@nicorobin5978]

Take notes, players of other sports. This is what modesty looks like. "How would you do in the league today?" "It'd be a lot more difficult. I'd have more trouble." Now, imagine how a football, basketball, or baseball hall of famer would respond.

[@nicorobin5978]

Mike Keller No, that isn't what I meant at all. P.K. Subban is black. Zach Parise is American. Ron Gronkowski is white. Ricky Rubio isn't American. The pattern is with NHL players vs. players in other sports. There are exceptions like every rule, of course, but generally hockey players are far better composed and modest. You may have better luck with racial profiling in a political video comment section. :)

[@XapnoMapkc]

Michael Jordan spent his entire Hall of Fame speech saying reminding every player who ever beat him out for a spot, even in high school, that he was better than them, and saying "I told you so" to anyone who ever doubted him. Everyone knows he is the greatest basketball player of all time, so there's no need to act like a spoiled child. Gretzky, on the other hand, is humble and lets others speak about his greatness. The most he will say is "All in all, I'm pretty proud of my career." He shows great respect for the game and for players of today (he said Connor McDavid is the best 19 year-old ever, for example) and admits that it would be tougher for him because the guys are so much better now. That is what class looks like. Michael Jordan could learn a lot from watching The Great One.

[@nicorobin5978]

XapnoMapkc Agreed. We also saw Yzerman compliment Kane recently, saying he's probably better, (even though he's probably not). Hockey players just don't let their egos go off as much. I love Jordan as a player, but his ego was always awful.

[@nicorobin5978]

Mike Keller It's all good, man. I say stupid crap all the time. ^^

[@maragathm]

"I could beat anyone anytime any age no problem, because I am the best and no one is better than me and no one ever will, and even if there is someone better I shall deny it with my dying breath because I am the best and oh yeah they are probably on drugs and I did it on pure ability"

[@moonglow630]

As a hockey fan, I’m morally obligated to love him. It’s not hard.

[@22grabage]

He was getting emotional talking about Gordie Howe, who passed away this summer. RIP Mr. Hockey

[@djmips]

He said he loved him and meant it.

[@rigsby1454]

There's so many great stories about when Wayne was a kid playing hockey. 'Don't go where the puck is. go where the puck will go'

[@jameswade9375]

he allwas turn...go behine the net....than off to the bank.....kirri help carry his money...

[@danielbeauchamp4655]

Rigsby 1 So true. Pure hockey sense.

[@tobyhawthorne9150]

Holy shit, this man is so humble. I only really know him cos of sporting lists as I am only 20 and from Northern Ireland so not really privy to ice hockey, but damn this interview was so refreshing. His humility is genuine

[@elainakosmidis8657]

I absolutely agree.

[@janetsampson1779]

Wayne Gretzky wasn't the fastest player,he wasn't the strongest player,he didn't have the hardest shot,he was the smartest player.

[@TheMimetolithman]

Larry Bird had the exact same background = 2 GOATS

[@jameswade9375]

your talking about bobby orr

[@314jph]

Always heard Wayne skated to where the puck was going to be. M Lemieux could have rivaled him, but for injury/cancer. Still Wayne is the GOAT.

[@jcjccmz]

I'm a huge hockey fan and I think this is the most I've enjoyed a Wayne Gretzky appearance

[@alexscott4009]

Man i can listen to this guy talk all day

[@Haseeebo]

this actually brought tears to my eyes. I don't even watch hockey (blasphemy for a Canadian I know), but Gretzky is soo humble and modest it just makes me so damn proud

[@taylorallison7113]

Humble guy through and through, love that he gave Gordie the respect he deserved as well. Even though he beat pretty much all of Gordie's records he still calls him the greatest player! Much respect Wayne.

[@highnoonish]

He's the great one because when Colbert mentioned that he scored 400 goals as a 10 year old, the first thing he said was, "I played with a lot of good players." Pure class, pure hoser through and through.

[@jeffward1106]

Wayne is right, Gordie was a fantastic man. I got a picture of him & me ( taken by his son ) in downtown Sylvania. June may have been sunny, but I felt a little darkness when this idol passed.

[@TheCanadiangirl4]

One of my coworkers met Gordie Howe a couple of times and cannot stop talking about what an amazing person he was. I wish I had met him.

[@lincolnmaceachern2410]

It's funny that, while there's always been a debate on whether Gretzky or Bobby Orr is the greatest player, both agree that Gordie Howe was the greatest.

[@danielbeauchamp4655]

Jeff Ward Gordie Howe(when he was maybe 10 years old) scored 7 out of the 10 goals of his team. His coach told him, “it’s not nice to do that to the other team”. That was from an newspaper article.

[@hawksfan8870]

I'm a Hawks fan but man, what a huge legend Wayne Gretzky is!

[@aidandean-jones4029]

“Well I scored 400 goals when I was 10...” I had to laugh out loud when he said that. Not just because of the sheer number but because I know he wasn’t exaggerating.

[@MrTopjimmy67]

Met Wayne on an outdoor rink in Sault Ste Marie Canada,when he played for the Sault Greyhounds, and he was helpful and encouraging . I thought right then that he was one of the best at Hockey. It was like minus 40 with wind chill and all he wore was his red Sault Greyhound leather jacket. Amazing gifted individual.

[@ll7868]

I met Wayne when I was 10 in 1980, I also played defense but didn't score much, I think I had 5 or 6 goals that year. He signed 2 hockey cards, I've been a fan ever since, my friends would get mad because I would wear my 99 Oilers jersey to Jets games when they played in Winnipeg.

[@Gr8Layks]

Pure class. That's the biggest lesson today's athletes should take from this man.

[@jerrycorrado5022]

Humble and polite...... “must be Canadian”. Love that!!!!

[@davibrass]

I like how he has always thought of the game with kids in mind

[@fml5910]

What a class act, great athlete, not many around like him anymore.

[@maxnewberg1429]

What defines him as well as his hockey achievements is his class. Class and outstanding sportsmanship. Fantastic

[@katherinehunter9526]

Not just The Great One he is a Gentleman and a damn good ambassador for Canada too. Love you Wayne. # 99

[@tomdadwell]

I am NOT a Canadian. I don't care if you're from Canada, U.S, Germany, Guam, Egypt, whatever. This guy is as good as anybody could be, and as classy and humble as you could ever ask for. I hope to meet him one day.

[@jacklawer6389]

Well said, my friend

[@neight123]

Wow that was so great to see an amazing athlete be so humble. How refreshing and what a genuine person.

[@blockchainshark1392]

He lost his dad last night! So sorry for his pain right now ❤️

[@dlpnrmp1212]

100% CLASS!!!!! Kids- watch, learn, duplicate.

[@robjames3864]

You'll find most hockey player's humble and polite.

[@geozul6838]

and like don cherry says...you hardly ever hear of hockey players being arrested. i said this comment before and i was accused of being a racist!

[@jamesburgess2k]

The fact that everyone calls him the great one, and he's so humble. Maybe not the greatest athlete, but definitely debatable.

[@shieh.4743]

James Burgess Shhhhh! Do NOT debate Gretzsky's athleticism in Canada. Most beloved athlete by a mile.

[@jslick8885]

One of the most dominant athletes ever. Take away all his goals and he;s still the all time point leader. 8 straight MVP's, 4 cups in 5 years.

[@shieh.4743]

J Slick :). Totally agree! And it doesn't hurt that he seems to be a really nice person also. That goes a long way to be a great role model. As the OP pointed out, humble as well as a good athlete.

[@Nukahwhat]

I can't think of an athlete more dominant in their sport than Gretzky. It's not even debatable to me

[@FuckGoogle2]

Some would say Jordan but then again Basketball isn't a contact sport and NFL is out the window, 16 game regular season compared to 80+...

[@wlittle8908]

Canadian icon and a humble man...The great one.

[@markwatson6166]

Heres the truth about Gretzky, he defined what it is to have a 20 yr career and become a superstar, Michael Jordon, Tiger Woods and others that transcended thier sport look to the great one for advice and inspiration about what it means to be a role model. There will never be another 99 and we are all lucky to bask in his humble glory

[@tbz1551]

I love that Gordie Howe did a little needle work before the All-Star game

[@billyrock8305]

All Canadian. Pure class and deadly skill. 🇨🇦

[@suspect794]

"I had some bad games" He almost AVERAGED 2 points a game.

[@nunosoares2329]

What a great guy Gretzky is. Amazing how much he accomplished in the NHL. RIP Gordie :-(

[@Splatzloki]

I'm not even a hockey fan and I understand this man's legendary status. I haven't even seen interviews with him and his characters reputation precedes him. Wayne Gretsky is true class. "I offer a Buddhist blessing upon you sir. May the Dharma render unto you what is yours." (bows) #waynegretsky #NHL #NHL99

[@johnzzz4056]

one word besides "great" that describes Wayne Gretzky is also "classy ". What a true gentleman. Makes me proud to say I'm Canadian

[@NeilCrouse99]

Wayne is one of the reasons I'm a proud Canadian,... Thanks for the memories Mr. Gretzky. I was lucky enough to live in Edmonton during the last 3 Stanley Cups Edmonton won in the 80's,... Even worked at a bar that the Oilers briefly brought the cup too one night,... Good Times!!! *: )*

[@clubredken13]

Wayne is the only guy in any sport, you can say by the stats that he is the most dominant player without any question. Other sports there's always a debate. He's a thousand friggin points ahead of the next guy

[@harshavardhan-iy2rc]

clubredken him and sir Donald Bradman in cricket...both are miles ahead....

[@clubredken13]

I didn't know cricket was a sport. But we all know Bradman is way more world famous than Wayne. just kidding

[@jameswade9375]

i know a indian woman that won many and many bingo games....

[@pupsiuspupuliukas2394]

Gordie Howe could fight

[@fdannn6926]

Gretzky should be the Commissioner, not stupid Gary Bettman.

[@danielbeauchamp4655]

F Dannn I don’t think he wants that job.

[@seffishestopal5950]

Why do people hate him so much?

[@thesaxguru]

@@seffishestopal5950 3 work stoppages on his watch is a start. 100% in the oweners' corner (and their pockets which is why he still has his job). The inconsistent discipline over his tenure. "Losing" the league off ESPN to NBC (who is laughing it all the way to the bank). The book "Cracked Ice" is a good resource on what led up to Bettman's career and the beginning of his tenure. Oh, and he's not a hockey guy- he was David Stern's (former NBA commish) sidekick prior. Quebec, Minnesota, Winnepeg (got theirs back), Hartford all lost their teams.

[@nolankuffner3573]

Quebec and Hartford lost their teams due to their market (and top players refusing to play) while Minnesota and Winnipeg probably could have tried a little harder to deal with their arenas. When the Whalers were selling at 80% capacity, and jacked prices to try and even out, I'm not sure that's Bettman's fault. Name one 20 year franchise with five times as many losing seasons, then tell me market size doesn't matter. Their time in the WHA was great. But they weren't like the Oilers. And there wasn't a Wayne Gretzky to save them obscurity. The Nordiques were the worst example. The egging on the federal government for 'provisional funding' to both cover expenses and build a rink, just because they played in Quebec? Hmmm. Sounds like equalization payments nowadays.. But I actually agree with the Bettman detractors: he's been pretty shit for the NHL and league reputation. But the fact remains, and it's simple. US fans not supporting the TV market is due to the number of Canadian players. Americans are nationalists, the way Canada THINKS they're nationalists. Few Canadian teams rank in the top ten when it concerns Canadian players on the roster (with Vegas, San Jose, Boston, and others leading) but Canadians still cheer for local teams. For American fans that attend live games, they don't care. But the TV crowd absolutely does. It's why the NFL is so much more popular. The season is too long. The playoffs are too long. And small markets just can't handle that stress. It's why the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Green Bay Packers are successful. Short seasons, minimal investment. But let's be honest here. People don't like the NHL, because it ends when the NBA ends. And competition KILLS hockey. It would be EXACTLY the same with anyone else.

[@maxrcrypto]

The commissioner simply does what the owners want.

[@haraggan]

The hyperbolic, amplified introduction, the dry ice... and out walks an unassuming man in a suit. Classic Gretzky.

[@tmrevenge]

Wayne is a class act! the guy is pretty much hands down the best of all times. yet he is so humble and polite

[@jeffthewhiff]

Wayne is such a class-act and has, and always will be, a great ambassador for hockey!

[@nyrgaming3091]

Gretzky: I’m pretty proud of my career. Yeah best nhl player of all time so I would be pretty proud of my career too

[@thesly74]

Ladies and gentlemen, the Great One.

[@c3920]

What a great ambassador for the game. Thanks Wayne.

[@johncritch6812]

I seen him play while in Calgary. Class act !

[@StatusPotential]

what a gentleman

[@JonnyUnderrated]

Wayne almost reminds me of Mr.rodgers...Hes such a genuine person.

[@GuerillaGrodd]

I truly love Wayne. I'm a very angry stubborn little man lmao... And i don't idolize or care much for celebs and athletes. But Wayne is such a genuine humble awesome dude.

[@loraz5343]

Wayne is such a good person it makes me cry from happiness. I'm so happy we have him. Truly the best ambassador for Canada! Edit: And thank you Stephen for hosting him!

[@laocoste4966]

Edmonton Oilers FOREVER!!! love how humble Gretzky is..

[@rickenterkin4720]

Barry Sanders and BO Jackson. Both humble men & both DOMINANT

[@cbrock7479]

and congrats on being a grand dad again...you are so humble..watching this interview warmed my heart..thank you

[@angryyogbuscus1578]

Party on Wayne!

[@fenderguitargirl]

I don't know anything about hockey, but this man and this interview were just lovely!

[@killaction0317]

the true goat so humble, such an amazing player!!!

[@infamous8131]

Someone so great being humble is amazing, literally the greatest hockey player of all time and probably the greatest sports player being more humble than people far lesser than him.

[@Robstafarian]

Wayne Gretzky demonstrated what Kevin Smith described to Joe Rogan: he sold the game.

[@sfar024]

From NZ and don't know who The Great One is but always heard the name. I'll definitely read the book.

[@LazerDude]

I don't think you can ever find a more classy guy then Good old Wayne!

[@Th4EvilH4nd]

So humble, so intelligent, so kind... truly a gift to not only hockey but sports in general. What a guy.

[@Th4EvilH4nd]

Reminds me a lot of my dad playing in the league. Not necessarily so strong or fast, but damn smart. Know how and when to make a play. It's such a huge part of the game that no amount of fitness or gear can get you.

[@puppetjaw]

A great interview and a great man

[@bobbydrex5268]

No one is as/was good in their own respective sport as Wayno was. Maybe Michael Phelps but literally no one will ever come as close.

[@huejanus5505]

Bobby Drexler Mario Lemieux was pretty good too.

[@Beauford-eo9rw]

You must have missed the Orr error, no one has been or will be as good as Orr.

[@thecofounders]

Beauford 2016 hahahahahahahaha good joke

[@leslienarcisse2268]

Bobby Drexler that's false ...first off , Lemieux is definitely on the same level as Gretzky (I can even argue he was better) .... Then there's Jordan who won the best defensive player a bunch of times , Gretzky never won the selke...etc

[@bobbydrex5268]

Lemieux was very good, but I dont care. You take away Wayno's goals and he still leads the league in points all time. Can't say that about Jordan who isn't even in the top 3 in points.

[@npchristman]

Wish this was longer. Great interview on both sides

[@rygy20]

Stand up awesome guy. Great Ambassador for the game. As a Canadian I needed to watch this, he didn’t disappoint with his professionalism, knowledge and kindness.

[@mcdaviddeservesbetter8]

He's by FAR the greatest athlete ever.

[@TheBozoleum]

Josh DeRose most accomplished athlete. Like he said, the players now are better

[@ManBearPig617x]

Jay Boz But no one is putting up numbers like Gretzky

[@waynebrinker8095]

rusty goldfinch, it was impossible before Gretzky as well. A few athletes are able to transform the game, changing the way it's played. During my lifetime, three hockey players have done just that. Jacques Plante, Bobby Orr, and Wayne Gretzky. But no one as much as Gretz.

[@rsears78]

He mentions the athletes today are better. Right, lol. No one today is anywhere in the same universe of any of his records, never will be

[@recipioct]

Depends on the definition of athlete but, yea, I agree. What's even more amazing is that he wasn't even that great of an "athlete" in the general sense, his mind did 90% of the work. He wasn't that fast, strong, or physical, just insanely accurate and intelligent. He was just playing chess vs checkers(there's a double pun in there maybe). Imagine if Gretzky had the body of someone like Lindros, or Ovechkin. It's a seriously scary thought.

[@colinritchot1975]

Wow, what an Idol. The amount of humility in this man is incredible! What a beauty!

[@craigconley1872]

Wayne is The Great One, and no other will take his place!!!!

[@alec1430]

As an American, I truly admire the Canadians passion for this game. I recently got into hockey in 2019, as other sports were wearing me down (political and content wise), I picked VGK, as I was a new fan and needed a team, and they were the newest team, so my hopes to grow old with them come true. Best game I've ever watched. I'm hooked on hockey!, And love to learn some of it's history, especially on that of Wayne Gretzky!!!

[@lastlaff2777]

To all you pro athletes out there: this is how it's done. Humble, professional, well-mannered, and dressed in a suit.

[@D_isco_D_ancer]

Yep, there bare you see and perceive the difference between and American and A Canadian. This guys is a LEGEND in Canada and he is very down to earth.

[@douchebagout]

Other than my father & my brother. I love this man. I had the pleasure of meeting him and he is so humble & gracious

[@paulyarek]

The Gretzky family put Brantford on the map absolutely wonderful people.

[@craigfoulds8657]

Colbert kind of cut him off a few times when he was talking, but nice to have him on the show nonetheless.