Some more info about “The Great One” aka Wayne Gretzky and just how unique he was as a sports icon. When he was with the Edmonton Oilers he won 4 Stanley Cups and 8 consecutive Hart Trophy’s (the NHL MVP). After he was traded to the LA Kings he came back to play against teh Oilers, he received a four-minute standing ovation. The arena was sold out, and the attendance of 17,503 was the Oilers’ biggest crowd ever to that date. Large cheers erupted for his first shift, his first touch of the puck, his two assists and for Mark Messier’s body check of Gretzky into the boards.

Another way Edmonton showed their love for their favorite son was by erecting a statue of him after the 88-89 season, while he was still an active player. To my knowledge no sports figure (other than Rocky) has ever had a statue made of them while they were still an active player.