The history of hockey as seen by The Great One

It's hardly a rarity that a piece of hockey history revolves around The Great One. Most hockey lovers have a difficult time naming just one favourite moment with Wayne Gretzky at its centre. 

Well, in his new book 99: Stories Of The Game, the hockey legend leaves his story behind and tells the whole history of hockey instead. 

It was motivated by a mix of being tired of talking about himself and wanting to inspire young kids dreaming of NHL stardom. 

He remembers being so preoccupied by hockey as a kid that he wasn't a very good student.

"I had a passion for the game as soon as I started skating," he tells guest host Candy Palmater in studio q.

In fact, the first good grade he got was on a book report he wrote about Gordie Howe. He hopes 99 will do for kids today what Howe's book did for him.

Written alongside author Kirstie McLellan Day, the book details the 99 years of the National Hockey League's existence. 

Meeting Gordie Howe

Gretzky's favourite present? A Gordie Howe jersey he got when we was six years-old. Needless to say meeting his idol, let alone playing with him, was a dream come true. 

"When I met Gordie Howe I walked away thinking he's bigger than I ever imagined, he's nicer than I ever thought. The next day I went into the barbershop an tried to get a Gordie Howe haircut."

WEB EXTRA | Watch below as number 99 makes the stunning goal (which is also his favourite) that helped the Edmonton Oilers win the series against the Calgary Flames and then go on to win the Stanley Cup in 1988.