Wayne Gretzky (2024)

Wayne Gretzky scored two hundred goals in one season, he was the first person to do that, and he did it four times. He is my hero because I love hockey, and he shows many hero qualities like determination, dedication, and selflessness.

Wayne showed determination in every hockey game he played. Many critics said at the start of his career, that Gretzky was "too small, too wiry, and too slow to be a force in the NHL." As a rookie Gretzky only weighed 160 pounds, much below the NHL average. And he has even said that he always finished last in peripheral vision, flexibility and strength testing. Yet, he still holds all records in statistical scoring categories. He is the NHL leading scorer with 2,857 points in his career, 1,000 points ahead of the next player. He is the top player in career assists, with 1,963. And he led his team, the Oilers, to 4 Stanley Cups in 1984, 1985, 1987, and 1988. Wayne Gretzky's accomplishments would not have happened without dedication to the game. Asked once about his great hockey skills, Wayne replied, "it's all practice, I got it from my dad. Nine out of ten people think it is instinct, and it isn't. Nobody would ever say a doctor learned his profession by instinct; yet in my own way, I've put in almost as much time studying hockey as a medical student puts in studying medicine."

Wayne Gretzky, is also very dedicated. As a youth, he said, he would often practice before and after school every day. Usually it was dark when he finally went inside. On the days he did not have school, he would practice an average of 12 - 14 hours. In his NHL career, he played a total of 20 seasons, and shattered all standing records. In his personal life, he remained dedicated to his dad during his illnesses. First, staying by his dad's side during his brain aneurysm in 1991, and later in 2012 after his dad's diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Wayne Gretzky is also dedicated to his fans. He has always made it a point to sign all autographs when he is asked.

Last, and most important, Wayne Gretzky is selfless. He founded the Wayne Gretzky Foundation. This charity helps kids play hockey who do not have the money to play. He also helps kids through the Ronald McDonald charities of Canada where he is an honorary chairman. He is the Athlete Ambassador for the Right to Play. Gretzky was also promoted to a Companion of the Order of Canada "for his continued contributions to the world of hockey, notably as one of the best players of all time, as well as his social engagement as a philanthropist, volunteer, and role model for countless young people."

Wayne Gretzky has been called "the greatest hockey player ever" by many sportswriters, players, and the NHL itself. His career statistics are proof of this. But he is more than just a hockey player. He is a role model for everyone, shown through his determination, dedication, and selflessness.This is why Wayne Gretzky will always be my hero.