His parents were terrific. I took my son to his house in Brantford once and sat in my car. My son knocked on the door and Walter welcomed him in immediately. 45 minutes later my son finally comes back to the car. They had given him milk and cookies with autographed pics of Wayne and a tour of all the trophies and awards Wayne had won. How many would do that for a stranger knocking on your door.

Shout out for Walter Gretzky. A great man who raised a great kid. Respect.

He is called the Great One for a reason. A class act through and through.

There will never be another player like Gretzky, on or off the ice. He single handedly changed the game forever. Thanks for the memories Wayne!

Wayne's parents raised one heck of a son, on and off the ice.

Gretzky is the most unassuming superstar in sports history.

In my humble opinion Wayne Gretzky is as close to the perfect professional athlete as you can get. He is grounded, real, humble, considerate, polite and intelligent. He is very typical of his generation of Canadians and is a source of great pride for his native country.

I lived in Brantford and just one street north of the Gretzkys. I worked at the zehrs store and they would shop there. You’d never know their son was the greatest scorer ever. So down to earth. After Mrs Gretzky passed my mom would run into Walter at various local church garage sales. He was always trying to find a decent dishcloths to use and would ask my Mom what she thought. She said he was such a nice and friendly guy and he d talk to everyone Here is even a better story. I came by to visit my dad and mom. My dad was Always bored so we d go to the Brantford Mall and all these old retired guys would hang and talk. I see Mr Gretzky walking towards us and my dad jumps up and says Walt. I want you to meet my son. He comes over and we chat for a few minutes. All he asked was questions about me and my wife and kids etc. then I said take care Mr Gretzky. My dad had a puzzled look and asked how do you know him??? I said Dad…. That’s Walter Gretzky. He still didn’t click it. So I said that is Wayne Gretzkys sad. Everyone knows him. My dad’s was dumbfounded. He said I’ve been talking to that guy for a year. He never once said anything about that. That shows you how humble he was.

I could listen to either one of those Men speak for hours... definitely a true human being. He makes me proud to be a Canadian.

The classiest athlete in the world, by far.

Most dominate athlete and most humble. I cant believe he doesnt own a car. His dad was an amazing human being. I love how he loves to talk about him

I like how he still blushes about all these record-making moments

We were all devastated when he was traded from Edmonton. I still remember that day. I don't think we ever really recovered. It was nice when he came back to work for the organization. He did so much for hockey and has always been the nicest human being.

I met Walter in Red Deer about 10 years ago at a golf tournament. He was so amazing. We talked for a good half an hour. He even helped me put up a sign on my outdoor food cart. This is my most favourite memory. He raised a great 1 and I don’t doubt that. Rip Walter! Love watching Wayne ❤😊

I never get tired of listening to his stories. I'm loving a lot of his recent interviews, he is really opening up. Such an Icon.

The complete package on and off the ice, in front of and behind the cameras. Watching him hoist the cup was a big part of my childhood and am grateful I got to follow him throughout his career. Never once let his fans down. The perfect idol.

Gretz was a class act on and off the ice. He idolized Gordie Howe and Bobby Orr. His trade to Los Angeles in the summer of ‘88 brought the sport to America. He’s the greatest ambassador of the game of hockey. Ever. All the records, all the championships: An inspiration to kids and fans around the world.

I usually don't comment on these sorts of interviews, but after listening to Wayne Gretzky I just have to. I was never a big hockey fan when he was playing because I just wasn't into hockey in my younger years. But after listening to this guy, because I never knew anything about him before except that he was a great hockey player, I have to say this is just one "Down-Home-Your-Average-Joe-Next-Door GREAT GUY." I don't tip my hat to too many people, but Wayne Gretzky, I am TIPPING MY HAT to you, right here, right now ...!!!!!

Such an Gentleman I salute to the greatest Hockey 🏒 Player ever existed.Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪

The Great Gretzky G.O.A.T. God given talent.

Met him during a baseball tournament at Cooperstown,NY. Didn’t want to bother him and just said hello. He was very accommodating to the ones that did approach him. We were a powerhouse (won the tournament) and put it on his sons team from Lakewood California pretty good but his son was not only a bright spot on the team he was a true sportsman and shook the hand of every player that did the home run trot by his shortstop position. Both great athletes and better sportsman. Class acts for sure!

Total class. Both of them.

What an amazing interview. This absolutely needs more views

Definitely the GREAT ONE in every way. Happy life Wayne.

Wayne Gretzky is like Larry Bird. Legendary! 👍👍👍👍

One of the highlights of my life was taking our son to see Gretz play.

There's no debate you are absolutely correct. The 🐐 goat. Not even close.

I grew up just outside of Chicago and I played hockey but I was an Oilers fan because of Wayne. My dad bought me an Edmonton Oilers jacket for Christmas which I wore to an Oilers game against the Blackhawks at the Chicago Stadium. For about 2.5 hours I feared for my safety 😂😂😂 Learned some awesome new curse words though.

Great interview! I could listen to Wayne talk for hours. I was such a big huge fan and was always torn when the Oilers played my Islanders. Glad to hear that he and Trots were good friends.

One time Wayne bought Walter a Cadillac. Several years later Wayne was visiting and noticed he still was using his old van and the Cadillac was still in the garage. He asked if there was any issues and Walter told him how good the old van was and the luxury car wasn't really needed. What a beauty of a man.....

I have known Wayne since 1986. He is the as nice as he seems...Right Mess?

I enjoyed this whole video. Thanks for uploading this!

Grew up with him and it was priceless! so many great memories, so proud to be Canadian!

Wow, what an incredibly kind and humble GOAT!!!

Joe Buck is a tremendous interview hombre

Nadrofsky Steelers was the first time I saw Wayne play. Sorry for your loss Wayne your father was great man

Mr Gretzky came to our game to drop the ceremonial face-off. A true man of class. Always had time for the community. Wayne-o is a pretty big beautician himself.

I never learned anything new cause I’ve seen every interview of Wayne. N I still immensely enjoyed. He’s such a great passionate story teller, even when you know the ending.

I never saw Gretzky brag or put himself above anyone else. he was always classy. many don't realize how freaky good his numbers were. unprecedented doesn't explain it well enough. if I was destroying every record known to man and that far ahead of my peers I'd never shut up about it. I'd be unbearable

I don’t care what anyone says I like Joe Buck ,hello from Brazil

Kevin Lowe has a similar story, played hockey locally 62 km NW of Montreal, mover as a Teenager to Quebec , to play with the Quebec Ramparts, was Edmonton's First draft pick upon entering the NHL, and scored Edmonton Oilers first score

I love the way Wayne looks at the World he is the man

I grew up in Edmonton, watched Wayne play the whole time he was there, and this is the first time I've heard his whole story. MIND BLOWN. Great interview!! Bravo!

It’s unbelievable how fucking cool wayne is. I could listen to him talk forever. It’s like he never knew he was Wayne Gretzky. I think he thought he was Joe from the local auto parts store.

Edmontonion here since 1977. Still here, now 69. Nothing but sincere admiration & pride of the affinity that only Wayne,THE Edmonton Oilers, all of them at that time, Walter, his family, THE ENTIRE CITY OF EDMONTON, OUR JANET WILL EVER GET TO SHARE AGAIN! YOU HAD TO BE HERE TO FEEL THAT VERY UNIQUE BOND BETWEEN A ENTIRE CITY & THIS ENTITY, & HIS TEAM. I FEEL THAT CONNECTION TO THIS DAY & NEVER MET HIM. OH, I WAS THERE AT THE OPEN CAR PARADE & REACHED IN TO TOUCH THE STANLEY CUP AS IT SLOWLY PASSED ME ON JASPER AVE & 100 STREET. CAN'T FORGET JOEY. I COULDN'T AFFORD TICKETS BUT THERE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN A BIGGER FAN THAN ME! THE CUPS WERE FOR EVERY EDMONTONION!

Hands down the absolute classiest celebrity ever!!!

I could listen to Wayne Gretzky all day long. He is such a class act. Followed his whole career and saw him play a couple of times - just watching the crazy things he could in practise was incredible, never mind what he did when the puck dropped. Thank you, Wayne, from a loyal fan :-)

Now that’s a human being!!!!❤ his championships are in his heart and soul… what I wouldn’t give to hang out with Wayne Gretzky for a day? Wow would I learn so much!

The greatest player to ever too play hockey the best ever

Great interview. He’s a national treasure very humble.

From 2015. Always awesome to hear stories from the Great One! Class act.

This was awesome 👏🏼

Joe buck I'm very impressed with this interview

Thank you for a great video the Gretzkys are a classy family😊

THE GREAT ONE! What a great interview.

Best Gretzky interview I’ve seen. Good insights into the man and his story.👍🏼

Good on his parents and extended family, actually encouraging his enjoyment of sports.

There are so many amazing stats and things that set Wayne apart. I love that every time someone does something great in the NHL they throw up a graphic and there’s Wayne at the top of the list of the people who’ve done that thing…just a mile ahead of the second guy on the list.

Awesome interview

I can remember as a kid playing hockey a teamates father asked my father to come and see this kid play. So my father went. The score was 17-1 and guess who got 16 out of the 17 goals

Amazing interview and discussion. As an Edmontonian during those glory years…lots of memories rush back. He is truly the great one

Legend

I watched Wayne play. Live in Toronto. I never saw someone who could skate like that. And he was a very very good shooter. He was on a great team.

Gretzky great guy and hockey's goat!

It's so true about them and the cup. Remember going to a friends house for a BBQ and walk out and the cup was sitting on the picnic table brought by Mark. Had wayne sign a puck for me once and like a fool played road hockey with it all summer. Lol no signature left. They were all such great down to earth guys.

What a NICE, NICE man. Never watched Hockey, but certainly know who Wayne Gretzky is. I enjoyed listening to him very much!

The great one. In so many ways for sure...

Wish I could have saw Wayne play live, would kill for that.

I was at that All-Star Game in 1980 as Gretzky describes at Joe Louis Arena as a 14 year old. Great memories.

There never be another person like him ever when they made him they threw away the mold.......Your the Greatest..

I could listen to Joe Buck all day ...

Such a class act

With help from a encouraging father nobody worked harder than Wayne Gretsky to become the greatest hockey player of all time IMO. hockey heros of my youth were Henri Richard, Stan Makita, Boby Orr, Gordie howe. One of the smartest things Wayne did was quit playing at age 38. one of the dumest things i ever did was thinking I could play pickup hockey until I was 60.

I was Coaching a Softball Team and we were in a Tournament short one player . I ended up finding a 9 yr old that was willing to step in . She was 4 yrs younger than my team . She Cranked Out A Home Run and Set the Tone . We Won .

All hail the Great One.

Nice job Joe! Without question he will go down as the greatest ever and it’s so hard to see anyone catching him outside of Ovechkin and his goals nobody will!

Love Wayne, although I lived in Calgary during the battle of Alberta and had to cheer for Lanny & the boys I admire you as a person. My son raced MX and he loved you as well. He loved your joy for the sport and ethics. He put this on his bedroom door when he was 7 and it is still there 20 years later. It's a sign with your #99 from his bike and below it reads "be nice or leave". True Canadian😂

Gretzky if he stayed in Edmonton, “I don’t know if we’d win one more(SC), but we sure had great team.”..Same thing Troy Aikman said if Jimmy had stayed in Dallas. Great show Joe!👍

Top three favourite memories at the Edmonton Coliseum: 1). 50 goals in 39 games - 5 goal game against Philly. 2). Game 4 1988 Stanley Cup win vs Boston. Game 4 should have been in Boston but the lights went out in the Gaaaahdens. 3). Breaking Howe’s point record. It was a remarkable time to be a hockey fan in Edmonton. His records are amazing but 4 Cups in 5 years is his greatest achievement.

As a red wings fan it's taken along time to finally appreciate Wayne.

I got to see him in Colorado when he was coaching the coyotes. It was cool, I never thought that I’d ever see Gretzky in my lifetime.

Both my parents grew up on a farm. In Alpena, Michigan. They gave me a list of things to do every day while they were gone in the summer time. My friends would be knocking on my door at 9 am, I would say check back with me at 1, i have chores to do. I thank my parents ten fold, for teaching me work ethic.! I can't thank them enough for this ethic.!

Imagine what that #24 Gretzky Oilers jersey would be worth😳

Thank you Mr. Gretzky

His influence on the game gave way to teams in places that never had Hockey. North Carolina, Florida, Phoenix. Even Las Vegas. Think that at least 3 of those teams have even won a Stanley Cup,. Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes and The Golden Knights ( i think)

He is classy player on ice and off ice very calm cool collected

Yes ❤

I liked the comment about having fun!🙌

The greatest player ever in hockey.Wayne has class and very nice person.

That was awesome. I enjoyed it. New subscriber.

Nothing but the beat.

What people who didn't watch him play at the time don't realize is how he controlled the game. Most people when they think of the greatest players in a given sport think of someone with blazing speed so they can run around defenders, amazing athleticism so they can juke a defende out of their shoes or jump over them, or massive strength so that they can overpower their opponents. Gretzky was the exact opposite...he would force defenders to play at his speed. He made the game slow down. It wasn't about speed but rather about change of pace, anticipation, and seeing open space where others see chaos. Uneducated people watch his highlights and say "everyone plays so slowly...how good can he be?" But he made everyone slow down with puck control, incredible dexterity, and unbelievable vision and skill. He was a grandmaster chess player playing against us novices. It was incredible to watch him do his thing and I don't think just watching his highlights does him any justice as to how much he controlled the game. As a Canucks fan I freaking HATED him!! He destroyed my team! haha!!

@9:47... after the season ends, one can put the equipment away and play ULTIMATE FRISBEE. Having played both for yrs, I dropped my stick when I discovered another 10 minutes of drive time gave me the chance to play indoor @ UNH during 5 below snowfall... NEVER looked back - but ALWAYS thankful for the experience.

Most hockey players, as my Dad said many years ago, would play the game for free. That's a stretch, I know. But a lot of hockey players, no matter what level, will lace up the skates and play in a league. Not many contact sports will say that. Side note. 1 Orr. 2 Howe. 3 Gretzky. 4 Messier. 5 Roy. Ex goalie here.

He sure looks like his dad now. Thx for being you “99”

I've always been a Mario Lemieux guy and consider him the greatest NHL player of all time but what an interview with Mr. Gretzky this was. Takes me back to my childhood.

the greatest is the most humble. Dont forget that.

There's stars, superstars, and, then, far beyond the supernovae, the Great One. Wayne will never be matched in hockey or sports again. I remember following him in high school, I couldn't believe how he'd score so many points every game, as if the professional NHL was a high school league to him. In the decade prior, I'd been impressed by the performance of hockey superstars on the Canadiens, Islanders, Boston, and other earlier teams, with players like Lafleur, Bossy, Trottier, Sittler, Esposito, Hull, Lemaire and many others, including Orr, a thrilling player, and Russia's Kharlomov. Then, along came Gretzky, scoring and controlling the game as if he had invented it and no one before him knew how to play, producing the same excitement as all of the stars I had previously admired packed into one. There was just nothing like nor close to him, game after game, year after year, never slowing down, always producing, dramatically changing the status of the game of hockey. For years, in my high school and university NHL hockey pools, no one was allowed to choose Gretzky. That's all I need to know the number and name of Sports Great One, 99 Wayne Gretzky.

Outliers explains this well. Playing with more mature players will up the game plus being born in January in Canada. Humble guy 💪🏻

That Messier hit... He told him he was there... than guided him rather gently into the boards by hockey standards...Still delivered a good check. You know, ya gotta respect Mark Messier, what a guy. That was beautiful.