SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 25: Wayne Gretzky during 4 v 4 charity match between Team USA and Team Canada at Qudos Bank Arena on June 25, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Image: Getty)
Walter Gretzky, the father of NHL legend Wayne Gretzky, has died at the age of 82.
A statement was released Thursday night by Gretzky, who broke the news of his father’s passing. In a Twitter statement, he said, “It’s with deep sadness that Janet and I share the news of the passing of my dad.” The statement continued revealing his father had been battling health issues, “He bravely battled Parkinson’s and other health issues these last few years, but never let it get him down.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a statement following the elder Gretzky’s death. Trudeau’s statement read, “Walter Gretzky cared deeply about his family and his community,” before praising his qualities, “His kindness was undeniable, his passion was obvious, and his impact was immense.”
Walter made a name for himself with commercials with his son, becoming a blue-collar symbol for hockey dads around the world. In 1991, he gained more fame after making a recovery from a stroke. His autobiography chronicled the recovery, On Family, Hockey, and Healing.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!
A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.
New York Mets first baseman Jared Young has been hospitalized following a knee-to-head collision with…
Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham has gone viral for complimenting Minnesota Lynx youngster Olivia Miles,…
Utah Jazz Guard Keyonte George has agreed to an extension with the team worth $157.5…
Jimmy Horn Jr. has been waived by the Carolina Panthers despite his good preseason, and…
Houston Texans star receiver Nico Collins suffered a hamstring injury during Wednesday’s practice, and it…
Lane Kiffin returns to Oxford, Mississippi, this week for a homecoming with his old team,…