• Los Angeles, California, United States of America

Order of Canada

• Officer of the Order of Canada

  • Awarded on: June 25, 1984
  • Invested on: January 28, 1998

  A superlative athlete who has devoted his life to his sport of hockey, he has rewritten the record books and brought finesse back to the game while earning almost every trophy and award possible. His astonishing talent has dazzled fans and players and his gentlemanly conduct and sportsmanship are an inspiration to his teammates, opponents and youngsters learning the game. His devotion to his sport is paralleled by the time and effort he commits to the CNIB, Juvenile Diabetes and many community service organizations.

• Companion of the Order of Canada

  • Awarded on: May 25, 2009

  Wayne Gretzky, C.C.
  Brantford, Ontario and Thousand Oaks, California, United States of America
  
  Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky is an outstanding example of community engagement and generosity. He ended his exceptional career in 1999, as the most celebrated player in the history of the NHL; his number remains the only one to have been officially retired across the league. As an executive director of the Canadian men’s hockey team at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, he helped the team win its first gold medal in 50 years. Off the ice, he uses his celebrity status to make a difference in the lives of others through numerous charitable organizations and community initiatives, including a foundation that helps disadvantaged youth play hockey and an after-school program for children with autism. He continues to be a role model for countless young people around the world and is a proud ambassador for Canada.
  
  This is a promotion within the Order.