Great One opens Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre in Brantford

Brantford, Ontario’s favorite son came home Sunday and it was just as you would have expected – classy.

The city was celebrating the grand opening of the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, which was just renovated, while unveiling the Gretzky Project monument. The renovations of the centre checked in at $64 million and were highlighted one monument outdoors featuring Gretzky holding the Stanley Cup a another featuring a young Wayne Gretzky with his parents.

“One of the things the city and my family always tried to preach is that parents are a part of kids culture and a part of their sports careers,” Gretzky told reporters. “I think this statue resembles that in a sense. It’s not just Wayne Gretzky – it’s a family portrait and a family statue. I think, to a lot of people, that’s more important than just a statue of Wayne Gretzky.”

Wayne’s father Walter was honored by the naming of Walter Gretzky Boulevard, which runs through the complex. The complex itself features four rinks and an aquatic centre.

“I didn’t start this to become a professional hockey player,” Gretzky told reporters. “Like every other kid, I had a dream. I started in a backyard and loved the game. For me, the game has been so wonderful for us to have the chance to give back to the community. I hope the kids over the next hundred years get a chance to see how wonderful this facility truly is.”

Thousands were on hand for the celebration after the four-year renovation including Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynee, Brantford Mayor Chris Friel and Team Canada marathoner Krista DuChene.

“I didn’t start this to become a professional hockey player,” Gretzky said. “Like every other kid, I had a dream. I started in a backyard and loved the game. For me, the game has been so wonderful for us to have the chance to give back to the community. I hope the kids over the next hundred years get a chance to see how wonderful this facility truly is.”

All in all, it was good timing for the event with the NHL regular season opening Oct. 1. Gretzky’s first NHL team, the Edmonton Oilers open their season as -150 favorites against the Winnipeg Jets.