More from Wayne Gretzky
A lot of times, I can turn and pass without even looking.
Wayne GretzkyWayne Gretzky When I played in a 21-team league, there were six or seven goalies who were just average, and the equipment and pads were smaller. I came in the right era. I played for the right team. It was all speed, and creativity and imagination.
Wayne GretzkyWayne Gretzky It doesn’t matter what I think. It doesn’t matter what other people think. You have to get on the ice and participate and play and the best team wins.
Wayne GretzkyWayne Gretzky Lifting the Stanley Cup for the first time. There’s nothing like it. It’s the greatest story. In my era, they used to say you couldn’t be a superstar without winning one. I remember thinking when I lifted it: “Now they can’t say that about me.”
Wayne GretzkyWayne Gretzky I can’t remember the last time I went to a game and there was a fight. I think they fight more in baseball now than they do in hockey.
Wayne GretzkyWayne Gretzky You’ll never catch me bragging about goals, but I’ll talk all you want about my assists.
Wayne GretzkyWayne Gretzky My best friend had a hockey scholarship at Ohio State, so I would get a couple of pairs at the beginning of the season and send them down to him. They practised two hours a day. He’d skate in them for three weeks then ship them back.
Wayne GretzkyWayne Gretzky I think a lot of parents live their lives through the kids. Because they didn’t make it [achieve something], they want their kids to make it. It puts a lot of undue pressure on the kids.
Wayne GretzkyWayne Gretzky We feel fortunate [with Canada hockey team]. We have got a lot of guys who love to play, but they also love to win even more. We are pretty happy. Although we are young, we like our group of players.
Wayne GretzkyWayne Gretzky The greatest thing about playing obviously is winning, and you can’t replace that experience with anything.
Wayne GretzkyWayne Gretzky As a player, you have one responsibility, to focus yourself and be ready for the game. As a coach, your responsibility is to get 20 guys ready and have them all on the same page. If you can’t get every guy ready every night, you’re going to struggle.
Wayne GretzkyWayne Gretzky Most players go where the puck is. I go where the puck will be.
Wayne GretzkyWayne Gretzky That’s the hardest part of this whole process. The best part is picking the players and the worst part is telling basically five players they are not going to play tonight.
Wayne GretzkyWayne Gretzky Nothing can replace the Olympics. I love the Olympics. I was so proud when I played in ’98 and I was so proud when we won in 2002.
Wayne GretzkyWayne Gretzky Competitive spirit is still at a premium. The more you win, the better you play, the more money you make, so they all have that in mind.
Wayne GretzkyWayne Gretzky Procrastination is one of the most common and deadliest of diseases and its toll on success and happiness is heavy.
Wayne GretzkyWayne Gretzky
Original quotes
From our community writers
Mental health doesn’t have to be an uphill battle.
Isabel RocioIsabel Rocio The worst thing is not to share our pain with each other when you can.
Ayaka HaseAyaka Hase I have happened in so many places, to so many people – the essence of me lives on in these nuances, these moments.
Lang LeavLang Leav Respect your body, it’s a home to be thankful for.
SargamSargam My heart holds your name like it’s the only thing it knows.
N.M SanchezN.M Sanchez Listening and empathizing will enable you to look past fake smiles and dive deeper into the pain in their eyes.
Ankur SinghAnkur Singh I heard the universe whisper “take care of her”
Karla GaleanaKarla Galeana Respect me, not because I respect you, but because I deserve your respect.
Najwa ZebianNajwa Zebian
Meet the writers
More on missing
Don’t quit. For if you do, you may miss the answer to your prayers.
Max LucadoMax Lucado How unfortunate that we tend to miss the ones who leave but neglect the ones who stay.
Ana NaikAna Naik Of all the people I’ve been the man you loved is the only one I miss.
Blake AudenBlake Auden I was missing out on public school and going to the football games, prom or homecomings. But I’ve been to three World Championships. So I think it’s like a win-win.
Simone BilesSimone Biles Take the first chance that you get, because you may never get another one.
Lil WayneLil Wayne My family is the thing I miss most on the tour.
Roger FedererRoger Federer Distance unites missing beats of two hearts in love.
Munia KhanMunia Khan Sad to say I’m missing the Masters. Thanks to the fans for so many kind wishes.
Tiger WoodsTiger Woods
