Wayne Gretzky #99 Announcement Handwritten & Signed Letter Framed

Wayne Gretzky’s Handwritten Letter: A Glimpse into the Early Days of “The Great One”

A Young Prodigy from Brantford

Before he became the NHL’s all-time leading scorer, Wayne Gretzky, affectionately known as “The Great One,” was a young skater from Brantford, Ontario. His journey to hockey greatness began at an early age, and by the age of 10, he had already scored an astonishing 378 goals and 139 assists in a single season with the Brantford Nadrofsky Steelers. This remarkable feat captured the attention of the media, propelling him into the spotlight far beyond his hometown.

The Letter: A Personal Insight

Featured in our auction is a rare and personal artifact: a handwritten letter by a 16-year-old Wayne Gretzky. Addressed to the Cornish Family in Rexdale, Ontario, this letter provides a unique glimpse into his life during his time in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Written in blue ink on lined loose-leaf paper, Gretzky’s legible script reveals the intensity of his training and competition. He writes, “We have been on the ice twice a day for 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon. The fans up here are just super.” Notably, he mentions, “They have decided to let me wear number 99,” marking the beginning of his iconic association with this number.

A Framed Montage of Hockey History

This letter is part of a larger, double-sided framed and matted montage that includes:

• The original stamped envelope used by Gretzky to mail the letter.
• A signed and inscribed black-and-white photo of Gretzky with the Soo Greyhounds, wearing No. 14.
• A smaller color photo of Gretzky playing for the Edmonton Oilers.
• A copy of a doodle drawn by Gretzky.
• A black-and-white photo of Gretzky at 17, starting his professional career with the Indianapolis Racers of the WHA.

The entire framed piece measures 32 inches wide by 17 inches high, offering a comprehensive visual narrative of Gretzky’s early career.

The Evolution of Number 99

Gretzky’s journey to his famous No. 99 began with the Soo Greyhounds in the OHL. Initially wearing No. 14, he requested a change to No. 9, in homage to his idol, Gordie Howe. However, when that number was unavailable, his coach, Murray “Muzz” MacPherson, suggested, “Why don’t you just wear two nines?” Thus, the legendary No. 99 was born, a number that Gretzky would make synonymous with hockey excellence.

This extraordinary piece of hockey memorabilia is accompanied by a Letter of Provenance from the Cornish Family and a full JSA LOA, ensuring its authenticity and historical significance. As a collector, owning this item is not just about possessing a piece of sports history; it’s about celebrating the legacy of one of hockey’s greatest icons. For those interested in exploring more about sports memorabilia auctions or considering to consign NHL items, Grey Flannel Auctions offers unparalleled expertise and opportunities.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.