I can’t think of a better time to fall in love with the Game. So when I found out that The Great One was going to be the guest speaker at the RDC scholarship breakfast, I was floored. I was prepared to fight the sports guys for the assignment. Fortunately the guys were more than happy to let me have my wish.
We were told Gretzky wouldn’t be giving media interviews. That didn’t stop us! (I think he may have been annoyed that we were so persistence). Anyway before we made the magic happen, I shook his hand and he winked at me. (I am not making this up!)
All of the money raised from the event went to fund athletic scholarships at the college. This was the biggest event in the college’s history. Who would have thought Wayne Gretzky would speak in Red Deer?
Below is my story for the Red Deer Advocate published on Friday March 29:
GRETZKY SPEAKS AND RED DEER LISTENS
BY CRYSTAL RHYNO
RED DEER
IGINLA
FUTURE IN NHL
Excellent article…, even though it "wasn't supposed to happen." 🙂
The Oilers glory days were definitely the highlight in my hockey watching days. When he was traded, I felt very betrayed, not agreeing with the business aspects of the best sport out there. Since then I whenever I see a game, it's usually compared to that hockey in my mind.
Thanks for beating out the guys for getting this interview with the Great One,
Bob.