26 Motivating Wayne Gretzky Quotes

June 4, 2026

This article was last updated by Sujan on May 4, 2026

Born on January 26, 1961, Wayne Gretzky became a Canadian former professional and retired . He played the entire 20 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) and four teams between 1979 and 1999.

Moreover, he is regarded as one of the greatest and influential hockey players by other players, sportswriters, and the itself. He has also been the leading scorer in the history of NHL with maximum goals. His contribution to the sport is maximum, but in 1999, when he was retired, he held 61 NHL records.

The Great One, Wayne Gretzky

Similarly, he has motivated many youngsters to do what they love and also obtained the nickname “the Great One.” Here are a few of the quotes by Wayne Gretzky that would help you too.

“I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.” —Wayne Gretzky

“Listen, everything I have in my life is because of the NHL and because of hockey, and I love the game and I loved every minute of being a player, I loved coaching, I loved being involved in the NHL.” —Wayne Gretzky

“By no means could I play at the level of these kids who play in the NHL now but as 50-year-olds go, I feel really good and I feel blessed that I’m still healthy.” —Wayne Gretzky

“Ninety percent of hockey is mental and the other half is physical.” —Wayne Gretzky

“I don’t like my hockey sticks touching other sticks, and I don’t like them crossing one another, and I kind of have them hidden in the corner. I put baby powder on the ends. I think it’s essentially a matter of taking care of what takes care of you.” —Wayne Gretzky

“I couldn’t beat people with my strength; I don’t have a hard shot; I’m not the quickest skater in the league. My eyes and my mind have to do most of the work.” —Wayne Gretzky

“It’s an honor and a thrill and a privilege just to play in the NHL.” —Wayne Gretzky

8th of 26 Wayne Gretzky Quotes

“A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be.” —Wayne Gretzky

“Hockey is a unique sport in the sense that you need each and every guy helping each other and pulling in the same direction to be successful.” —Wayne Gretzky

“I knew at a young age, whether I was playing baseball or hockey or lacrosse, that my teammates were counting on me, whether it be to strike the last batter out in a baseball game or score a big goal in a hockey game.” —Wayne Gretzky

“I wasn’t naturally gifted in terms of size and speed; everything I did in hockey I worked for, and that’s the way I’ll be as a coach.” —Wayne Gretzky

“I think that from the time you start playing sports as a child, you see that your responsibility to your team is to play the best that you can play as an individual… and yet, not take anything away from being part of a team.” —Wayne Gretzky

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” —Wayne Gretzky

“I get a feeling about where a teammate is going to be. A lot of times, I can turn and pass without even looking.” —Wayne Gretzky

“Procrastination is one of the most common and deadliest of diseases and its toll on success and happiness is heavy.” —Wayne Gretzky

16th of 26 Wayne Gretzky Quotes

“The only way a kid is going to practice is if it’s total fun for him… and it was for me.” —Wayne Gretzky

“The highest compliment that you can pay me is to say that I work hard every day, that I never dog it.” —Wayne Gretzky

“Most people marry their mother. I married my father.” —Wayne Gretzky

“And people who know me would tell you that away from hockey, I’m really not that competitive.” —Wayne Gretzky

“I’m very proud of our NHL players. I think they all handle themselves extremely well and they all work really hard.” —Wayne Gretzky

“When I was 5 and playing against 11-year-olds, who were bigger, stronger, faster, I just had to figure out a way to play with them.” —Wayne Gretzky

“Look at guys like and George Brett and; that’s what they did in their careers. They all wanted to be the guy under the microscope late in the game or late in the match. So you just take on that know-how that that’s part of your responsibility, and you learn that’s what makes it exciting. That’s what makes it fun!” —Wayne Gretzky

“I just like to keep my money in the bank; I’m not a big risk-taker. I don’t know anything about the stock market… I stay away from things I don’t know anything about.” —Wayne Gretzky   23rd  of 26 Wayne Gretzky Quotes

“Growing up, I was always the small guy.” —Wayne Gretzky

“My kids are no different than anyone else’s – they tend to disagree with everything I say!” —Wayne Gretzky

“The biggest difference between L.A. and Edmonton was that instead of people looking at me, I was looking at them.” —Wayne Gretzky

• Check other Articles on

Sanjib Sah is an engineer and content writer passionate about sports and athletics. With a background in engineering and a love for all things active, Sanjib brings a unique perspective to the world of sports writing. Whether he is covering the latest trends in sports technology or sharing tips on improving your game, Sanjib's words are always rooted in a deep appreciation for players' hard work and dedication everywhere. In his free time, you can find him hitting the courts or hitting the trails, always looking for new ways to challenge himself and improve his skills.

Related articles

January 7, 2026

November 21, 2026

October 13, 2026

October 10, 2026

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here

Δ

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.

Share article

- May 13, 2026 Residents of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, are raising serious concerns after a series of violent incidents involving a group of young boys who have been targeting...

- May 13, 2026 Andrew O' Donnell of Fairfield, Connecticut, passed away at the age of 39. He was born in Fairfield, Connecticut, and later moved to Ancramdale, New...

- May 12, 2026 Judy (Evans) Milby of Rockwall, Texas, passed away on Saturday at the age of 80. Milby was born on July 25, 1945, to her father,...

- May 12, 2026 Residents of Dromore, Co. Down, are calling for action after a deeply concerning incident at the local play park, where older children were reported...

- May 11, 2026 A video circulating on Facebook has sparked a heated debate among Bell Gardens residents after police were called on a group of kids riding...