Wayne Gretzky Family Tree: The Story Behind The NHL's Greatest

Wayne Douglas Gretzky CC, born 26 January 1961 in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, is widely regarded as the greatest hockey player in NHL history — four-time Stanley Cup Champion (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988 with Edmonton Oilers); nine-time Hart Trophy winner; the NHL's all-time leader in goals (894), assists (1,963), and points (2,857). Known as "The Great One."

The Family's Roots: A Canadian-Polish-Belarusian Family

The Gretzky family is from Brantford, Ontario, with Polish and Belarusian ancestry on the paternal side.

His Parents

Father: Walter Gretzky (1938–2021) — Bell Canada telephone-equipment installer; built the famous backyard rink that produced Wayne; suffered a near-fatal aneurysm in 1991 but recovered; widely beloved as "Canada's Hockey Dad."

Mother: Phyllis Leone Hockin Gretzky (1941–2005) — homemaker; died of lung cancer at 64.

His Siblings

Kim Gretzky, born 1963 — Wayne's sister.

Keith Gretzky, born 16 February 1967 — younger brother; AHL/NHL player; now an executive in NHL front offices (Edmonton Oilers, others).

Glen Gretzky, born 1969 — younger brother; was a junior hockey player.

Brent Gretzky, born 20 February 1972 — youngest brother; played 13 NHL games for Tampa Bay Lightning (1993–94).

His Wife: Janet Jones

Janet Marie Jones Gretzky, born 10 January 1961 — American actress (The Flamingo Kid, American Anthem). Married Wayne on 16 July 1988 in Edmonton (called "Canada's royal wedding").

Their Children

Paulina Gretzky, born 19 December 1988 — daughter; model; married golfer Dustin Johnson (2022).

Ty Robert Gretzky, born 9 July 1990 — son.

Trevor Douglas Gretzky, born 14 September 1992 — son; minor-league baseball player (Chicago Cubs system).

Tristan Wayne Gretzky, born 2 August 2000 — son.

Emma Marie Gretzky, born 8 September 2003 — daughter.

The Gretzky Family Tree at a Glance

Family Origins: Canadian; Polish-Belarusian heritage; Brantford, Ontario.

Father: Walter Gretzky (1938–2021) — Bell Canada installer; "Canada's Hockey Dad."

Mother: Phyllis Leone Hockin (1941–2005) — homemaker.

Siblings: Kim (b. 1963); Keith (b. 16 February 1967) — NHL executive; Glen (b. 1969); Brent (b. 20 February 1972) — former NHL player.

Wife: Janet Jones (b. 10 January 1961; m. 16 July 1988).

Children: Paulina (b. 19 December 1988); Ty (b. 9 July 1990); Trevor (b. 14 September 1992); Tristan (b. 2 August 2000); Emma (b. 8 September 2003).

Son-in-Law: Dustin Johnson (Paulina's husband, m. 2022) — Major-winning PGA Tour golfer.

Wayne Gretzky:

  • Born 26 January 1961, Brantford
  • Backyard ice rink built by his father; played in the GTHL by age 6
  • WHA: Indianapolis Racers / Edmonton Oilers (1978–79)
  • NHL: Edmonton Oilers (1979–1988); LA Kings (1988–96); St Louis Blues (1996); New York Rangers (1996–99)
  • Stanley Cup: 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988 — all with Edmonton
  • Hart Trophy (MVP): 9 times
  • Art Ross Trophy (top scorer): 10 times
  • NHL records: 894 goals, 1,963 assists, 2,857 points (still unbeaten); 50 in 39 games (1981–82)
  • 1988 trade to LA Kings: shocked Canada; began the NHL's California-and-South expansion
  • Retired: April 1999, NY Rangers
  • Inducted Hockey Hall of Fame: 1999 (waiting period waived — third player so honored)
  • Coach: Phoenix Coyotes (2005–2009)
  • 2010 Vancouver Olympics: lit the torch
  • Companion of the Order of Canada

What the Gretzky Family Story Teaches Us

A father who built a backyard rink and survived an aneurysm. A mother who died of lung cancer at 64. Four siblings, two also professional hockey players. A 37-year marriage. Five children, two of whom married into pro sports (golfer Dustin Johnson, athlete-influencer paths). A career whose records still stand decades after retirement.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Gretzky story carries the same lesson. Some family infrastructure becomes legendary. Walter Gretzky's backyard rink is on the Gretzky family record alongside every NHL record. Write down what each parent built — physically or otherwise. The simple things often shape the greatest careers.

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