The Gretzky effect: How Wayne Gretzky made hockey cool in Hollywood and changed the NHL forever
Wayne Gretzky's 1988 trade to the Los Angeles Kings transformed hockey. The move brought the sport Hollywood attention. Celebrities attended games. This shift expanded the NHL into regions beyond its origin. Teams later grew in places like Las Vegas. Gretzky made hockey a pursuit in areas without ice rinks. His influence continues today.
Wayne Gretzky's 1988 trade to the Los Angeles Kings transformed hockey. The move brought the sport Hollywood attention. Celebrities attended games. This shift expanded the NHL into regions beyond its origin. Teams later grew in places like Las Vegas. Gretzky made hockey a pursuit in areas without ice rinks. His influence continues today.
