Wayne Gretzky...the great one!

A feature story on Wayne Gretzky in the sports section of the local newspaper stirred up old memories.

Up North, Wayne soared high like a great Eagle - way above other Canuck notables - such as Ann Murray, Wayne & Shuster, and William Shatner.

I fondly recall the mind-boggling day when one of my own art patrons - high-flying Nelson Skalbania - sold Gretzky's hockey contract for $1 to Peter Pocklington (Edmonton Oilers).

The rest is hockey history, as they say!

And, when the great Gretzky flew south, there was a cry all over the land.

Canada lost its National Treasure, after all!

Would the patriots ever forgive?

Did the "Great One" really care?

Although Gretzky and I both owned cottage property among the picturesque pines outside of Port Carling (Muskoka) our paths never crossed.

And - in spite of the fact we lived in close proximity for a few years in the big bad orange after we both became U.S. transplants - still no cigar!

The closest I ever came to the ornately-tooled Stanley Cup was when it was being transported to a Press Conference in San Francisco earlier this year on one of the local Cable Cars!

In the final analysis, though, you have to admire the guy.

After all, he's still undoubtedly the greatest hockey player to ever grace the ice.

According to Wikipedia

"Wayne Gretzky held or shared 61 NHL records upon his retirement on April 18, 1999, including 40 regular season records, 15 playoff records, and 6 all-star records.

Specifically, the "great one" scored the most goals in a season (92), most assists in a season (163), and most points in a season (215).

He also holds the record for the fastest 50 goals, accomplishing that feat in only 39games and the record for most goals in a 50 game period (61, which he accomplished twice).

In 1983-84, he had a 51-game point-scoring streak that has been compared to "Joltin' Joe" DiMaggio's streak in baseball, during which he scored 61 goals and received credit for 92 assists (153 points).

His 47 playoff points in 1985 and 31 assists in 1988 are still records for a single post-season round, and he holds the record for career playoff goals (122), assists (260), points (382), hat tricks (10), and game winning goals (24)."

In sports circles, some say he had the killer instinct, in spite of the fact he was meek and mild in appearance.

But, if you study closely, you'll notice there's a flashy diamond ring on his finger which appears to be a little out-of-character - just maybe - there's a more exotic persona just below the skin, waiting to bust out?

Obviously, he has something that keeps his trophy wife content - especially in a town where divorce is the norm - not the exception.

In recent years, Gretzky's come to be known as a bit of a cry baby.

But, when you're used to getting your way, what the heck!

I suppose the coaching job keeps him anchored, focused, whatever.

His appearance has been likened to that of a hip nattily attired college professor - teaching Stanley Cup Playoff skills - in Hockey 101?

In spite of the excellent cudos for being hardworking, on-top-of it, honest and unassuming - the morning newspaper profile was captioned with a negative bent.

"Now he needs a little more talent."

Yeah, it's like showbusiness - typecast - at the drop of a stick.

Once a great hockey player, never a great coach.

Is that because there's an insatiable yearning for an icon to boldly hop out on the ice and show 'em how it's done?

In Gretzky's case, maybe.

Perhaps that's what all the crying is about.