GRATITUDE: In honor of legendary Canadian Wayne Gretzky, the Edmonton Oilers have approved spending $3.8 million to erect a statue of him outside Rogers Place.

In an extraordinary tribute to his monumental legacy, the Edmonton Oilers have officially greenlit a $3.8 million project to erect a new statue of Wayne Gretzky outside Rogers Place. This isn’t just a statue—it’s a testament to gratitude, reverence, and deep-rooted admiration for the man universally celebrated as “The Great One.” For fans across Canada and the hockey world at large, this public gesture speaks to Gretzky’s unparalleled impact on the sport, the community, and the identity of Edmonton itself.

Wayne Gretzky’s journey from prodigal talent to hockey legend is embedded in Canadian lore. Drafted by the Oilers of the WHA in 1978, he quickly became the face of a dynasty that delivered four Stanley Cups in the 1980s. His records—61 NHL achievements and counting—stand as almost mythical benchmarks of greatness. But beyond statistics, Gretzky embodied sportsmanship, leadership, and elegance on ice that transcended sport and inspired generations.

Back in 1989, Molson Breweries funded the original life‑size bronze statue, crafted by sculptor John Weaver and bronzesmith Don Begg, unveiling it at Northlands Coliseum. It portrayed Gretzky hoisting the Stanley Cup overhead and quickly became a beloved landmark and gathering point outside the arena. Over the decades, that statue became a pilgrimage site for fans, newlyweds, tourists, and youth players, a visible connection to a golden era of hockey.

When the Oilers moved to Rogers Place in 2016, they physically relocated the statue. It began its new tenure on the “Oilers Walk of Fame” outside the arena’s Hall of Fame, polished and carefully positioned to greet fans. Gretzky himself returned, unveiling the refurbished statue alongside family and high-profile team figures. Fans were treated to a scene symbolic of what the new arena represented: a deep respect for the past balanced with a bold vision for the future.

Now, the Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG) and team ownership are redoubling their commitment to ensuring the statue remains a central icon. The $3.8 million includes creating a proper, lasting outdoor installation outside Rogers Place—one designed to weather time, engage visitors, and stand as a permanent symbol of Gretzky’s storied legacy. They’re updating the site with its own plaza, seating, improved lighting, artistic landscaping, and interactive touches so the statue is seen and understood by generations to come.

What makes this especially poignant is the spirit of gratitude behind the investment. Gretzky’s influence is immeasurable. He helped ignite a hockey renaissance in Edmonton, drawing the city into multiple championship runs, elevating the NHL’s profile, and turning the Oilers into an international brand. He inspired kids to dream, taught players the virtue of grace under pressure, and reminded fans that greatness can be defined as much by class and humility as by victories.

This gesture seems rooted in giving back some of what Gretzky gave to the city. The lead figure behind the project, OEG CEO Bob Nicholson, emphasized that it’s about honoring both the legend and his significance to Edmonton’s identity. Wayne’s words during the statue’s unveiling—”Edmonton’s always been great to me”—capture the full-circle nature of this effort.

Yet this celebration comes at a complex time. In early 2025, public criticism of Gretzky emerged around his engagement in political and business arenas, from his friendship with high-level U.S. officials to his role as a prominent face in commercial ventures. A small segment of Edmontoners voiced their discontent—even vandalizing the statue with graffiti and worse. But those actions appear to have galvanized the Oilers’ leadership. Instead of distancing themselves, they chose to reinforce Gretzky’s place in Edmonton’s history—suggesting that symbols like this transcend temporary controversies.

Some core supporters noted that smearing the statue wasn’t political; more likely it was random vandalism by people passing through downtown. That incident reinforced how much the community needs a statue that stands for continuity, respect, and the best memories—even in turbulent cultural moments.

Media outlets have broadly praised the $3.8 million investment, interpreting the statue as a lesson in legacy. It sends a signal that while individual careers end, the impact of contributions with character, integrity, and achievement lasts. Statues are civic touchstones—reminders of a shared past and shared values. For Edmonton, Gretzky’s statue is more than memorial—it’s a tribute to the potential of sport to define a generation.

Supporters also highlight Gretzky’s humanitarian contributions, including youth mentorship, charitable work, and international goodwill. Today, as a partner and vice-chair of OEG, he is invested in Edmonton’s future—mentoring players and guiding organizational strategy. A refreshed monument reinforces his dual role as legend and leader, someone who continues to lift everyone around him.

Critics of statue spending often cite cost and priority concerns. But Edmonton officials emphasize that this installation is financed through private and corporate partnerships—not municipal funding. The site’s popularity, especially on game and event days, also makes the statue part of the city’s economic engine. It draws fans, tourists, and broadcast cameras downtown, adding intangible cultural capital while supporting local businesses.

Even voices critical of Gretzky personally admit that honoring his career is separate from political views. Many believe individuals outgrow youthful adoration once they diverge from public expectations. But most Edmontonians accept that genuine contribution shouldn’t be erased by disagreement—particularly when it helped define the city’s golden age. The statue offers a platform to remind future generations of what Gretzky accomplished—on ice, in spirit, and in community-building.

Today’s $3.8 million project is an affirmation: Wayne Gretzky will remain central to Edmonton’s identity. The statue isn’t about glorifying one man—but about acknowledging what he meant to a city, a sport, and a time. It’s a legacy marker and a portal for memories—of 99’s records, his grandfather’s pride, the roar of fans chanting “We want 99!”, and that indelible charisma that made hockey feel hopeful.

As construction teams prepare to lay stone, conduit, and bronze in front of Rogers Place, the project serves as an invitation. The public is encouraged to engage—come by, reflect, photograph, share stories, reconnect with what it felt like when Gretzky dominated and inspired. Soon, a permanent plaque will detail his achievements, quotes, and Oilers seasons. A simple gesture of sweeping gratitude is becoming a legacy in bronze, steel, and curated space.

In honoring Gretzky this way, the Oilers aren’t just celebrating the past—they’re offering residents and visitors a tangible reminder of why Edmonton loves hockey so much. They’re inviting everyone, especially youth, to consider what it takes to contribute, to lead, to be great. And they’re refusing to forget that one man elevated a city to “City of Champions” in more than name.

In a sports culture that often chases the next big thing, this statue is a testament to enduring impact. It’s a salute from one generation to the next. Rogers Place will soon not just host games—it will host the memory of greatness, carved in bronze for eternity.

For Edmonton and hockey fans around the globe, the Wayne Gretzky statue is more than honor. It’s gratitude personified—and now, publicly immortalized.