Walter Gretzky, the father of Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky, has died. He was 82.
“The Great One” confirmed his father’s death Thursday night on social media.
“It is with deep sadness that Janet and I share the news of the passing of my Dad,” Wayne Gretzky wrote on Twitter. “He bravely battled Parkinson’s and other health issues these last few years, but he never let it get him down.
“For my sister and my 3 brothers, Dad was our team captain — he guided, protected and led our family every day, every step of the way.”
“For me, he was the reason I fell in love with the game of hockey. He inspired me to be the best I could be not just in the game of hockey but in life.”
Walter Gretzky’s impact on the NHL was sizable, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement.
“Although he never skated a shift in the National Hockey League, Walter Gretzky’s influence on our League and our game was profound,” Bettman said. “He embodied all that is great about being a hockey parent. Teaching the game to his children on the famed backyard rink he built in his beloved hometown of Brantford, Ontario, Walter instilled in them not only an uncommon understanding of hockey’s essence, but a love and respect for the game that has become synonymous with the name Gretzky, all while ensuring that the game was fun to play.”
His son became a Hall of Famer, four-time Stanley Cup champion, nine-time Hart Trophy recipient,15-time All-Star and owner of countless NHL records.
–Field Level Media