Wayne Gretzky Was Already a Legend in Canada at 10 Years Old

[@mediumdoubledouble9012]

Theo… this guy is more important to us Canadians than I think Elvis is to Americans. We call him “The Great One” for a reason.

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

The last great thing in Canada.

[@kylerBD]

elvis is nothing to americans. That shit was like 3 generations ago 80+ year olds are the only ones who care about elvis. A more realistic equivalent especially for the age would be Michael jackson.

[@Mr_jz_12]

@@thereissomecoolstuff and he's not a pedo.

[@lukebryant5017]

Geddy Lee is your Elvis

[@jgrywacheski]

@@lukebryant5017 Some would argue it's Gord Downie.

[@MattyPrograms]

This is Canadian royalty, Theo. Props for being respectful and caring to our guy :)

[@That90sShow]

Speak for yourself. Wayne is a gutless rat coward

[@sergiolandz6056]

calm down there he played hockey geezus...

[@mike04574]

probably the only guy in canada that can be called royalty@@sergiolandz6056

[@SandorSoptei]

@@sergiolandz6056 whats your point? He is called the "the great one" for a reason. He is a great example of someone who represents Canada and is a legend.

[@jdaly5822]

​@theegghunter9312 perhaps he sees Trumps' fruits as a man and doesn't listen to msm and other yahoo's. Man up and have your own opinion.

[@BatCaveOz]

Wayne Gretzky - "By no means was I the best player ever". Every hockey historian or fan - "Wayne Gretzky was the best player ever".

[@wally7856]

Take away every single NHL goal he ever scored and he's still the NHL's all time points leader.

[@shaokhan4421]

Im not a hockey guy… but I heard Mario L was better in some ways?

[@ZackGisme]

@@shaokhan4421mario more gifted physically. Like shaq Vs mj in a sense

[@k13morey]

​@shaokhan4421 Lemieux was a brilliant player. Possibly a better pure goal scorer, but Gretzky's passing, vision and reading of the game was superior to everyone and what makes him the Great One.

[@withnail-and-i]

​@@k13moreyGuy missed like a quarter of his matches, if he had continued he might have scored more, and he'd be less forgotten by the general public. Canadians don't really care for Quebecers though (and same goes for the reverse, speaking of experience).

[@pranavsambamurti7746]

Wayne IS Canada! No Superstar has this level of humility. Always The Great One!

[@egoyette2]

The great one. Wayne is one of the nicest and most humble person you'll ever meet. You look great, all the best.

[@CruzCruz-nw7fi]

He is that’s what I’m getting from it 👏👏👏‼️

[@Supsboredrn]

My dad met him at company business retreat and he said he was the coolest!

[@codymacintyre6589]

Too bad he wouldn’t leave the sport alone with his non sense

[@Supsboredrn]

@@codymacintyre6589 what did he do? Don’t know hockey.

[@gagestandingready1472]

His Dad is a legend among Dads.

[@FrankBullitt390]

His dad Walter stayed in Brantford and helped everyone he could, he never let an ounce of fame get to him

[@stevesouthern247]

every canadian ever has met Walter Gretzky. Good guy

[@MiCh-vj9vl]

I met Walter he was such a good man

[@MarijuanaCanada]

Walter tied my skates and showed my dad the way he tied Waynes skates. Was always at the arena even until recent years.

[@kYA00h]

​@@MarijuanaCanadagotta pinch the lace before you pull the other side...😂 i remember watching a vhs tape on how wayne tied his skates

[@Gzoratto]

@@stevesouthern247 I just heard a great interview with Dan Ackroyd, Geddy Lee, Gretzky, all have a Canadian grace.

[@bobbynorth681]

The humility is unbelievable. There have been bigger, faster & stronger guys but there has never been anyone as talented at the game of hockey as Wayne Gretzky.

[@CarlosSpiecyWeeny]

Certified canadian legend

[@errollleggo447]

Yeah when he said there were better players, I was shaking my head.

[@WhatsY0UTUB3]

@@errollleggo447 if mcdavid played in the same era he would have crushed every one of his records

[@mikescorpio13]

@@errollleggo447 not really many great player were overall better hockey player in a full sense than Wayne Gretzky and he is the first to admit it.But as far as results come he is the greatest but things got to be put in perspective with eras and style of play.He 100% wouldnt have those numbers playin in the late 90s and early 2000s obviously.He was gifted and at thje right place and right time.Guy Lafleur kind of resemble the growth of a hockey player since childhood like Wayne and he did deliver in the 70s.Didnt put up numbers like Gretzky but still led his team to dominate the 70s.

[@wanderingfeet3053]

My favorite Wayne Gretzky story… during that year he scored 400 goals, he was a tad bit arrogant. Wayne’s dad told the coach to bench him until he learned his lesson. So, Gretzky was on the bench and with 2 mins left in the game, they were down 3 - 1. Coach looks at Gretzky and says Wayne go make something happen. Gretzky jumps over the board and looks at this Coach and says “Do you want me to win it or tie it?” - He scored 3 goals in 2 mins and won the game… that’s why he was called the Great One at 10

[@DefeatLust]

Wtf did I just read... sounds like something a kid would tell his date or someone woke up from a dream. What an absolute phenom

[@you_tube6733]

​@@DefeatLustits the ending to air bud. lol

[@DefeatLust]

@@you_tube6733 Fuk, did I get trolled?

[@brothaman007]

Interesting fact.... Wayne Gretzsky has more assists, than anyone has points, and that is cool, but did you know if he NEVER took a shot, he still would be the all time scorer? Someone went back in and looked and there is not a lot of assists from dudes tipping his shot and getting him an assist. Strictly off goals scored from intended passes by Wayne, he is still number 1 all time.

[@Whowhatme]

@@brothaman007even more amazing stat is people say he is not a natural scorer but has the most goals in history. 😂😂

[@sianspherica]

I don't think most Americans, even American hockey fans have any idea how much Wayne Gretzky means to Canadians. For a player to be such a definitive 'GOAT' as he is to hockey and since hockey is Canada's national obsession it kind of makes him a source of immense pride for us that we produced someone so absurdly incredible at our sport.

[@420greatestqueen]

I remember watching his wedding live on TV

[@benjaminlasky5778]

Orr is the goat

[@dusttaker]

Rocket Richard!@@benjaminlasky5778

[@SlipknotKid3]

​@@benjaminlasky5778 agreed!

[@svntn]

@@benjaminlasky5778 room temp iq take

[@roidAholic]

Notice how many times he mentions his Dad.. What a humble and caring father. Truly made a difference in his career and growth.

[@GeoffC19]

Most Canadians will mention his dad too - his dad is legendary for his kindness and friendliness to everyone, no matter the background. The whole family is one of the best, no scandals or pettiness to be found anywhere in the history of that family

[@wurker1466]

Wayne grew up about 40 miles away from where I did. The first time I heard of him I was 8 and he was 9. He scored something ridiculous like 43 goals in one weekend tournament. He was famous or at least widely known to just about everyone involved with minor hockey in southern Ontario at a very young age.

[@nakmuay7705]

40 mins north south east or west down the 401? I'm about an hour west. He played baseball here as a kid.

[@wurker1466]

Kitchener@@nakmuay7705

[@zackn291]

I've lived in Brant County my whole life. Have played hockey on the same river in Canning that Wayne did growing up. Very cool and happy that my kids have and still have the opportunity to do the same

[@HemiJB91]

Lol 40+

[@etherdan]

I grew up 40 kilometers away from where he grew up. Couple streets over from Dave Andreychuk

[@nitaibishop]

This man is a true champion… there is life and how we live it. He has shown us how incredible one life can be. Thank you Theo for this wonderful interview.

[@andrewkaiser7203]

Gretz is one of the most genuine and gracious people out there. His greatness goes beyond hockey. Great guy!

[@bradcrawford1998]

Andrew, I agree with you a 1000%. Not sure there's a GREATER ambassador for they're respective sports like Wayne was to hockey. A BIG part of that was his personality, kindness and willingness to be so kind and gracious to the fans. I LOVED Wayne even though he played for the enemy and they always kicked my Blackhawks ass and kept Chicago from advancing in the playoffs 😤

[@Christophtov]

Yes but why am I bored with him as a broadcaster?!? He’s awesome in this interview. Don’t enjoy him as a broadcaster. What gives?

[@bradcrawford1998]

@@Christophtov IDK, except he might be a little stiff on camera and TV is not his thing? BUT he's the GREATEST so he gets a pass and people will watch no matter what. Michael Jordan was a HORRIBLE basketball owner. NOT all athletes are good at their new crafts BUT generally get a pass when your the GREATEST ever in they're profession. Just my opinion.......

[@345Taco]

Not only is Wayne a Canadian legend, but his dad was as well. He was known as Canada's hockey dad and anyone that met him in person only had kind things to say

[@earthumbrella]

I met him while working on a McDonald's commercial in Maple Leaf Gardens with 99 and Sundin. Walter Gretzky gave me a bunch of free Big Mac coupons that said: "Compliments of Walter Gretzky."

[@jubalvw3302]

I was very sad when he passed. I have his autograph beside Wayne's on a NY Rangers photo.

[@michaelgriffiths8068]

163 assists in a season is by far his hardest record to break. And to do it while scoring 50+ goals is even more insane.

[@fredbaron2603]

50 goals in 39 games says hello

[@AbootDan]

51 straight games with a point is wild too.

[@VancouverInvestor]

93 goals - 163 assists = 215 total points. 92 goals is insane.

[@michaelgriffiths8068]

@@fredbaron2603 - Gretzky came close to that one 2 years later when he scored 50 goals in 42 games. But he never came close to 163 assists (before or after he did it). It was more assists than anyone (besides himself) had ever scored POINTS at the time. And only Lemieux ever went on to score that many points in a season (forget about assists). Completely insane.

[@michaelgriffiths8068]

@@AbootDan - what makes his 51 game streak even more crazy is that he averaged exactly 3 PPG during the streak (153 points in 51 games). He could have taken the rest of the season off after game 51 and still would have easily won the scoring title lol

[@steveyj75]

I love that Theo has evolved and continues to evolve into a great, sensitive interviewer, but still says hilariously random shit.

[@P_steez]

Yes exactly, I love that Theo stays true to himself and interview style

[@luigivincenz3843]

I remember he was on youtube a decade ago and what I liked about him is he was interviewing normal Americans, like the meat butcher, the security guard, the insurance guy. Wished he was still doing that because you can see in his face his fascination about every day Americans.

[@Justnothankyou132]

I wish he would stop interjecting

[@vincentrimmer5844]

Someone tell his hair to evolve. 😆

[@P_steez]

@@luigivincenz3843 dude what are you talking about? He still does them, the interview before this was a farmer and it was a garbage man a few before that, he mixes in celebs and regular people as he’s always done

[@delusionaldilly]

listened to this podcast at work, had to come back and comment, what a great man Wayne is. a proud father, hockey legend, and true Canadian. love his outlook on life. Thank you Theo! we really needed this.

[@katlynklassen809]

What is a true Canadian? Canada is barely even a country. Canadians like to think they are all polite when most of them are more smug and pretentious. When people describe you as "nice" it is because you are so boring and bland that they just can't think of anything.

[@jhc827]

In every interview I've ever seen Wayne Gretzky do, he seems like a genuinely good, decent, and humble gentleman.

[@jorgie00]

I lived in Branford Ontario for 4 years and would bump into Walter in different places. He was always at The Wayne Gretzky sport center tying kids skates, signing autographs. He was a big staple in Brantford. Wayne was always in his backyard practicing hockey that his dad would build by flooding an area and watching it freeze. Great family!!! Humble dad

[@dozer1313]

100% true ... Played in Waterloo as a kid and he was often just at the rink when we played in Brantford.

[@truenorthscalemotorsports527]

Brantford born and raised. Played my first two years of hockey with Brent. I was even fortunate enough to have Wayne come to my birthday party one year, he brought Brent, a big deal cause even at 17 he was a huge deal in Brantford. I remember playing ball hockey with Brent and Glen at St.Leo's school in the summer. See this interview brings back some memories for sure.

[@tonsilis2]

Met him at a few leafs games when I was a kid. Great guy, RIP

[@Nutellachocolatehazelnut]

Lived there for 4 years down the road from Walter when I was a kid then moved back as an adult. Great man we saw him all of the time. Really hit hard when he passed away. We all laid hockey sticks on his yard and it's still sad to see his parking spot empty at the arena. The Great One came from Greatness!!!!

[@shawnyt6368]

I've watched Wayne on so many different interview shows over the years.... but something about Theo really gets Wayne talking!

[@Steve_643]

Wayne is the definition of a prodigy. He was like a great chess player on the ice. He wasn’t the most physical or athletic but he could see what was going to happen before it happened. Even after his back injury and he lost his shot he was still good for 80-90 assists a season

[@DanTheMan01234567890]

Yeah kind of similar to Tom Brady. Neither were physical freaks or athletic marvels but their brains just processed the plays faster than everyone else. That and career-long dedication to honing their craft.

[@DefeatLust]

Would you say he was ahead of his time and played a sport that hadn't fully developed yet? Or would you say it wouldn't matter what era you put him in, he was just a freak of nature?

[@user-dl3pe3nr1s]

​@@DefeatLusthe was ahead of his time....Wayne Gretzky was Soo good that he wasn't aloud to be included in fantasy drafts!.. Wayne Gretzky has more ASSISTS, then the second person on the all time list of NHL leaders has POINTS!

[@user-dl3pe3nr1s]

​​@@DefeatLustyou cannot compare eras in hockey.....every Era cannot exist before the one before it. There would be no McDavid, without a Crosby...there would be no Bedard without a McDavid... ... If McDavid played in Gretzky's era , he'd probably score 200 goals....but If Gretzky came up through the ranks, with his natural talent , but with the training McDavid or Crosby had...as opposed to just skating on a pond his dad cleared off, who knows ?

[@sibbyeskie]

@@DefeatLustyes Gretzky would dominate in any era. As he once said, the game is played 90% from the neck up. A lot of what you see today in terms of speed and power is from how equipment evolved. There’s a reason those old clips look like people can’t turn hard or get instant power. It isn’t because they weren’t great athletes, they were skating in leather and plastic heavy boots. Believe me I wore them and you’d fall attempting todays manouvers. Heavy wood sticks. Bulky pads, etc. Put any hockey great in modern gear and there is zero reason their mind wouldn’t be able to do what it did on the ice in an earlier era.

[@R.J.1]

The Great One. This interview was very unexpected, but so appreciated.

[@justincoleman2740]

I'll never forget watching Wayne tee off at a golf tournament that was near a construction site I was working on. I was standing there in my work boots and torn t-shirt and W.G. glanced over at me. I gave him a nod of respect and he returned the gesture. I then realized how polite of a guy he is. Proper Canadian boy eh!

[@bradcrawford1998]

That is a great little story. Thanks for sharing. Wayne always came across as a nice CLASSY guy 😉

[@justincoleman2740]

Thanks man! By all accounts his Dad Walter was just the same. @@bradcrawford1998

[@LC-ht7sg]

Theo is The Great One now. His internview style is unique. He's just a genuine, humble guy from the south with a story to tell

[@markmichael66]

Holy crap Theo. This is amazing that you got to interview Wayne Gretzky. Congrats to you. FYI you really have improved your interview skills. Props to you to keep growing. Truly great job. I’m subscribing to all your channels for this interview

[@nicke9331]

The GOAT is so humble & down to earth...it's great to see. The true GOAT's dont have to call themselves the GOAT

[@machinistjeff]

True goats just DONT call themselves the goat. Jordan.. gretzky… woods… unless youre a wannabe goat like lebron then you do call yourself the goat

[@LambeauLeeeper]

@@machinistjefflike beat me to it.😂

[@bradmcdowell9168]

In sport goat is a bad thing. It means scapegoat.

[@artemia79]

Wayne is the greatest of all time, and what makes it even better is that he will never admit it. His humbleness makes him great.

[@HardRockMiner]

As a Canadian, I forget that not everyone knows how long Wayne has been a legend here. I'm 56 this year, and I remember watching TV stories about Wayne when I was 10.

[@Savage-Henry]

I remember him retiring and I’m 34. People love to try and bring him down or whatever cause he wasn’t tough or anything but it’s hard not to disagree with the stats

[@greghollingshead4175]

Theo, congrats one the Great One! My opinion is he doesn’t get out there enough, the stories this man would have would be legendary!

[@JeffreyDesler]

Perfect discussion with Mr. GREAT ONE. Laid back, relaxed, comfortable and very enjoyable. Hockey my favorite sport as I started at age 4 yrs old. My father would take me to practice at 4am then off to work. It takes that love and dedication. Thanks for the interview!

[@RobertMichaelStewart]

I feel so blessed to have seen Gordie Howe and Bobby Hull play in the first hockey game I went to @ 5 or 6 years old, then we moved from Michigan to California and I used to go see Wayne Gretzky play at the Forum several times.... Then I got to see the very first Mighty Ducks game and witness the skill of Kariya and Selanne.... I love hockey.... Was nice to see a Wayne interview.... Thanks Theo!

[@kvanua2264]

So cool that you interviewed Wayne.

[@btdtgg]

The greatest ambassador, the greatest player and the most genuine person any sport has ever seen!

[@daringailey5644]

Well said my good man!!

[@chubbsmorrison4969]

Thank you Theo!! This man is humble to perfection

[@aliciaz4682]

That’s crazy about his dad! So so different than parents today trying to “create” and “nurture” the next Gretzky. Zero pressure from his dad. Zero. Standing ovation to his Pops.

[@CrispyChristieMAC]

We live in the matrix if Wayne Gretzky is meeting with Theo Von. This is wild.

[@axhed]

the great one with the great von.

[@Goooooooooooooooober]

This guy is the definition of humble.

[@kolesteele4242]

Wayne’s dad is one of the nicest men I’ve ever met. I’m 30 now, I was in grade 6 when I met him.

[@sonofjorel630]

In my house we call Gretz "Le Diable" for the famous high stick in game 6 in 1993. When I woke up and read the paper with my dad that morning, I opened the sports page and Wayne - the greatest player on the planet, said in the headline of The Toronto Sun sports section "that was the best game I have ever played in my life. I cried so much that morning my dad said I didn't have to go to school. Still love him though. #99

[@ezDREAD1]

I remember the tears I shed that night as a kid.

[@jjuninc77]

I wore my Kings jersey the next day....

[@whisperienced]

The only one more hated in Toronto after that was Kerry.

[@leechap3]

What I remember most about Gretz was his ability to generate a high danger scoring chance on virtually every rush. He was a magician.

[@dylanobrien4617]

Theo would’ve had a 30 goal season if he played with Wayne

[@lodestarsprayer5660]

haha for sure

[@RamanTvOfficial]

Best comment

[@donairsauce2496]

no doubt with theos vision they'd be unstoppable

[@AnthonyMac16]

@@donairsauce2496 theo's flow alone bruh hahaha

[@sean8363]

@@AnthonyMac16what I’d give to see Theo and that mullet on the ice 😂

[@dcon9708]

As a Canadian I’m proud that we all look up to this guy(not every Canadian but a lot of us). Classy man.

[@phils6733]

Gotta love Gretzky, such a down to earth humble guy, the true goats will never say they are the goat. If you look up all of his records it’s pretty remarkable how good he really was, sure the goalies had much smaller gear but everyone had that advantage in those days.

[@Sheepfollower]

Loved that Theo didn't ask him gross questions but showed respect.

[@stevedonald9667]

Genius hockey player. He was already famous in Canada when he posed with the legendary Gordie Howe for a national magazine cover photo, here in Canada. He was 11 years old.

[@FreshFFA]

This reminded me of my young hockey days. Daniel Sprong was in the same league as me when I played Peewee AAA and already was known all over the province of Quebec as the best player in that age groupe. He was about 11-12yrs old and was already attracting strangers at any arena he played at. He was something special and his parents gave him the best chance possible to make it in the NHL. His parents moved from Amsterdam to Montreal when he was 8yrs old to help his development, he was also home schooled and had a private coach who would work with him everyday. I knew he would end up in the NHL but would not of expected him to be a 3rd or 4th line player, it really makes me appreciate how good you have to be in order to be a top player in the NHL

[@mopsandmuscles7855]

Love Wayne's attitude. He never put himself on a pedestal. He would prefer to tell you stories of goals he assisted on rather than goals he scored. His father was the ultimate hockey dad. He did lots for not only his community in the city of Brantford, but communities everywhere.

[@luigivincenz3843]

As a Canuck who witnessed Gretz being traded to L.A. as a young boy, the entire of Canada broke down nationally. That Oilers team who won MULTIPLE Stanley Cups was a juggernaut, almost comparable to the Chicago Bulls of the 90's. I still remember my uncles saying that he ALWAYS expected the Oilers to wipe the Canucks off the ice every time Gretz and the Oilers played. I'm in the US now, and if Wayne Gretzky did not go the Kings, then the NHL would not have grown stateside.

[@420greatestqueen]

As a Flames fan, the oilers were infuriatingly good. I remember the Olympic flame being re-lit in Calgary to celebrate the trade. We were moving to LA that same year and were excited finally be able to go to an NHL game because tickets were significantly cheaper than in Calgary. But with Gretzky’s trade, tickets were understandably no longer cheap

[@luigivincenz3843]

@@RubberDicky canadian dudes will NOT admit it but I think they did lol

[@luigivincenz3843]

@@420greatestqueen I'm in FL now. I buy Panthers rinkside tix where the glass is 10 ft from my face and I pay $45 to $60 US. I go back to Vancouver and it's $350 CDN at the same rinkside at Canucks games, any seat. Thank Gretz for that disparity too.

[@mbouffy]

Wayne's dad is a bigger legend in Brantford, always at the arena taking pictures with everybody with big smiles. Coolest dad ever.

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

Walter was a great human being. My aunt and uncle lived around the block from him and talked to him quite often. Could have lived anywhere and chose to stay at home. Good on him, but I would have fled Brantford to Paris with all that money.

[@Dreadnought16]

Wayne Gretzky….pure class that man.

[@maxcapacity7022]

A guy's who's thankful for hockey as much as hockey's thankful for him. True ambassador of the game.

[@dissaver]

The best player in any sport of all time. Look at his accomplishments, they are almost hard to believe.

[@P_steez]

I knew nothing about Wayne before this interview, what an incredible man and fantastic story

[@cautionTosser]

how is that even possible? lol. You had heard of hockey prior to this interview, right? Cuz it just strikes me that you can't know one without the other.

[@P_steez]

@@cautionTosser of course I’d heard the name Wayne Gretzky but I’ve never watched a game of hockey and again, knew nothing about him. Not that crazy of a concept haha

[@johnforeman634]

There was just nothing like him when he was in his prime. Just unbelievable. Gretzky, Kurry and Messier. What a line.

[@mrnobody9104]

If you want to know how important Walter was all you need is to watch the news footage from when he passed. Parents and children lining the streets as they drove him away and everyone giving their heartfelt emotional goodbye to the world's most respected hockey dad! RIP Walter

[@BigSleepyJoeCooking]

The most dominant athlete in history absolute Canadian royalty

[@mariozammit7065]

To hear the great one saying there were better hockey players than him just goes to show that love for anything can endlessly enhance your interactions with that thing. This to me is apparent more than anything else in this world. One shout out to the great Walter Gretzky! I never had the pleasure of meeting him myself but seeing him when i would go to many Leaf games selflessly giving of himself to make someone’s day sticks with me in the most heartwarming way! ❤

[@swmann2]

Great interviews Theo! Keep it up bro!

[@watcher1326]

He seems to just get more and more admirable.

[@BonziBuddy.]

I only ever met Wayne once, but I met his father about ten thousand time when I lived in Brantford. Walter was such a kind soul. I used to hang out with a bad crowd and even they respected Walter.

[@restoreamerica1558]

Gretzky’s Hockey sense was amazing. That’s probably what he means by not being the best. He had an uncanny ability to know where to be and a hockey knowledge unmatched. This is proven by the number of assist he racked up along with his high goal scoring. He is and was the greatest all around player the game has ever seen.

[@mikescorpio13]

what he meant by not being the best is exactly what you get wrong by saying he was the greatest all around player.He was ahead and highly intuitive but also surround by great player with also great hockey sense.That do not put him the greatest all around because he didnt play Gordie Howe or Peter Forsberg game.He didnt play hurt like Bob Gainey.He never could have fought and score 3 goals the same night like Eric Lindros.Seeing Mario Lemieux dragging 2 players on his tail chopping at him and still deke the goalie while falling down,Wayne never had to do that.And 80% of the league players were athletic uncles especially the goalies they were not as trained and buffed as today.

[@syx3s]

me and my friends saw walter in paris ontario during our high school lunch breaks (or.... skipping)... he really was all over the place all the time meeting people and just being an amazing human being.

[@syx3s]

that was late 90's, very early 2000's.

[@mark-dietz]

Ive been a Calgary Flames fan since day one. It was my civic duty to hate the Oilers, and Gretzky, and I certainly did, but I always knew how great he was (even if I had to swallow hard to admit it) and that I was seeing something special that may never be seen again. Now I look back so fondly at those times, and respect him so much. Yeah, he kicked our butts on a regular basis, and I wouldn't change a thing. I believe that's the ultimate tribute to him.

[@kurtisgibbs6698]

And now those m*****f***ers have McDavid! Not fair 😭

[@mark-dietz]

Not to mention all of the other first round picks, that just weren't enough I guess, and they land the next Gretzky in a lottery? The fact that they're squandering him with no support because of bad management decisions is almost criminal. @@kurtisgibbs6698

[@amsro9094]

Theo's haircut must bring back memories of the 80's for Wayne!! 😂

[@keith3946]

"... there's always someone out there better than you." Well, it's been 50 years dad and he still hasn't found that one guy who's better than him yet.

[@alextaylor3815]

I was so lucky to grow up in Edmonton as a kid with an uncle with season tickets. Saw Wayne score a lot of goals😊

[@mikemurphy8996]

If Wayne Gretzky passed away Canada 🇨🇦 would literally shut down and have a week of mourning. He’s our version of the Queen/King of England.

[@kriskierst8633]

Very good player!!!! Very humble man. As a boy I wanted to wear his number, it was taken, so I wore #8. After Dave Shultz.. had a ball watching the great one play..

[@bradcrawford1998]

Wayne Gretzky is the GREATEST hockey player to EVER play the game PERIOD! Nobody else was a close second PERIOD. Not to mention he had the looks, charm, charisma of a prince to go along with the ice talent. I watched him with my own eyes DOMINATE, he was a BEAST. Growing up in Chicago a DIE HARD Blackhawk fan, we NEVER beat Edmonton in the playoffs 😢 Gretzky would NEVER just it happen 😤 Everytime we would get close he'd make a great play, either score a goal or set one up for the Oilers 🤯 Wayne moved the needle in the NHL like Michael Jordan did in the NBA 😏

[@andrewdouris6035]

Next to Bobby Orr of course.

[@christopherfidler3019]

I love Wayne and Walter but McDavid's speed, edgework is next level.

[@Stan-b3v]

⁠@@andrewdouris6035. I just hated Bobby Orr, he was simply too good. And he didn’t play for the team I wanted to win. Gretzky was undeniably “The Great One” but for raw physical talent Orr was the best and then Messier or Dennis Potvin or Gordie Howe. No one ever fought with those guys and nobody protected them either.

[@hydevinyl]

Thanks!

[@axe2grind244]

His records make Barry Bonds’ look achievable. They are without question the most unbreakable records in all of worldwide sport. My hair will grow back and walk on water before anyone score 93 goals in a season…and just so we’re clear those things are never happening.

[@martintimmer8574]

Not so sure about the hair growing back,but 100% about the walking on water part😂

[@brandonvanl9002]

Tiger woods.

[@axe2grind244]

@@brandonvanl9002 Im afraid Tigers records will be shattered into a million pieces before anyone ever comes close to scoring 93 goals and 216 points in a season. It’s beyond inconceivable.

[@doublestrokeroll]

I think the assist and point records are more impressive than the single season goal record. It's amazing no doubt but Hull and Lemieux came pretty close. And Mogilny had 76 pretty close to the dead puck era. It's not likely for sure, but it's more likely than points or assists.

[@michaelgriffiths8068]

163 assists in a season is the hardest record to break.

[@aberamagold7509]

I was lucky enough to be one of those _people/kids_ in the packed stands watching _Wayne/that kid from Brantford with the white gloves_ play on a few occasions. He was, obviously, unbelievably talented, but the one thing that really bothered me when I went to the games was that so many grown-ups would scream horrible things at him. I swear they actually hated (it was pure jealousy) this little kid because he was WAY better than their darling perfect child. The crazy thing is he was often 2 to 3 YEARS YOUNGER than the other players, whose main goal was always to try and hit him so hard he'd get injured and have to leave the ice. 😂 the problem with that was you can't hit someone who's in front of you one second, then 5 feet behind you the next.

[@zacholeynik2374]

Thanks for bringing Wayne on. He's a Canadian legend. His NHL records are almost comical. Goat.

[@joemorris4621]

Orr, Gretzky, and Lemieux are the 3 of the greatest hockey players of all time.

[@ThisHandleWasTheOnly1Available]

I had a friend (she passed away in 2015) who lived on the same street as Walter Gretzky in Brantford. She had nothing but good things to say about him.

[@boombam2839]

Theo does have hockey hair! It all makes sense

[@scottglover1660]

As a Canadian , he reminds me of every Canadian father and Uncle telling stories at a family evnt, reminds me of my dad, legend

[@seiyulyu4854]

Wayne said “the year I scored 400 goals” and just kept going like that was not a significant thing… 😆

[@jebes909090]

when he was 10 ??!?!?

[@afit5341]

He is the single reason I feel in love with hockey in 1989.

[@joshpitts25]

You can't say Gretzky and not know who this great athlete is. 👏

[@Bricksallday113]

Got the privilege to play youth hockey and had Christmas tournaments at the Gretzky arena in Brantford years ago. Got to meet Walter twice. He was all for the people. That guy would hangout at the arena and say hi to everyone. An experience I’ll always hold near and dear.

[@cmz5847]

I don’t think people realize how dominate this guy was. Probably the most dominant athlete ever in their sport

[@Truthmender]

Meh, he played 20 years and was never touched, that can help a lot

[@mrcool76789]

the GOAT

[@cmz5847]

@@Truthmender nice troll

[@GeoffC19]

If you took away his career goal total, his assist total still makes him the career scoring leader in NHL history. Name any other GOAT in another sport that can make that claim

[@Court-r6v]

Class act through and through . He loves the game of hockey and is humble in doing so .When he stuck up for Theo Fleury to get him on team canada and also Team canada in 2002 was legendary!

[@timhenderson9794]

Icevis Pressly looooool

[@OwlBXpectin]

And that is why he will forever be called “The Great One”

[@terrysetoguchi2265]

Theo's brain 🧠 at 5:13 is splitting atoms ⚛️

[@gwiz592]

I think every canadian has met his father, Walter. Was always such a humble guy. Always did things for the community

[@BigpapamoneymanMVPtypebeat]

I was walking one day and a drunk driver hit a patch of black ice and swerved right for me and my poodle fluffy , before I could even react Walter Gretzky grabbed me and fluffy out of the way and even helped ice the road after and pay for the mans DUI 🇨🇦🤙🏼

[@LongGone77]

Met him in 2007. Super nice man

[@StoicGore]

My only question is , is Wayne drinking the S. PELLEGRINO or the Celsius …I am surprised the 2 plants don’t have a Home Depot and Lowe’s pricetag 😂

[@tylerstevens1904]

A hockey coach once told me about several players who had the talent to be NHLerrs but didn't make it - when they made the step to junior hockey, they confused the small time with the big time. That's what I think Wayne was essentially saying when you have to choose between your sport and things like 'night life.'

[@matto155]

The only sport with an undisputed GOAT.

[@RobRochon]

C'mon man. Gretz is my choice but you can't say its undisputed.

[@shootstraight91]

@@RobRochonMario Lemieux is also up there.

[@spoj3922]

What about ovechkin

[@JohnA891]

@@spoj3922 You are so right. ovi has about 70 games to match 99's total games played, and he only has to score about 1400 more points to tie him. Nobody would pick Ovi as the GOAT over Gretzky, except Ovi and Putin.

[@spoj3922]

@@JohnA891 idk anything about hockey I was just asking lol

[@canag0d]

Don’t forget this guy is the best ever but at the same time is a 5x Lady Byng winner (most sportsmanlike combined with high performance). There’s not too many GOATS as humble as this guy. There’s a reason he’s the goat of goats.

[@natkemp-tousant4211]

Canadian Royalty, legendary hockey player and a hometown hero.

[@Z-J-]

He’s like a Canadian Larry Bird🤔

[@BigSleepyJoeCooking]

No Bird is no where near Gretz

[@Ricardo_Lucero]

I mean they play different sports one basketball and one hockey I don’t see the similarities

[@Woody13woodpecker]

More like MJ, Magic and Bird, combined with Wilt, put together!

[@ZombiePicnic]

Not seeing it even ignoring skills (or different sports), but personality wise they are very far apart. Larry was a notorious trash talker on the court and Gretzky was always pure class.

[@theJohnGaltLine]

Awesome guest! Impressive get and fantastic conversation with the Great One.

[@jenniferburkhammer837]

Imagine telling a young Wayne Gretzky that he would amount to nothing!!!

[@sausagejockey4298]

I bet he laughed and told them to get PUCKED! LOLS

[@brookebixler1040]

@@sausagejockey4298😂😂😂

[@canadianrage5224]

Gretzky was beyond his time. There were stand out super stars in the league, but Wayne excelled everyone by a mile. Canadian legend.

[@meetmikee]

You are a great interviewer Theo! You seem to be actively listening which makes your zingers significantly funnier!

[@martindoyon6470]

Sooooo humble! the greatest of all!

[@CanadaJ]

as little kids my pops would play with Wayne on the skating rinks around town. Wayne as a very young kid would out skate and run circles around everyone, No matter their age. Gifted.

[@mikeswallow2952]

Wayne answers to the name "great one" with humbleness.

[@jq8974]

I just had to look at the comments on this one - I knew all my fellow Canucks 🍁would be out in force and I am not disappointed 🙌 (I grew up in Edmonchuck in the 70's and 80's, so I'm here, too!) LOL ☺