You know how it is. You pick up a book, flip to the dedication, and find that, once again, the author has dedicated a book to someone else and not to you.

Not this time. 

    Because we haven't yet met/have only a glancing acquaintance/are just crazy about each other/haven't seen each other in much too long/are in some way related/will never meet, but will, I trust, despite that, always think

fondly of each other.

This one's for you.

With you know what, and you probably know why.

Wayne Gretzky is one of the most iconic and successful athletes in the history of professional sports. He is the greatest hockey player of all time and is affectionately known as “The Great One.” His career spanned 20 years, and he won four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers, as well as numerous awards and honors. This essay will explore the life of Wayne Gretzky, from his childhood in Canada, to his legendary career in the NHL, to his post-hockey life. Wayne Gretzky was born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, on January 26, 1961. His father, Walter, was a successful hockey player in his own right, and Wayne followed in his footsteps from a young age. He began skating at the age of three and was playing organized hockey by the age of six. He quickly developed a passion for the game and was playing at a level much higher than his counterparts by the time he was 10. His skill, determination, and work ethic set him apart from the competition and earned him the nickname “The Great One.”

Wayne Gretzky 

Gretzky’s career in the NHL began in 1979 with the Edmonton Oilers. He quickly established himself as one of the league’s best players and led the Oilers to four Stanley Cup championships. He won numerous individual awards, including the Hart Trophy as the league’s MVP nine times, and the Art Ross Trophy as the league’s top scorer ten times. He also set numerous records, including most goals (894) and assists (1,963) in a career. Gretzky’s career in the NHL ended in 1999, when he was traded to the New York Rangers. He retired from hockey in April of that year and was immediately inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Since then, he has become an ambassador for the game, appearing in avariety of television and film roles, as well as coaching and managing teams. He also serves as an executive for the NHL, and is a part owner of the Oilers. Wayne Gretzky has had a remarkable career, both on and off the ice. He is one of the most decorated and beloved athletes of all time, and he has left an indelible mark on the sport of hockey. He has served as an inspiration to millions of people, and his legacy will live on for generations to come.

Martin Brodeur

Martin Brodeur is one of the greatest goaltenders in the history of the National Hockey League. Born on May 6, 1972 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, his career began in 1990 when he was drafted 20th overall by the New Jersey Devils. From the start of his NHL career, Brodeur has been a force to be reckoned with. Throughout his career, Brodeur has earned three Stanley Cups, five Vezina Trophies, four Jennings Trophies, and two Olympic gold medals. He is the NHL's all-time leader in wins (691), shutouts (125), and games played (1266). His goaltending style is known for being aggressive and athletic, and he was one of the first to popularize the "butterfly" technique.

Off the ice, Brodeur is known for his philanthropy. He is a four-time NHL Foundation Player Award winner, and he has done extensive work with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of New Jersey. In addition, he is an active member of the NHL Players’ Association, and he is an advocate for NHL players’ rights and safety. Brodeur's legacy in the NHL will be remembered for many years to come. He was the first goaltender to have his number retired by the Devils, and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018. His impact on the game of hockey is undeniable, and his passion for the sport will be remembered for generations.

Sidney Crosby

Sidney Crosby is one of the most recognizable and celebrated professional hockey players of all time. He is known for his incredible skill, impressive stats, and remarkable ability to lead teams to victory. In fact, he is often considered to be the “Face of the NHL”. Crosby was born on August 7, 1987 in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, Canada. He began playing hockey at the age of three and quickly began to excel. By the age of eight, Crosby was already playing with players who were three and four years older than him. At the age of fourteen, Crosby was drafted into the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and by the age of sixteen, he was already playing in the National Hockey League. He was also the youngest player to ever be named captain in the NHL. During his first season in the NHL, Crosby won the Art Ross Trophy for the most points scored in a season and was named the NHL’s Rookie of the Year. 

Throughout his career, Crosby has been known for his incredible offensive ability and leadership. He has won numerous awards and honors, including two Stanley Cups, two Conn Smythe trophies, two gold medals at the Olympics, and three Hart Memorial Trophies for the NHL’s Most Valuable Player. In addition, he has been named to the NHL All-Star team nine times. In addition to his success on the ice, Crosby is also a philanthropist. He founded The Sidney Crosby Foundation in 2007 which raises money for charities in Canada and the United States. He is also an ambassador for the Hockey Canada Foundation and serves as a mentor for the Hockey Fights Cancer initiative. Crosby’s career shows no signs ofslowing down. He continues to be an inspiration and role model for aspiring hockey players. His dedication, hard-work, and passion for the sport have made him one of the greatest players of all time. Sidney Crosby is truly an incredible athlete and an impressive human being.

Bobby Orr

Bobby Orr is one of the greatest hockey players to ever play the game. He revolutionized the position of defensemen and created a new style of play. His hockey career spanned 16 seasons, during which he dominated the ice and won multiple awards and accolades. Orr was born in Parry Sound, Ontario in 1948 and began playing hockey at the age of five. He played in the Ontario Hockey Association for the Oshawa Generals and the Boston Bruins in the NHL. Orr’s career began in 1966 as a member of the Bruins. He quickly became a dominant force on the ice and won eight consecutive Norris Trophies, which are awarded to the best defensemen in the league. Orr’s aggressive, attacking style revolutionized the game and made him one of the most feared players in the NHL. He was also named to the All-Star Team eight times and was the first player to win the Hart Trophy, which is awarded to the league MVP. 

In 1970, Orr scored the famous “flying goal” in overtime of game four of the Stanley Cup Finals against the St Louis Blues. This goal is considered by many to be the greatest goal in NHL history. Orr’s career was cut short by a series of knee injuries that required multiple surgeries. He retired in 1978, but his legacy lives on through his records and the impact he had on the game. Orr’s career was marked by numerous accomplishments, such as setting the record for most points in a season by a defensemen, being the first player to win the Art Ross and Conn Smythe Trophies, and being the only player ever to win the Norris, Hart, and Art Ross Trophies in the same season. He was also inducted into the Hockey Hallof Fame in 1979, making him the youngest person ever to be inducted. Orr’s legacy is also honored in other ways. He is the namesake of the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame located in his hometown of Parry Sound, Ontario. He was also honored with a sculpture of himself outside the TD Garden in Boston, which is the home of the Bruins. Bobby Orr’s career was an amazing feat of skill and determination. He revolutionized the game of hockey and set records that may never be broken. He is a true icon of the sport and his legacy will live on forever.

Maurice Richard

Maurice Richard was a legendary Canadian ice hockey player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest to ever play the game. He was born on August 4th, 1921 in Montreal, Quebec, and was the eldest of eight children. Richard played for the Montreal Canadiens from 1942 to 1960, and was the first player to score 50 goals in a single season. He was also the first player to score 500 career goals and is one of only a handful of players to have his name engraved on the Stanley Cup eight times. Richard began his hockey career in minor hockey leagues, where he quickly gained a reputation as a talented player and a fierce competitor. He was signed by the Montreal Canadiens in 1942 and made his debut with the team two years later. Richard immediately made an impact with his powerful skating and accurate shooting, setting a record for most goals in a season by a rookie with 32.

Throughout his career, Richard was known as a leader and a hard worker. He was a three-time Hart Trophy winner, and was selected as the NHL's first-ever First Team All-Star. He was also a two-time Art Ross Trophy winner, given to the player with the most points in the regular season. Richard was a leader both on and off the ice, and was known for his charitable work. On March 13th, 1955, Richard was involved in a violent altercation with an opposing player and was suspended for the remainder of the season. This incident sparked the "Richard Riot" in Montreal, a demonstration of loyalty and support for Richard. This event changed the way hockey was viewed and demonstrated the strong bondbetween the fans and their star player. Richard retired from hockey in 1960, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1961. He was named one of the NHL's Top 100 Players in history in 2017. He remains an iconic figure in Canadian hockey, and his legacy lives on in the form of the Maurice Richard Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL's leading goal scorer. Maurice Richard was a true pioneer of hockey and an inspiration to many. His incredible talent, fierce determination, and commitment to his team made him a legend. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched and those who continue to be inspired by his career. His impressive achievements and legacy will be remembered for years to come.