Beloved hockey legend Wayne Douglas Gretzky (1961–) changed the game with his vision, humility, and love for the sport. He was never the biggest or fastest, but he was the smartest on the ice.

“I couldn’t beat people with my strength,” he admitted. “My eyes and my mind had to do most of the work.” A reminder that the sharpest vision often comes not from power, but from paying attention.

On this day in 1993, Gretzky became the highest-paid player in the NHL, signing a three-year contract with the L.A. Kings worth $25 million. Even at the top, he stayed humble: “I was always taught that an assist is as good as a goal.”

Born in Brantford, Ontario, Gretzky earned the nickname “The Great One” at age 10 after scoring 400 goals in a single season. By 17, he had signed his first professional contract, launching a 20-year career that set or tied more than 50 NHL records: 894 goals, 1,963 assists, and 1,487 games.

Sports Illustrated called him “a meteor that forever changed the hockey world.” Fellow hockey great Gordie Howe agreed: “If anyone were to break my records, I’m happy it’s Wayne. He’s such a great ambassador for the game.”

When asked about his secret to success, Gretzky kept it simple: “First, you have to have a passion and a love for the sport. Second, you have to have a dedication to it.” His humility was as legendary as his records. “There were times,” he joked, “I probably could have been 'The Good One' or 'The Mediocre One.'”

Gretzky played his final game in 1999, and the NHL permanently retired his number 99. His life, and hockey itself, reminds us that courage matters more than perfection. His philosophy lives in his most famous quote: Take the shot. Misses don’t matter. What matters is that you dare to play.