How has Wayne Gretzky impacted the game of hockey?

Answer 1

Most teams at the time Gretzky arrived were pursuing a strategy of drafting big, park in front of the net guys, to score so-called garbage goals. His thinking, finesse style of play was incredibly entertaining to watch, and also effective. He opened the door to a new style of play (a revolution? maybe) which allow players like Lemieux, Selanne, Kariya, and Sakic to thrive.

Wayne's ability to pass and create in the open ice lead to the left wing lock defensive strategy (basically constantly playing 3 men back, and using lots of clutch and grab) that unfortunately made hockey a bit dull in the 90s.

Hopefully, the post strike changes will recreate the Gretzky-esque style of play that is so entertaining.

Answer 2

First off, as a Calgary fan, let me just swallow my pride and say how much I miss Gretzky's Oilers. They were fun to watch back in the 80s...and we may come close with this new flock of Penguins in Pittsburgh yet.

However, that's not the question. Gretzky is still the face of hockey in most of North America. He had this next door boy charm, very modest in interviews, and seemed like all of us. When he first got there, he was easily the best player around...and that gap closed only when Mario Lemieux came along.

With his trade to Los Angeles, he started the NHL moving towards a wider spread of fans. He is the reason the league now has franchises in San Jose and Anaheim as he made hockey in California a hot item. Suddenly you had celebrities showing up at the games...similar to basketball.

One could argue the further expansion was also due to his marketing presence. Without a face of hockey in the USA, I doubt teams go to Miami, Tampa, Phoenix or Dallas.

This all being said, I think that face has fallen on harder times. Even though he's not playing, he is still the NHL's main guy, and the gambling scandal from a year ago hurt badly. That plus the poorer product that the NHL had been putting out for the 10 years prior to this last set of rule changes. These rule changes certainly give us a chance to see more play like that of Gretzky's Oilers from the 80s again.

Answer 3

WOW...OK well Wayne Gretzky is the greatest hockey player to ever play the game. He owns just about every individual record there is in hockey, his impact on hockey was way bigger than Jordan's impact on basketball. He is remembered for being the smartest person on the ice, he had a lot of skill but wasn't the best at any area of the game. He knew where to be, when to be there, and had the vision and smarts to make him the all time greatest.

Answer 4

Although I'm from Edmonton,I can easily say that Gretzky brought out the best in every one that he played with,the likes of Messier,Fuhr,Moog and Jari Kurri,so to say if he made an impact,I would have to say,he did change the way hockey is played today because of his talent for being the best ever and for being a teacher to these young future superstars

Answer 5

No one has sold the game like Gretzky in U.S.
Every kid who plays hockey would like be Gretzky type player

Answer 6

I don't know much about hockey and really don't watch it much but I do know who Gretzky is. So he must have had a very serious impact.

Answer 7

Well, let's see. The amounts of records he's broken, and, like Bobby Orr, his imagination. He was the first player to use the area back of the net. If you ever see old tapes of him play a powerplay, you'll see that once he's behind the net, the opposition is confused and he can have a quarterback-like view of the defence's strategy, how his team is battling it gain position and what to do in whatever case it may be.

Answer 8

God made our world... Gretzky made hockey! Is #99 is retired all over the NHL, nobody else can wear #99 anymore.

Answer 9

I think he made an impact just as Michael Jordan did in basketball. But not as big as Mike of course.

Answer 10

he is the idol of every hockey player in the country. everyone wishes they handle the puck and skate like he did