Gretzky Reflects on the Growth of Hockey in a Winter Classic Preview
The NHL's all-time points leader, Wayne Gretzky, marveled at the enthusiasm of fans in Miami as he prepared to attend the Discover Face-Off Panel ahead of the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic. This outdoor game, featuring the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers, marks the first regular-season NHL game in Florida, showcasing the sport's expanding reach.
Gretzky, with 2,857 points, shared anecdotes with retired former Ranger Nick Fotiu during the panel. The discussion, moderated by former goalie Darren Pang, highlighted the diverse experiences of players in outdoor NHL games.
Fotiu, who played for the Rangers and other teams, described his 2012 alumni game experience as 'unbelievable,' contrasting it with the extreme weather conditions of Gretzky's own outdoor games, including a scorching 100-degree game in Las Vegas and a frigid -40-degree alumni game in Edmonton.
The panel also featured activities like the hardest shot challenge and bubble hockey, with the Stanley Cup on display. Fans like Nick Arbia from Orlando, who waited in line to take photos with the Cup, expressed their love for the sport, having only recently discovered its joys.
Fotiu reminisced about his teenage years, sleeping outside Madison Square Garden to buy Rangers tickets, and the dream-like experience of playing for the team. He played with hockey legends like Gordie Howe, whose impact on the sport Gretzky deeply admired.
Gretzky, a childhood fan of Howe, broke his records for points, goals, and longevity, retiring in 1999 with 894 goals, a mark that stood until Alex Ovechkin surpassed it last season. Gretzky praised Howe's character, emphasizing his kindness and greatness as a player and person.
