No. 99 has hit another milestone: turning 60.
Hockey superstar and Canadian icon Wayne Gretzky celebrated his 60th birthday on Tuesday. Regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time, Gretzky played 20 seasons in the NHL and set several seemingly unbeatable records throughout his career.
When Gretzky retired after the 1998-99 season, he held a whopping 61 NHL records, including most goals in a season (92), most career points (2,857), most career Hart Trophies (nine) and a 51-game point scoring streak.
The Great One also recorded three consecutive 200-point seasons and scored 50 goals in a stretch of just 39 games – records that both seem highly unlikely to ever be contested.
From former rivals to hockey fans, many have taken to social media to wish The Great One a happy birthday and share some of their favourite Gretzky moments.
Happy 60th Birthday, Wayne Gretzky!
Celebrate by taking a look back at The Great One's incredible career. pic.twitter.com/FLg1iOyinB— NHL (@NHL) January 26, 2021
Happy 60 birthday buddy, no hard feelings! @WayneGretzky #TheGreatOne pic.twitter.com/N4zsGzN0D6
— Esa Tiki Tikkanen (@tikitalk10) January 26, 2021
In honour of Wayne Gretzky’s birthday, here is my most favourite GIF ever pic.twitter.com/g3COXFDEJS
— Roxana (@RoxyW89) January 26, 2021
Join us today in wishing The Great One @WayneGretzky a happy 60th birthday! After 20 seasons and 1,487 games played in the @NHL, the hockey legend holds the record for the most goals scored with 894.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." pic.twitter.com/lqwc1gbarQ— Canada (@Canada) January 26, 2021
I have to share one of my favourite Gretzky photos. Look at that hair. Gorgeous. pic.twitter.com/nIklmKCVwO
— Karlie (@KarlieDonnelly) January 26, 2021