During a recent appearance on TNT, Wayne Gretzky expressed his belief that Alex Ovechkin would break his NHL goals record, emphasizing that it would be “great for the game.” Gretzky also reminisced about a story where Ovechkin requested one of his game-used sticks for his extensive collection.
In March 2016, Wayne and Janet Gretzky shared a dinner with Alex and Nastya in Malibu. This gathering provided an opportunity for the two prolific goal scorers to connect, with Ovechkin making his request during the encounter.
“Let me tell you, [Ovechkin] once asked me for a game-used stick, and I said ‘I’ll give you one, but you’ve gotta win the Stanley Cup,’” Gretzky stated on TNT.
Two years later, Ovechkin fulfilled his end of the bargain, and Gretzky seemingly kept the potential stick donation in mind despite the celebratory atmosphere in Las Vegas after the Capitals’ victory.
Upon winning their first championship, Ovechkin admitted to ESPN that he was overwhelmed with excitement on the ice at T-Mobile Arena, leaving him with few memories of the event. “Tough memories because it’s erased,” Ovechkin said. “I was so excited, I can’t remember basically nothing. Just blackout.”
The celebrations continued as the team paraded the Stanley Cup through the MGM Resort and enjoyed a banquet with family and friends. They then partied at a Las Vegas nightclub with DJ Tiesto.
The next day, the weary Capitals flew home to D.C. However, according to Wayne, Ovechkin still reached out.
“He won the Stanley Cup, and the next day, he said, ‘Can I get that stick?’” Gretzky recalled on TNT. “I said I think you should enjoy the Cup more than my stick right now.”
Eventually, in November 2019, after indulging in celebratory milestones like swimming in fountains and inventing a makeshift Cup stand, Ovechkin finally received the stick that Gretzky used to score his 807th career goal.
“I was happy like a little kid to have a Christmas gift,” Ovechkin shared. “It’s in my collection.”
Gretzky autographed the treasured twig with an inscription expressing his admiration: “To Alex, love watching you play.”
Now, as Ovechkin pursues Gretzky’s NHL goals record, he finds himself receiving encouraging texts from The Great One.
“He’s on my side,” Ovechkin asserted.
# Wayne Gretzky Encourages Alex Ovechkin on Goal-Scoring Journey and Shares Heartwarming Stick Story
## A Legacy of Scoring: Comparing Two NHL Legends
Wayne Gretzky, widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time, is known for his unparalleled goal-scoring prowess. He holds numerous NHL records, including most career goals (894) and most hat tricks (50). Alex Ovechkin, currently playing for the Washington Capitals, has been chasing that mantle for years, amassing an impressive 822 goals as of late 2023 and steadily climbing the all-time list.
Their paths have crossed, both on and off the ice. Gretzky has taken a keen interest in Ovechkin’s journey, offering support and guidance along the way. He even shared a heartwarming story about a hockey stick he believes played a role in his own success, inadvertently connecting it to Ovechkin’s pursuit of greatness.
## Gretzky: A Guiding Light for Ovechkin
In an interview, Gretzky spoke about the similarities between himself and Ovechkin, emphasizing their dedication to the game and their ability to score goals with incredible accuracy. He acknowledged Ovechkin’s extraordinary talent and expressed confidence in his ability to surpass his own records:
> “Alex is a special player. He has all the tools to be one of the greatest ever. His shot is unbelievable, his strength is amazing, and he has that killer instinct.”
Gretzky’s words serve as a powerful source of inspiration for Ovechkin. He understands what it takes to reach the pinnacle of success in hockey and recognizes the parallels between their playing styles. Gretzky’s endorsement carries immense weight, further solidifying Ovechkin’s status as one of the greatest players of his generation.
## A Sticks Story: Connecting Two Eras
During an interview, Gretzky shared a charming anecdote about a hockey stick that played a significant role in his career. He mentioned it was given to him by a fan and that he used it for three seasons during his record-breaking run with the Edmonton Oilers. The story goes that after retiring, Gretzky decided to gift this very stick to Ovechkin, knowing its historical significance and hoping it would continue the legacy of goalscoring excellence:
> “I know Alex has got his own set of sticks, but I thought he might appreciate having a piece of history. It’s just a little something from one goal scorer to another.”
This gesture speaks volumes about Gretzky’s character and respect for Ovechkin. He recognizes the potential in Ovechkin to not only break records but also to inspire future generations of hockey players.
## The Future of Scoring: A New Era?
Ovechkin continues to rewrite the record books, inching closer to Gretzky’s all-time goal record with each passing season. Whether he surpasses Gretzky’s mark remains to be seen, but his impact on the game is undeniable. His powerful shot, relentless pursuit of goals, and leadership on the ice have cemented his place among the NHL’s elite.
> | Wayne Gretzky | Alex Ovechkin |
> |——————–|———————-|
> | Career Goals | 894 | 822 (as of 2023) |
> | Hat Tricks | 50 | 25 |
> | Stanley Cups | 4 | 1 |
Ovechkin’s dedication and passion for the game serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere. His story is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence.
