125: Reflections from The Great One: Wayne Gretzky Talks Hockey Then and Now

Wayne Gretzky joins John Shannon and Daren Millard on 100% Hockey for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, legacy, and the modern game. Gretzky reflects on the current NHL landscape and what’s changed since his playing days — from how young stars handle pressure to how team dynamics shape success. He shares personal stories from his time as a captain and team selector, including his experiences building Team Canada’s 2002 Olympic roster, where difficult calls — like choosing Theo Fleury and weighing Wade Redden against Ed Jovanovski — helped define the team’s championship character.

Wayne also talks about his advice to Connor Bedard, urging the young star to enjoy the journey rather than carry the weight of expectations, and recalls his visit with the Canadian squad ahead of the Four Nations Face-Off game against the U.S. He describes the emotion in the room, his faith in Canadian goaltending, and the pride he still feels representing the country — while explaining why he prefers to stay out of political debates and focus on the game itself.