Published 12/13/2022, 4:00 PM EST
Ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky might soon lose his all-time NHL goal scorer record. Although losing such a big record might not be a great thing to have, Gretzky is not upset about it. Alex Ovechkin is on the way to creating history, and Gretzky is right behind to support him.
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The Washington Capitals’ owners also revealed Gretzky’s generous plan to support Ovechkin and applauded the legend for the same.
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Wayne Gretzky is a true legend
The NHL legend holds the record for the most goals scored in the league. Before retiring in 1999, Gretzky scored 894 goals throughout his career. It’s nearly 29 years, and “The Greatest One” still holds the record strong.
However, the Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is inching closer to breaking Gretzky’s record. At present, Ovechkin is still 97 goals away from matching the legend and stripping his iconic title. But, unlike many others, Gretzky hopes that Ovechkin breaks his record. Gretzky has also assured the Capitals’ that he will be in attendance when Ovechkin achieves the milestone and will be present by the captain’s side in future games.
In an interview with ESPN, Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis applauded Gretzky for his heartwarming act and words of kindness for their star player. He said, “For Wayne to be as gracious as he is … that didn’t happen in baseball, where there was reluctance. Wayne knows that Alex is legit and they have a friendship now. He’s promised us. He said, ‘I want to fly around and go to every stop.’ So that last season, when it’s within sight, he’ll probably just move in with us.”
One can say that Gretzky learned this act of kindness from his senior player Gordie Howe, whose 14-year-long record was crushed by Gretzky.
Gordie Howe encourages Gretzky during sad times
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On several occasions, Gretzky revealed legendary hockey player Gordie Howe was his inspiration. Hence he felt bad chasing his NHL all-time leading goal scorer record.
But when Howe learned about this, he ensured Gretzky that “records are meant to be broken“. He encouraged Gretzky to continue following his target. In the past, Howe was present at every game Gretzky played to support the icon. Like him Howe, Gretzky has ensured to be by Ovechkin’s side.
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In 1994, Gretzky scored his 802nd NHL goal, surpassing Howe’s record. Now, history awaits to repeat itself, as Gretzky will fill the role of Howe in Ovechkin’s story.