Episodes

  • Gretzky's Comeback: Trump, Tkachuk, and The Great One's Legacy

    Gretzky's Comeback: Trump, Tkachuk, and The Great One's Legacy
    Aug 10 2025
    Wayne Gretzky BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

    Wayne Gretzky has dominated NHL headlines in recent days thanks to a mix of controversy, charitable acts, and high-wattage public appearances. The big story currently rippling through both Canadian and American sports media is Gretzky’s official partnership with Donald Trump and Matthew Tkachuk on the revived President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, a development unveiled August 1 during a White House ceremony. Trump’s executive order reintroducing the Presidential Fitness Test names Gretzky, still universally recognized as “The Great One,” to a 20-person council including titans from multiple sports, with a mission to relaunch school fitness programs nationwide. This marks one of Gretzky’s most visible government-facing roles in years and instantly generated headlines about his presence at the festivities alongside a White House packed with Stanley Cup champions and sports executives, as reported by the Times of India. The episode is noteworthy not just for Gretzky’s alignment with a highly polarizing US political figure—his son-in-law Dustin Johnson’s Trump ties are well documented—but for the optics of Gretzky’s ongoing silence on issues related to US-Canada relations, still sparking debate among Canadian commentators years after a notorious Mar-a-Lago party appearance and Trump’s “51st state” Canada jibes. According to Times of India, the fallout includes episodes as dramatic as the vandalizing of his statue at Edmonton’s Rogers Place, reflecting a deep rift in Canadian fan perception.

    Switching gears to legacy, Gretzky’s name hit the sports nostalgia circuit with a widely circulated reflection on the infamous 1988 Oilers trade. Hockey Writers and Sportskeeda have both featured retrospectives highlighting Janet Jones Gretzky’s renewed defense of their family’s side of the trade, emphasizing that financial motives of then-Oilers owner Peter Pocklington, not celebrity ambitions or personal influence, drove the move.

    On the lighter side, Gretzky’s status as a pop culture fixture was cemented earlier this week when Maggie Sajak posted a video on Instagram showing her family alongside Gretzky at UBS Arena to witness Alex Ovechkin’s record-breaking 895th goal. Several outlets, including TV Insider, covered the historic moment honoring Gretzky’s goal record and his status as a living legend—he could be seen laughing and conversing with the Sajaks postgame, drawing social media tributes labeling him the “GOAT.”

    Gretzky has also been tapped as a celebrity participant for the primetime reboot of TNT’s The Match: Superstars golf tournament, where he’ll pair up with Bill Murray and face off against fellow legends like Charles Barkley and Ken Griffey Jr. This event, announced by The Hollywood Reporter, will air in November, giving fans another chance to see Gretzky merging sports and entertainment alongside other household names.

    Recently, Gretzky sat down with Jason and Travis Kelce for a podcast taping, a fact teased on Instagram but without widespread media coverage so far. Meanwhile, the Wayne Gretzky Foundation and the Canadian Hockey Foundation announced the continued expansion of the “Future Team Canada” youth program, set to benefit 13 minor hockey organizations with gear and financial awards, demonstrating Gretzky’s ongoing commitment to hockey development, as covered by Hockey Canada’s website.

    In sum, Gretzky remains in the thick of the action—stepping onto new political stages, defending old legends, and still navigating the tricky currents of public sentiment north and south of the border.

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    4 mins
  • Gretzky's White House Gig: NHL Icon Joins Trump's Fitness Council

    Gretzky's White House Gig: NHL Icon Joins Trump's Fitness Council
    Aug 6 2025
    Wayne Gretzky BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

    Wayne Gretzky has once again found himself at the center of North American sports and political headlines, as his appointment to Donald Trump’s newly reconstituted President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition was announced on August 1. Along with the likes of NHL star Matthew Tkachuk, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, pro golfer Jack Nicklaus, and even NHL chief Gary Bettman, Gretzky will serve in this role to promote public health—specifically, fitness and nutrition in American schools, and the reincarnation of the classic Presidential Fitness Test. The mandate also includes controversial aims such as reforming the collegiate athletic transfer portal and addressing fairness in women’s sports. Sportskeeda detailed how the move resulted in a firestorm of fan and media commentary due to Gretzky’s known history of supporting Trump, with social feeds buzzing about the surprising and not-so-surprising names on the council. While many in the hockey world seemed unfazed by Gretzky’s inclusion, the appointment reignited familiar debates over celebrity athletes and political advocacy, and fueled social media with both memes and pointed criticisms.

    Off the political stage, Gretzky’s hockey legacy remains ever-present. Alex Ovechkin recently broke Gretzky’s all-time NHL goals record during the 2024-25 season, though the full impact of this historic feat, Ovi himself suggested, may not be fully realized until his eventual retirement. The milestone prompted a fresh wave of retrospectives and tributes, with Gretzky’s own role in the sport as “the Great One” undiminished in media coverage.

    The name Gretzky even helped kick off this year’s ramp up to the hockey season with the upcoming Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, a crucial international showcase for NHL prospects. This event, named in part for Gretzky, remains a key focus for scouts and fans.

    On the business and collectible front, Gretzky memorabilia continues to be white-hot. An Instagram video this week from jlee_sportscardslive hyped the auction of a Gretzky OPC rookie card about to go live on eBay—sparking excitement among sports card enthusiasts.

    Meanwhile, in the personal and development arena, Gretzky’s Hockey School got a shout-out on Instagram, showing Gretzky engaged and giving back to the next generation of players—a reminder that amid business and politics, Gretzky’s hockey heart remains close to the grassroots of the game.

    There were no confirmed personal controversies or negative headlines involving Gretzky himself in recent days, though his political alignment predictably drew mixed reactions, and his enduring commercial appeal, whether through sports quotes or sports cards, remained as reliable as a Gretzky assist. No public statements from Gretzky have surfaced about his new White House role, leaving fans and critics to keep speculating on how actively the Great One will wade into American cultural and athletic debates this fall.

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    3 mins
  • Gretzky's Quiet Week: Hockey Icon's Enduring Legacy

    Gretzky's Quiet Week: Hockey Icon's Enduring Legacy
    Aug 3 2025
    Wayne Gretzky BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

    Wayne Gretzky has had a week filled with nostalgia and indirect spotlights, even if he has not been at the center of any headline-grabbing developments or dramatic business moves. According to the latest available information from Spreaker as of July 30, there have been no reported public appearances, brand partnerships, or major business activities involving Gretzky over the last few days, making it a relatively quiet period for the Great One in terms of firsthand engagement with the public or media. However, his iconic hockey achievements remain as culturally relevant as ever, underscored by fresh conversation around his seemingly unbreakable NHL record of 894 career goals. The Toledo Blade pointed out this week that Gretzky’s name returned to the sports pages when speculation mounted on whether Alex Ovechkin might ultimately break that famous record—no small testament to Gretzky’s enduring influence on the sport and the way his legacy serves as a benchmark even decades after his retirement.

    In terms of memorabilia and fan culture, funkopopsnews on August 1 created excitement with the reveal of a new NHL Wayne Gretzky Funko POP collectible, which is scheduled to go live this coming Wednesday at 9AM Pacific Time. This product drop is timed impeccably for collectors and hockey fans alike, serving both as a celebration of Gretzky’s legacy and as a piece of memorabilia representing the continued commercialization of his image in contemporary pop culture. While this is not a direct business move by Gretzky, the use of his likeness for major collectibles means his name remains a draw in the licensing world.

    On the community front, Gretzky’s ongoing commitment to grassroots hockey received new praise this week. A social media post dated August 2 from Instagram highlighted the Gretzky Hockey School, celebrating its impact on young players and hockey development in Canada. While Gretzky himself did not appear in this event, the post underlines the program’s significance in shaping future stars, with a new collection tied to the school launching online in September.

    Local Canadian events also paid tribute to his legacy, with the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre in Brantford mentioned as the site for this weekend’s Ontario Tennis Association Tournament. Again, while there is no evidence of Gretzky’s appearance, the event’s use of his name reaffirms his ongoing status as a sporting icon, especially within his hometown.

    On the social media front, he made a subtle appearance in a nostalgic post from August 2 that pictured him in an iconic faceoff with Mario Lemieux, generating anticipation as the LA Kings’ season opener approaches. No personal posts or statements from Gretzky himself have been traced in the last few days.

    Overall, the past week reflects Gretzky’s role as a cultural touchstone for the sport rather than as an active business or media participant. No rumors or unconfirmed reports emerged about his private life, and there were no public controversies or surprises—just steady reverence for his storied past and subtle reminders of his ongoing influence through products, places, and hockey schools bearing his name.

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    3 mins
  • Wayne Gretzky's Enduring Legacy: From Record-Breaking Contracts to Iconic Brand Power

    Wayne Gretzky's Enduring Legacy: From Record-Breaking Contracts to Iconic Brand Power
    Jul 30 2025
    Wayne Gretzky BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

    In the past few days, Wayne Gretzky has been making headlines for a somewhat surprising reason: according to Dose.ca and confirmed by Yardbarker, Cody Ceci, a current NHL defenseman, just surpassed Gretzky’s career earnings by signing a four-year, eighteen-million-dollar contract that pushes Ceci’s total to over fifty million dollars. This milestone has sparked widespread conversation about how much the economics of hockey have changed since Gretzky’s day, with average salaries and the league’s salary cap climbing much faster than inflation ever did. Both outlets caution that inflation-adjusted comparisons are tricky, but the optics are still buzzy—a third-line defenseman in today’s market can out-earn the Great One on pure contracts alone. That commentary quickly spread on X, with fans and journalists marveling at the salary surge and dropping Gretzky’s name in hashtags all day yesterday.

    On the business side, Gretzky’s off-ice ventures remain steady and visible. CelebrityNetWorth highlighted in its July 28 feature that Gretzky’s investments and brand are as robust as ever. His winery and distillery, Wayne Gretzky Estates, continues to draw crowds in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and partnerships with national restaurant chains and his Studio 99 lounge at Rogers Place keep his profile high in Canada’s hospitality sector. The report calls out his lucrative history as an endorser and ongoing business interests, pointing to a 2023 launch of Wayne Gretzky CBD Gummies as his latest effort to stay culturally relevant with new audiences and trends. While there aren’t indications of any brand-new business moves or signature public appearances this week, the article makes clear that Gretzky’s legacy as a crossover investor and marketing icon is intact.

    On social media, Gretzky’s name is still shorthand for excellence. An Instagram post by sickpowerplay went viral, playfully calling a Texas beer league star “the Wayne Gretzky of beer league hockey” as he broke amateur scoring records in Austin last weekend. The pop culture echoes don’t end there: Us Weekly recently ran a story revisiting Taylor Swift being dubbed the “Wayne Gretzky of music” during June’s Stanley Cup broadcast, showing that Gretzky’s legend continues to transcend sports commentary into mainstream entertainment, especially when the news cycle is quiet.

    Meanwhile, in what might be the most significant institutional news of the week, registration opened for programs at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, according to their official Instagram, keeping his association alive in grassroots sports and community health. No new reported public appearances or major interviews in recent days, and no major controversies have surrounded Gretzky or his family. The bulk of coverage is retrospective or revolves around his financial and cultural legacy versus real-time personal developments. If you’re looking for quiet legend energy in a wild, high-dollar hockey news cycle, Gretzky consistently delivers.

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    3 mins
  • Wayne Gretzky's Patriotism Questioned Amid Trump Ties as Hockey Legacy Endures

    Wayne Gretzky's Patriotism Questioned Amid Trump Ties as Hockey Legacy Endures
    Jul 27 2025
    Wayne Gretzky BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

    Drama swirled around Wayne Gretzky this week after Canadian media picked up on harsh criticism he has received over his association with Donald Trump. According to a since-deleted Instagram post from his wife Janet Jones Gretzky, the negativity from Canadian fans has “broken his heart.” Janet defended Gretzky as a proud Canadian devoted to making his countrymen proud, but the dust-up highlights how even legends are not immune to polarization when it comes to current political figures and international trade tensions. Uinterview amplified this, noting that Trump’s recent remarks about Canada exacerbated the backlash and put Gretzky in a difficult public position. While Gretzky himself has not commented publicly, the story made headlines across Canada, casting a shadow over his public persona and fueling social media discourse on patriotism and celebrity allegiances.

    The Gretzkys’ personal life was also quietly on display, as Janet’s post was broadly discussed across platforms despite its rapid removal. Social buzz continued as Gretzky’s famous “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take” mantra went viral again on Instagram, attached to motivational messages encouraging entrepreneurial risk and personal growth.

    On the professional side, Gretzky’s status as one of the wealthiest figures in hockey received renewed attention. Albat listed him among the richest NHL alumni, citing his ownership shares in the Vegas Golden Knights, successful real estate ventures, and entrepreneurial projects beyond the rink. Meanwhile, his commitment to developing young hockey talent remains undiminished; Hockey Canada just announced the return of the Future Team Canada program, a joint effort with the Wayne Gretzky Foundation to reward minor hockey teams not just for winning but for sportsmanship and development, with substantial equipment, Team Canada gear, and financial support for the winners—a move that reinforces Gretzky’s long-term impact on Canada’s hockey future.

    Gretzky’s public appearances this week were relatively low-key, but he made news golfing at the legendary Pebble Beach alongside football icon John Elway, as reported by Sports Illustrated. The sighting was notable as Elway’s first major public outing since a tragic golf cart accident; friends praised Gretzky’s presence as a calming influence during a difficult moment.

    For hockey fans, Gretzky’s legacy continues to shape the sport, with his candid comment circulating on Instagram that today’s NHL talent is even better than his own generation, sparking wide debate among fans. Finally, a lighthearted moment went viral as Gretzky told a spirited story about meeting a young Sidney Crosby at a Los Angeles hockey camp, emphasizing his ongoing role as both mentor and storyteller.

    No major business deals, endorsements, or unconfirmed rumors about future projects have emerged in the past few days. The lasting significance of this week’s developments centers mostly on the emotional toll of public criticism regarding patriotism, and the affirmation of Gretzky’s place as a builder of hockey culture and community.

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    3 mins
  • Wayne Gretzky: Navigating Heartbreak, Legacy, and Hockey's Future

    Wayne Gretzky: Navigating Heartbreak, Legacy, and Hockey's Future
    Jul 23 2025
    Wayne Gretzky BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

    Wayne Gretzky has found himself at the intersection of sports headlines and spirited social media debate in recent days. First and foremost, his wife Janet Jones Gretzky made news by publicly addressing a wave of criticism directed at Gretzky over his association with former President Donald Trump—criticism that, according to Janet in a now-deleted Instagram post, has left Gretzky heartbroken. She emphasized his unwavering pride in being Canadian and his lifelong commitment to hockey and his homeland, stating that the negative remarks from fellow Canadians have deeply affected him. The social media reaction was swift, with many fans voicing support for Gretzky while others debated the politics swirling around his public image, especially given heightened tensions in Canada-US relations as amplified by recent political rhetoric, according to Uinterview and IMDB News.

    On a lighter note, Gretzky shared a post on his own Instagram account just two days ago, simply captioned "Great day at Pebble," confirming he was teeing it up at the famed Pebble Beach golf course. That appearance drew attention beyond hockey circles thanks to a rare public outing with fellow sports legend John Elway, marking Elway’s first major sighting since a personal tragedy earlier this year. Sports Illustrated notes the reunion had both sports icons smiling, offering a comforting image for fans of both football and hockey royalty after a somber spring for Elway.

    Business-wise, Gretzky’s profile continues to grow off the ice, with Crazy Luxury Homes reporting progress on the Wayne Gretzky 99 Iceplex in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The groundbreaking for this major ice sports facility last year kicked off a project set for completion later in 2025—representing Gretzky’s ongoing push to expand hockey’s reach into non-traditional markets and fulfill his vision of developing youth hockey and community engagement.

    Gretzky’s legacy as the NHL’s all-time goals leader has also remained top-of-mind, following Alex Ovechkin’s historic overtaking of Gretzky’s goal record last season. Ovechkin used his 2025 ESPY award speech to thank Gretzky personally for his sportsmanship and mentorship, as covered by the Times of India and other outlets. Gretzky’s humility as he passed the torch at Ovechkin’s record-breaking game only further burnished his standing as a gracious legend in the sport.

    Across media appearances, Gretzky’s words continue to resonate. On July 22, the hockey icon told the “Sick Power Play” channel on Instagram that today’s NHL players are “better than we were,” a comment widely shared as a testament to his forward-looking attitude and respect for the new generation of talent. Rounding out recent mentions, Gretzky’s foundation remains active supporting grassroots hockey in Canada, pushing for positive values and youth development through programs like “Future Team Canada,” as per Hockey Canada’s latest updates.

    In summary, these past few days have showcased Wayne Gretzky facing public scrutiny, offering support and friendship on the golf course, expanding his business and charitable footprint, and cementing his biographical legacy as hockey’s ultimate goodwill ambassador and standard-bearer for class on and off the ice.

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    4 mins
  • Gretzky's Legacy Lives On: Ovechkin Breaks Record, Torch Passed with Grace

    Gretzky's Legacy Lives On: Ovechkin Breaks Record, Torch Passed with Grace
    Jul 20 2025
    Wayne Gretzky BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

    This week was another landmark moment in the ongoing legacy of Wayne Gretzky. Hockey history was made as Alex Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals' icon, officially surpassed Gretzky's towering NHL goal-scoring record during the 2024-25 season. Ovechkin gave a heartfelt nod to Gretzky and his family in a video speech at the 2025 ESPYs, noting their constant support and highlighting the emotional weight of this achievement. Ever the picture of class, Gretzky was by Ovechkin's side for both the tying and surpassing goals, just as he’d promised—and just as Gordie Howe had been there for Gretzky decades before. Gretzky recalled his late father’s wisdom, saying he aimed to be as proud of the man breaking his record as of the record itself. When Ovechkin hit number 895, Gretzky was the first to shake his hand, underscoring how legends pass the torch not just with words but with presence and humility, an authenticity social media users quickly applauded across platforms like X and Instagram according to the Times of India.

    The broader world of hockey keeps invoking Gretzky's mythos. This past week, the sports world buzzed over how Taylor Swift was whimsically nicknamed the 'Wayne Gretzky of music' on a Stanley Cup Finals broadcast, cementing his name as shorthand for creative and statistical dominance, as Us Weekly reported. In collegiate hockey circles, Penn State’s coach made headlines comparing prodigy Gavin McKenna to Gretzky, citing creativity and a revolutionary style reminiscent of “The Great One,” as covered by Sports Illustrated’s Breakaway. Meanwhile, news of the Gretzky Hockey School kicking off another session for summer 2025 in Coeur d'Alene was making its usual waves on Instagram, suggesting that his brand and impact on young talent show no signs of slowing.

    Away from the rink but never far from the action, Gretzky’s presence was felt at the 2025 Ontario Special Olympics Summer Games in Brantford, where the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre hosted jubilant opening ceremonies. Wayne’s brother Glenn Gretzky helped pass the ceremonial torch, confirming that the Gretzky family name remains synonymous with inspiration and giving back, according to the Brant Beacon.

    Business news followed as well, with construction on the Wayne Gretzky 99 Iceplex in Palm Desert advancing toward a late 2025 completion, reminding everyone that Gretzky remains an active force in shaping the future of hockey infrastructure, per CrazyLuxuryHomes. Rounding things out, Gretzky revealed a delightful bit of personal lore: speaking before Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final, he told how his iconic nickname 'The Great One' was coined when he scored a mind-boggling 400 goals in a youth season at age ten, a detail now immortalized by the Times of India.

    There were minor social dust-ups too; Matthew Tkachuk ruffled feathers with critical comments about Gretzky, sparking debate and heated talk-show chatter, documented by House of Hockey. On social media, Gretzky's legendary advice—‘skate to where the puck is going’—continued circulating in motivational reels and entrepreneurial posts.

    From headline-making record-breaking to passing ceremonial flames, Wayne Gretzky’s week was a microcosm of his career: blending unmatched greatness, grace in the face of milestones, and the enduring ability to shape the very culture of sport.

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    4 mins
  • Gretzky's Global Impact: From FIFA VIP to NHL Legacy Debates

    Gretzky's Global Impact: From FIFA VIP to NHL Legacy Debates
    Jul 16 2025
    Wayne Gretzky BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

    Wayne Gretzky has been making headlines on multiple fronts over the last week. On July 13, he was spotted in the global limelight during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Chelsea took home a decisive 3-0 win over Paris-Saint Germain. Gretzky’s appearance in the VIP suite alongside NFL legend Tom Brady and US President Donald Trump was especially notable, drawing cameras and generating a flurry of social media coverage. Tom Brady snapped a selfie with Gretzky, playfully referencing hockey tough guy Tie Domi on Instagram and tagging Gretzky and the event, which Gretzky then reposted to his own followers. This simple gesture quickly circulated online, underscoring Gretzky’s enduring pop culture clout. Both stars’ presence in Trump’s suite also sparked political chatter, given Gretzky’s vocal support for the former president in the past, as widely reported by platforms like the Times of India and Sportskeeda.

    Just days before, on July 10, the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre was the scene of celebration for the 2025 Ontario Special Olympics Summer Games opening ceremonies in Brantford, Ontario. The local and national press captured the event, highlighting Gretzky’s ongoing impact on Canadian athletics and his commitment to community sporting initiatives. His name, as always, is synonymous with sports excellence and accessibility, and even when not there in person, his legacy anchored the spirit of the games. His famous quotes remain omnipresent, trending on business and sports-focused social channels, often cited to exemplify visionary thinking and relentless drive.

    On the NHL front, Gretzky’s records continue to define the benchmarks for greatness, but this week’s major news was Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin’s historic chase of personal milestones edging ever closer to Gretzky’s fabled scoring totals. Press outlets like the Times of India highlighted Ovechkin’s recent overtaking of Gretzky’s long-standing career goals record and Crosby’s surpassing Gretzky in seasons averaging over a point per game. These developments have reignited debate about Gretzky’s place in hockey history; while few expect his total points record to fall soon, each achievement underscores the magnitude of his legacy.

    Meanwhile, controversial commentary from current NHL players about Gretzky’s stature continues to make the rounds online, with the latest coming from Matthew Tkachuk, drawing broad fan reaction and proving that discussion about Gretzky’s impact is never far from the headlines. As a final note, Gretzky’s enduring presence in both the sports world and business is frequently referenced in motivational content and entrepreneurial circles, reinforcing his timeless relevance. No major negative stories or unverified controversies attached to Gretzky himself have surfaced this week, maintaining his standing as one of the most admired figures in sports.

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    3 mins