From the time he was a small boy, Wayne Gretzky showed the promise of the future that would be his. He dominated youth hockey, made a much anticipated debut into the National Hockey League, and went on to truly earn the nickname of “The Great One”. There is so much known about Wayne Gretzky, but here are 7 Things You Don’t Know About: Wayne Gretzky.

1. First played professional hockey in the now defunct World Hockey Association (WHA) before he entered the National Hockey League.

2. After his first season in the NHL, Wayne Gretzky did not win the Calder Memorial Trophy that is awarded to the NHL’s top rookie player because of his one year of experience in the WHA. Instead the award was won by Boston Bruins defenseman Ray Bourque.

3. When Wayne Gretzky played for the New York Rangers, it was the only time during his NHL career that he was not the team captain.

4. When the Edmonton Oilers traded Wayne Gretzky to the Los Angeles Kings, the trade included 15 million dollars in cash and three first round draft picks going back to the Oilers.

5. When Wayne Gretzky requested a trade during the 1996 season, the two teams most interested were the New York Rangers and the St. Louis Blues. The trade would eventually be carried out with the Blues. After a half season in St. Louis, Gretzky would then sign with the Rangers.

6. Early in Wayne Gretzky’s career he broke the long standing “50 goals in 50 games” record that had been held by Maurice “The Rocket” Richard and Mike Bossy. Gretzky scored his 50 goals in the first 39 games of the season.

7. Wayne Gretzky’s name appears on the Grey Cup that is awarded to the champion of the Canadian Football League. He was a part owner of the Toronto Argonauts in the early 1990′s when they won the championship.

Wayne Gretzky is not only one of the most famous hockey players in the world, but one of the most famous professional athletes. He has successfully made the transition from hockey player to front office to head coach and is poised to make just as big of an impact off the ice that he made while on the ice. Wayne Gretzky will definitely go down as one of the most important professional athletes in history.