What age did Wayne Gretzky join the NHL?

Wayne Gretzky is a Canadian-born hockey player and NHL Hall of Famer. He started skating at age 2 and by the age of 6 was regularly playing with older boys. He played his first full NHL season in 1979-80 for the Edmonton Oilers.

What year did Gretzky start NHL?

1996St. Louis Blues
1988Los Angeles Kings1981Canadian National Men’s Hockey Team1979Edmonton Oilers1977Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Wayne Gretzky/Dates joined

How old was Gretzky when he turned pro?

17-year-old
However, it was Racers owner Nelson Skalbania who, on June 12, 1978, signed 17-year-old Gretzky to a seven-year personal services contract worth US$1.75 million. Gretzky scored his first professional goal against Dave Dryden of the Edmonton Oilers in his fifth game, and his second goal four seconds later.

How old was Gretzky when he won his first Stanley Cup?

19
At the age of 19, Gretzky won his first Hart Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player (MVP). He won this trophy nine times. In 1981, he won his first of ten Art Ross Trophies as NHL scoring champion. He set many records in the 1980s, including most goals (92), assists (163), and points (215) in a season.

Is Gretzky number retired by NHL?

Wayne Gretzky’s number 99 was retired league-wide in 2000; Gretzky’s former teams the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings also separately retired his number. Nine players have had their number retired by two different NHL teams: Bobby Hull – Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets.

Was Gretzky adopted?

“The Trade” – Los Angeles Kings (1988-1996) Gretzky himself was considered a “traitor” by some Canadians for turning his back on his adopted hometown, his home province, and his home country; his motivation was widely rumoured to be the furtherance of his wife’s acting career.

Who wore 99 before Gretzky?

During the 1980-81 season, Rick Dudley was picked up off waivers and played the final 30 games of the NHL season with the Winnipeg Jets while wearing the #99. Wilf Paiement was the last player other than Wayne Gretzky to wear the #99. Paiement would wear the number while playing with the Toronto Maple Leafs.