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.