Tricksters and lacrosse

Walter Gretzky: Gretzky's father

28.03.2012 source: Calgary Sun

Wayne Gretzky’s dad credits lacrosse, in part, for helping his son to become the NHL's all-time leading scorer. Walter Gretzky…said the game of lacrosse had a big influence on his boy. „It sure helped Wayne,“ said Walter of his son's involvement in the sport during the summer months. „Because in lacrosse, you learn how to fake and he used those same fakes, or moves, in hockey. It sure helped him, no doubt about that. Knowing the different moves, dropping his shoulder and such like you have to do in lacrosse …, really helped him.“ Much like former Flames Joe Nieuwendyk and Gary Roberts, Wayne grew up playing lacrosse in the hotbed of Ontario. Walter even coached Wayne for a few seasons. „I think he played until he was 15,“ recalled Walter. „And then he was playing junior hockey and he couldn't anymore. He had to make achoice.“ Walter said he's glad the sport of lacrosse is finally getting more mainstream exposure. „It's one of the oldest sports in the Canada but it's not one of the biggest sports (in popularity),“said Walter. „But it sure is a great sport, a lot of fun to watch.“