On April 18, 1999, Wayne Gretzky of the New York Rangers played the last game of his professional career. Nicknamed 'The Great One' for being the sport’s best scorer of all time and for his multiple Stanley Cup wins, Gretzky took to the ice for the final time against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Wayne Gretzky #99 of the New York Rangers waves to the crowd during introductions before his final career game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 1999, in New York City.
Wayne Gretzky #99 of the New York Rangers (r.) plays in his final career game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at New York’s Madison Square Garden on April 18, 1999. Gretzky played an energetic final game that night and added an assist on Brian Leetch’s power-play goal, although the Rangers lost to the Penguins 2-1 in overtime.
Wayne Gretzky #99 of the New York Rangers plays in his final career game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 1999, in New York City.
Wayne Gretzky fires a slapshot during his final NHL game on April 18, 1999.
Gretzky cheers as he skates past the energetic audience during the final game of his career at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 1999, in New York.
The crowd of spectators, players and teammates applaud as Wayne Gretzky of the New York Rangers waves in goodbye and thanks after his final game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 18, 1999.
Wayne Gretzky #99 of the New York Rangers becomes emotional during his retirement ceremony after playing in his final career game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Madison Square Garden on April 18, 1999, in New York City, New York. Gretzky played an energetic final game and added an assist on Brian Leetch’s power-play goal although the Rangers finally lost to the Penguins 2-1 in overtime.
Gretzky smiles as he waves to fans following his final career game at Madison Square Garden in New York on April 18, 1999.
Wayne Gretzky #99 waves to the crowd after playing his last NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 18, 1999, at the Madison Square Garden in New York, New York.
Gretzky (c.) poses for a team photo during retirement ceremonies after playing in his final career game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Madison Square Garden on April 18, 1999.
Canadian hockey player Wayne Gretzky (in uniform) with his father Walter on the ice of Madison Square Garden on the occasion of Gretzky’s final professional hockey game on April 18, 1999. A car is parked on the ice behind them and the spectators in the stands give them a standing ovation.
Canadian hockey player Wayne Gretzky, forward of the New York Rangers, walks back onto the ice for an encore after his final professional hockey game at Madison Square Garden on New York on April 18, 1999.
Wayne Gretzky removes his skates for the last time in the Rangers locker room on April 18, 1999.
Gretzky hangs up his skates for the last time on April 18, 1999.
Gretzky then hung up his skates for the last time.
Wayne Gretzky #99 of the New York Rangers sits with his wife Janet (l.) and sons Ty and Trevor and talks to the media during the press conference for his retirement from the NHL after his last game on April 18, 1999, at Madison Square Garden.
Wayne Gretzky (back, 4-R), still in uniform was joined by his extended family for his final game at the Garden. Wife Janet Jones (2-R), parents Walter and Phyllis (3-R and 4-L, respectively), brothers Keith, Glen, and Brent and children Paulina, Ty and Trevor (c.).
