By Henry Quaye Counter-Memorial of the Wayne Gretzky Statue in Edmonton The Statue of Wayne Gretzky is located outside Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta. It faces out toward Wayne Gretzky Drive. It was erected on 27 August 1989, roughly one year after the trade that sent the Edmonton Oilers’ captain and most decorated player to the Los Angeles Kings. The monument is life-size and stands atop a stone platform. Gretzky’s image is captured in a moment of celebration after he has won one of his four Stanley Cups. Both of his arms are raised as he hoists the Stanley Cup above his head. Three plaques are on the stone platform, but two are the same. The front plaque reads: Wayne Gretzky A true champion and gentleman of dedication and character whose talents brought world recognition to the city of Edmonton Erected in sincere appreciation by the citizens of Edmonton with the generous support of Molson Breweries August 27, 1989 Edmonton Code of Arms (Image). The two side plaques read: WAYNE GRETZKY Molson Cup Winner 1979-1988 Presented to Wanye Gretzky in recognition of his outstanding achievement of being the only National Hockey League player to win the Molson Cup for nine years. The Molson Cup is awarded annually to the Edmonton Oiler who is selected as most valuable player as virtue of Molson three stars award program. Molson Cup Trophy (Image). With funds from Molson, the one-time Canadian-owned brewing company, the monument of Wayne Gretzky was created to signify his contributions to the city of Edmonton. Many Edmontonians have made major contributions to the city without having a single plaque displayed in their honor, yet Wayne Gretzky’s name is now forever tied to Edmonton due to his iconic stature as a successful hockey player in the 1980’s. Multiple meanings are attached to this statue. A large statue of a man conveys the idea that he is important in some way--that this individual is greater than the rest. The plaque in front of Gretzky states that he is “a true champion and gentleman of dedication and character.” What does this say of the men that he played with every week? What exactly makes “a true champion” or a “gentleman”? The side plaques insert the word Molson five times. What does it state about Gretzky, the NHL, or the city of Edmonton when the statue of a decorated athlete is surrounded by labels of a beer company? Did Walter Gretzky, Wayne’s father, feed the young kid beer? Was that how he gained all the skills he possessed by age seventeen? These questions are useful when one tries to understand the development of Wayne Gretzky’s hockey career, and the best means of memorializing him. First of all, the plaque should state his nickname, ‘The Great One’. Second, it should not be marked by any corporate logos because it cheapens an image that is meant to showcase admiration for a figure who led a team that brought Edmontonians together. Third, it should state the impact that his parents had on him, because they were loved by Edmonton fans as well. ‘The Great One’ did not have the arrogant qualities that many people in the spotlight show today, and Gretzky should be recognized for that as well. Overall, a monument is not for those who were around to see the person, so it should describe to future generations the qualities that earned his individual statue. Here’s what the new plaque should say: WAYNE GRETZKY ‘The Great One’ 1961- A teammate, a leader, and the most accomplished hockey player in National Hockey League history. On and off the ice, he was guided by principles instilled in him by his father Walter and mother Phyllis. He was not the fastest or strongest player in the league, but he found ways to dominate games while also improving the players around him. He will forever be remembered in Edmonton as the humble megastar of the Oilers.

By Henry Quaye

Counter-Memorial of the

Wayne Gretzky Statue in Edmonton

The Statue of Wayne Gretzky is located outside Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta. It faces out toward Wayne Gretzky Drive. It was erected on 27 August 1989, roughly one year after the trade that sent the Edmonton Oilers’ captain and most decorated player to the Los Angeles Kings. The monument is life-size and stands atop a stone platform. Gretzky’s image is captured in a moment of celebration after he has won one of his four Stanley Cups. Both of his arms are raised as he hoists the Stanley Cup above his head. Three plaques are on the stone platform, but two are the same. The front plaque reads:

Wayne Gretzky

A true champion and gentleman of dedication and character whose talents brought world recognition to the city of Edmonton

Erected in sincere appreciation by the citizens of Edmonton with the generous support of Molson Breweries

August 27, 1989

Edmonton Code of Arms (Image).

The two side plaques read:

WAYNE GRETZKY

Molson Cup Winner

1979-1988

Presented to Wanye Gretzky in recognition of his outstanding achievement of being the only National Hockey League player to win the Molson Cup for nine years. The Molson Cup is awarded annually to the Edmonton Oiler who is selected as most valuable player as virtue of Molson three stars award program.

Molson Cup Trophy (Image).

With funds from Molson, the one-time Canadian-owned brewing company, the monument of Wayne Gretzky was created to signify his contributions to the city of Edmonton. Many Edmontonians have made major contributions to the city without having a single plaque displayed in their honor, yet Wayne Gretzky’s name is now forever tied to Edmonton due to his iconic stature as a successful hockey player in the 1980’s. Multiple meanings are attached to this statue.

A large statue of a man conveys the idea that he is important in some way--that this individual is greater than the rest. The plaque in front of Gretzky states that he is “a true champion and gentleman of dedication and character.” What does this say of the men that he played with every week? What exactly makes “a true champion” or a “gentleman”? The side plaques insert the word Molson five times. What does it state about Gretzky, the NHL, or the city of Edmonton when the statue of a decorated athlete is surrounded by labels of a beer company? Did Walter Gretzky, Wayne’s father, feed the young kid beer? Was that how he gained all the skills he possessed by age seventeen? These questions are useful when one tries to understand the development of Wayne Gretzky’s hockey career, and the best means of memorializing him.

First of all, the plaque should state his nickname, ‘The Great One’. Second, it should not be marked by any corporate logos because it cheapens an image that is meant to showcase admiration for a figure who led a team that brought Edmontonians together. Third, it should state the impact that his parents had on him, because they were loved by Edmonton fans as well. ‘The Great One’ did not have the arrogant qualities that many people in the spotlight show today, and Gretzky should be recognized for that as well. Overall, a monument is not for those who were around to see the person, so it should describe to future generations the qualities that earned his individual statue.

Here’s what the new plaque should say:

WAYNE GRETZKY

‘The Great One’

1961-

A teammate, a leader, and the most accomplished hockey player in National Hockey League history. On and off the ice, he was guided by principles instilled in him by his father Walter and mother Phyllis. He was not the fastest or strongest player in the league, but he found ways to dominate games while also improving the players around him. He will forever be remembered in Edmonton as the humble megastar of the Oilers.