9 Beginnings and Endings

Chapter 9 Beginnings and Endings The wedding was held in Edmonton, on July 16, 1988. It was such big news, the ceremony was broadcast live on TV. Newspapers called it Canada's Royal Wedding.

Ten thousand fans lined the streets outside the cathedral. Seven hundred guests sat inside. Hundreds of reporters crammed the aisles. Wayne later said he felt more nervous during the ceremony than in any game seven of the playoffs. Soon after, Wayne and Janet left on a trip to California. They stayed at the home of Canadian actor and friend Alan Thicke. The newlyweds babysat Alan's son Robin, who would go on to become a famous pop singer. By now Wayne knew he was going to be traded. He thought the Los Angeles Kings would be the best fit. The news broke on August 9, 1988: Wayne Gretzky was no longer an Edmonton Oiler. He was an LA King. Canadian TV programs were interrupted. The announcement was headline news across Canada. People called it the "Trade of the Century" or just "the Trade." Say those words today? Canadians would likely still know you were talking about Wayne Gretzky. The news shocked Canadians. Wayne was a

national symbol... and he was going to the United States! Some blamed Janet. They said she forced the move. She wanted to be close to Hollywood and the movie business. Most, though, blamed the Oilers' owner. Outraged, they protested in the streets. But the deal was done. For Wayne, it was a very tough time. He'd miss his teammates. They'd almost grown up together. Would he ever be that close with the LA players? With the staff?

There was one Oilers staff member that Wayne worried about most of all. Years earlier, he had found a job for a young man named Joey Moss. Joey had Down syndrome. Before leaving the team, Wayne made sure Joey would always have a job in the locker room.

The Oilers' owner called a press conference. At the podium, Wayne answered questions from reporters. He spoke about his family. How he and Janet were expecting their first child. But he broke down in tears, and had to stop. He never finished the press conference.