His genuineness was as true back then as it was a few days ago when he offered this advice to budding players, "Play because you love it," he said, "not because you think you can make a lot of money. If you play because you love it, everything else will fall into place."

That love made his name synonymous with his sport. No other hockey player had national recognition, no other face sparked the big sponsors, the crowds, the imagination.

In his new country, he brought the Kings to the brink of the Promised Land, losing in the Stanley Cup finals to none other than the Canadiens. For perhaps the only time in his career, the hockey gods didn't smile on him.

Still, from the excitement Gretzky inspired, three hockey teams now call California home, and another moved to Phoenix. This increased national exposure reflects in its NHL's television contract, now a robust $600 million.

Commissioner Gary Bettman rode Gretzky's star and the Great One offered him one final opportunity to build his game.

Given a chance to pick his own team in 1996, he chose America's biggest stage. Grabbing the spotlight at the World's Most Famous Arena, Gretzky would attempt to recreate the old 1980s magic with the loved and loathed New York Rangers.

Reuinted with ex-Oiler teammate Mark Messier, it worked for a while.