The day that Wayne Gretzky said good bye to playing professional hockey will be as memorable in the mind of Edmontonians as back in 1988 when he was traded from the Edmonton Oilers. Even though Gretzky hasn't lived in this city for over ten years, the impact he made here is still felt. Long before the days of West Edmonton Mall or anything else Edmonton is now known for, there was Wayne Gretzky.
There's no doubt in my mind that Gretzky will still be a recognizable figure in the world of sports. He'll own a team for sure, and continue playing in charity events and hosting hockey camps for kids. The truth of the matter is that the man is 38, and while that isn't all that old in the scheme of things, in hockey years, that is ancient. It took a lot of grace and dignity for Gretzky to step down while he can still be remembered for the outstanding player that he is, and not for the fading skills that age brings. Edmonton always has and will continue to claim Gretzky as one of our own. There is even talk of renaming 99th street after him. Whatever tribute the city feels appropriate, Wayne Gretzky will always be a household name in Edmonton. He played his final game last night, and the Edmonton Journal has a series of articles in today's paper about how some Edmontonians are saddened. While it does seem strange to realize the day has come when Wayne Gretzky will no longer grace the ice of the NHL, it's just part of life moving on. We are all also that much older and our lives have changed in many different ways. No matter what Gretzky does next, Edmonton will be watching.
