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While playing in the International Pee Wee Hockey Tournament in Quebec, Gretzky, then 14, is often overwhelmed by fans looking for autographs.
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Gretzky, 16, joins the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in 1977. Gretzky wanted to wear #9, like Gordie Howe. He took #99 after wearing #19 for a few weeks.
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The WHA's Indianapolis Racers trade Gretzky to the Edmonton Oilers of the WHA in November of 1978. (Photo: Edmonton Sun)
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Gretzky tallies 7 assists, a record for first-year players, in a game against Washington. (Edmonton Sun photo)
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Gretzky wins the the Hart Trophy (MVP) after scoring 51 goals in 1979-80. Gretzky becomes the youngest player (19 years, two months) to score 50 goals in a single season. He also wins the Lady Byng for a mix of sportsmanship and skill.
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Gretzky wins his first of seven consecutive Art Ross Trophies for being the NHL's top scorer. He set NHL records for assists (109) and points (164) in the '80-'81 season.
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Gretzky scores his 50th goal in 39 games, versus Philadelphia. He bested the record of 50 in 50 set by Maurice "The Rocket" Richard and Mike Bossy.
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Gretzky scores 100 goals total in the '83-'84 season and playoffs. (87 +13) (Edmonton Sun file photo)
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The Oilers beat the New York Islanders in five games to win their first Stanley Cup.
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Gretzky was named an officer of the Order of Canada in 1984, but wasn't able to get the insignia until 1998 because the ceremonies are usually held during the hockey season.
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In the '84-'85 season, Gretzky ranks first in goals, assists, points, shots on goal, shorthanded goals, and consecutive-game points streak. (Edmonton Sun file)
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Gretzky tallies a record 17 goals and 30 assists in the 1985 post season, wins the Conn Smythe Trophy (MVP of the playoffs), and brings the Stanley Cup back to Edmonton a second time in as many years. (Edmonton Sun File)
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Gretzky and Oilers bow out of the playoffs in the Smythe Division final after they can't recover from a Steve Smith own-goal in the early third period of Game 7.
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The 25-year-old Gretzky scores the 500th goal against Vancouver goalie Tory Gamble.
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Team NHL splits a two-game series with the Soviet national ice hockey team. Gretzky is named Team NHL's Player of the Series.
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As well as helping the Oilers to their (and his) 3rd Cup, Gretzky won the 1986-87 Art Ross Trophy (top scorer), Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP), Lester B. Pearson Award (most outstanding player in the regular season) and the NHL Plus/Minus Award.
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Gretzky wins the Con Smythe trophy, the trophy for the most valuable player of the playoffs. The Oilers beat the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup final.
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Gretzky marries actress Janet Jones at St. Joseph's Basilica in Edmonton, Alta. on July 16, 1988. It was dubbed "Hockey's Royal Wedding."
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Gretzky is traded to the LA Kings, along with Marty McSorley and Mike Krushelnyski. The Oilers got Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, $18 million (Cdn), L.A.'s first-round pick in 1989 (later traded to New Jersey for Corey Foster; the Devils picked Jason Miller), L.A.'s first-round pick in 1991 (Martin Rucinsky) and L.A.'s first-round pick in 1993 (Nick Stajduhar).
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A statue of Gretzky is unveiled outside of the coliseum in Edmonton. (David Bloom/Edmonton Sun)
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It's the first time an LA Kings player wins the award for MVP. (Edmonton Sun file)
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Gretzky becomes the all-time leading scorer, against the Oilers, surpassing Gordie Howe's total of 1,850. (Edmonton Sun file)
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Gretzky joined the Blues on Feb. 27, 1996 in a trade for Patrice Tardif, Roman Vopat, Craig Johnson, and two draft picks.
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The Rangers sign Gretzky to a free-agent contract. That reunited him with former Oilers teammate Mark Messier. (Edmonton Sun file)
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The Hockey News names Gretzky the Greatest Hockey Player of All Time. (Edmonton Sun file)
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Wayne Gretzky's final NHL game was a 2-1 loss to Pittsburgh. He assisted on the New York Rangers' only goal. He was 38 when he retired.
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Gretzky wins gold as the executive director of Canada’s Men’s Olympic Team.
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Gretzky is one of five people to receive the inaugural Order of Hockey In Canada, for making a significant impact on the sport in the country. (Photo: http://www.hockeycanada.ca)
