Gretzky's talents are obvious almost from the time he learns to play hockey. At age 6, he skates with 10-year-olds; at 10, he scores 378 goals. He plays junior hockey at age 16; one year later, he signs with the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association. But after eight games, the Racers trade him to the Edmonton Oilers. He comes to the NHL with the Oilers in 1979, when the League absorbs four teams from the WHA.
Gretzky ties for the NHL scoring lead in 1979-80 and wins the
Hart Trophy
. In 1980-81, he wins the
Art Ross Trophy
as the League's top scorer for the first of seven consecutive seasons and repeats as Hart Trophy winner. One year later, he shatters NHL records for goals (92) and points (212). The Oilers make the Stanley Cup Final in
1983
, but are swept by the New York Islanders. They avenge that loss one year later, defeating the Islanders to win the Cup for
their first of four
championships in a five-season span.
Three months after the Oilers win in
1988
, Gretzky is traded to the Los Angeles Kings. On Oct. 15, 1989, he passes his idol,
Gordie Howe
, for the all-time NHL lead in points by scoring a goal against his former team at Northlands Coliseum. He helps the Kings to their first Stanley Cup Final in
1993
after missing much of the season with a back injury.
The Kings trade him to the St. Louis Blues on Feb. 27, 1996, and he signs as a free agent with the New York Rangers that summer, rejoining longtime Edmonton teammate
Mark Messier
. Gretzky plays three seasons in New York before retiring with NHL records of 894 goals, 1,963 assists and 2,857 points, as well as Stanley Cup Playoff records of 122 goals, 260 assists and 382 points.