Gretzky's Playful Promise: Ovechkin's 900th Goal Sparks Car Talk and Hockey Nostalgia

Wayne Gretzky BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

Wayne Gretzky has been back in the headlines this week thanks to hockey history and his ongoing influence in both the game and business. The big news circulating is all about his playful promise to Alex Ovechkin: earlier this year, Gretzky told Ovechkin, “You get to 900 and I might buy you a car,” referring to his own experience when Kings owner Bruce McNall surprised him with a rare Rolls-Royce after breaking Gordie Howe’s record in 1994. Ovechkin finally hit 900 goals on Wednesday against the St. Louis Blues, and fans and the media are pressing Gretzky on whether he’ll pay up. According to National Post and Times of India, Gretzky appeared at the rink for Ovechkin’s big moment, joked with him and Capitals owner Ted Leonsis about keeping the car tradition alive, and later laughed off the promise with reporters, quipping, “That was news to me. It’s one thing he broke my record, now he wants to break my bank?” The buzz isn’t dying down, with social media and sports talk radio full of speculation about what car, if any, Ovechkin might get.

In terms of biographical significance, this milestone showcases Gretzky’s persistent role as hockey’s ambassador and his graciousness in passing the torch. The playful banter also keeps his name intertwined with any new feat on the ice. Meanwhile, Gretzky’s legendary 1994 Rolls-Royce Corniche IV has its own subplot. Sotheby’s recently auctioned it, and while the sealed bid sale keeps the final price private, it was estimated at nearly $900,000. So as Ovechkin’s 900 lights up the record books, Gretzky’s generosity—and taste in cars—remains part of sporting lore.

On the philanthropic and business front, Gretzky’s foundation work is making news too. The Wayne Gretzky Foundation, together with the Canadian Hockey Foundation and Hockey Canada, has relaunched their “Future Team Canada” program for 2025–2026. According to Hockey Canada, this initiative will reward thirteen Canadian minor hockey teams judged on values like heart, teamwork, and community rather than wins, with equipment, financial support, and recognition. Gretzky himself issued a statement highlighting the value of hockey as fun and development for kids.

His winery, Wayne Gretzky Estates, is also rolling out a launch event this coming week, offering wine club members a preview and tasting of the new Ginger Beer Cask Whisky. This event, covered by My Wine Country, is another example of Gretzky extending his brand beyond the rink and into Canadian lifestyle and hospitality.

Notably, Gretzky’s legacy continues to ripple beyond his own play, as young phenoms like Macklin Celebrini are drawing media comparisons to the Great One after a record-tying start as a teenage sensation with the San Jose Sharks, matching Gretzky’s pace for points at the same age. Outlets like Sportskeeda and Pro Football Network are reminding fans how Gretzky’s early milestones remain hockey’s gold standard.

In sum, Gretzky’s week blends nostalgia, philanthropy, business savvy, and a dash of car drama—with his personal charm and sense of humor driving the narrative from media rooms to social feeds. Nothing about a new public appearance, but the Ovechkin car story has kept him at the center of hockey culture and conversation.

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