Gretzky: From the Back Yard Rink to the Stanley Cup

Janet Money is a writer and policy analyst for the Canadian Cystic
Fibrosis Foundation in Toronto.

Gretzky may not be the most impartial publication about one of hockey’s greatest players ever, but, of the many stories, books, and articles on Wayne Gretzky, it is perhaps the most detailed. This first-person narrative by Wayne’s father, Walter, transcribed by Vancouver sportswriter Jim Taylor, goes a long way toward satisfying the public’s thirst for knowledge about Wayne Gretzky.

But it still presents “The Great One” as seen by someone else. Despite the closeness of the father-son relationship, we rarely know, as Walter admits, what his son was thinking over the course of the events covered in the book.

Gretzky opens with a description of the Gretzky-led Edmonton Oilers’ winning the Stanley Cup in May 1984, toppling the dynasty of the New York Islanders. The book describes the 1983-84 season, and then steps back to Wayne’s pro debut, his signing by Nelson Skalbania, owner of the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association. From the WHA days the book’s focus shifts to Wayne’s roots on the backyard rink in Brantford and a narration of his growing up and becoming a hockey legend.

But the description of events is really just a one-sided re-hash of things most Gretzky fans already know about. Along the way the writers provide inside information, such as the effect of Wayne on his siblings, seen through Walter’s eyes and through statements from the other Gretzky kids. Kim Gretzky seems almost a tragic figure: it bothered her to be constantly identified as Wayne’s sister, especially after her promising track career was cut off by a serious ankle injury.

The business side of being Wayne Gretzky is briefly described and an over-long selection of fan letters is provided. Walter discusses hockey agents, his own coaching philosophy, and, as a sideline, Wayne’s annual charity tennis tournament.

At times, Walter seems self-righteous, particularly when discussing objectionable hockey parents. The reader is uneasily aware that Walter is blowing his son’s horn very loudly. Wayne himself closes the book with an epilogue of praise for Walter and a wistful hope that he can be as supportive if he has a son.

Photographs and a section of statistics liven up the volume.

For some readers, Gretzky may tell more about Wayne than they really care to know. At least until the inevitable autobiography is released.