Wayne Gretzky
First Stanley Cup Victory In 1984
Along with center Mark Messier, Gretzky transformed the Oilers into one of the best-ever teams in the history of hockey. Although the team was disappointed in a four-game sweep by the New York Islanders in the 1983 Stanley Cup finals, the Oilers returned the favor in a five-game series the following year. The Oilers emerged as champions again in 1985, 1987, and 1988, with Gretzky gaining honors as the playoffs' Most Valuable Player in 1985 and 1988.
The Stanley Cup victories, along with Gretzky's seemingly endless series of individual awards, made him into the best-known player in hockey by the mid-1980s. In a country that favored hockey as its national sport, Gretzky became a uniquely Canadian hero: despite his awesome accomplishments, he remained resolutely down-to-earth, without a hint of scandal to tarnish his wholesome image. This humility and approachability made him into a favorite of fans and players alike. From 1981 to 1985 and again in 1987, Gretzky won the Lester B. Pearson Award as Player of the Year, given by the NHL Players Association.
Additional topics
- Wayne Gretzky - Awards And Accomplishments
- Wayne Gretzky - Makes Nhl Debut In 1979
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Famous Sports StarsHockeyWayne Gretzky Biography - Early Success In Hockey, Chronology, Rapid Ascent Through The Ranks, Makes Nhl Debut In 1979