It didn’t matter where, how, or why you met him, everybody who met Walter Gretzky was left with a lasting impression.
He was Canada’s Hockey Dad.
In a press conference following the Toronto Maple Leafs matchup against the Vancouver Canucks, both John Tavares and Sheldon Keefe shared their condolences with the Gretzky family and shed light on their individual memories meeting Walter.
Coach Sheldon Keefe reflected on the time he had met Walter in Pembroke during an event, per Mark Masters.
“I have met him a few times. He certainly wouldn’t remember me. One meeting really stands out, actually, in Pembroke. He came to visit NHL Old Timers at one point in time and had some time to chat with him there. A great man. Gave so many great memories and things, obviously, Wayne’s legacy, I mean, really throughout his entire life gave so much to the game…
Last memory I have of that is just him sitting around, it seemed for hours, throughout the game, signing autographs, taking pictures with everybody that wanted one and chatting with anybody who wanted to talk to him. It was pretty cool to see someone of his stature and what he means to the game and what he’s brought to the game, come all the way up to Pembroke, Ontario and taking part in an event like that for people who normally wouldn’t get such an opportunity.”
John Tavares on the other hand shared a memory from his younger years and when he met Walter.
“I believe I did meet him. I was young. It’s hard to remember exactly the time and place, but he was always around the rinks and very involved in the game and, like I said, around the hockey community. Just his graciousness and big smile and passion for the game. So, just a very gracious man from what I remember as a kid.”
