The 99 Effect

Wayne Gretzky didn’t just dominate hockey-he transformed it. From his record-shattering performances on the ice to his far-reaching impact off it, The 99 Effect chronicles the complete, factual story of how one player forever altered the landscape of a sport. Tracing his rise from the backyard rinks of Brantford, Ontario, through the dynastic heights of the Edmonton Oilers, the cultural shift sparked by his move to Los Angeles, and into his post-retirement roles as coach, executive, and global ambassador, this book follows Gretzky’s journey in precise, narrative detail.Every chapter draws from the verifiable moments that built a legend-from 50 goals in 39 games to his league-wide jersey retirement-presented without speculation or embellishment. Along the way, The 99 Effect offers readers a panoramic view of Gretzky’s influence: on teammates, coaches, the NHL, international hockey, and the global perception of the sport itself.This is the definitive, fact-based account of how Wayne Gretzky redefined excellence and became not just The Great One, but the enduring standard by which greatness in hockey is measured.