Walter Gretzky, Wayne's father was a big influence on his career (image credit: getty)
In 1974, Wayne Gretzky was caught in the middle of a conflict between his father, Walter, and the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association. Walter's decision to move his son from Brantford to Toronto was rejected by the association, which led to a legal battle.
As a hockey prodigy, Wayne showed the world his exemplary prowess. "The Great One" was a class apart from his peers at the age of six. He played for the Brantford Nadrofsky Steelers and had scored more than 1,000 goals when he reached 10 years old.
However, his exceptional performances in the rink attracted a lot of negative attention from his peers and their parents. The parents displayed their anger at Gretzky, often booing him at games. Concerned for the emotional toll it would take on his son, Walter decided to move him to Toronto where he could play with senior players.
