GRATITUDE IN BRONZE: Oilers Approve $3.8M Statue Honoring Wayne Gretzky’s Legacy Outside Rogers Place in Emotional Tribute

In a move that celebrates not just the past but the very soul of Canadian hockey history, the Edmonton Oilers have approved a $3.8 million project to erect a statue of Wayne Gretzky outside Rogers Place. It’s more than just an investment in bronze and stone—it’s an immortal gesture of gratitude to the man who transformed the Oilers into a dynasty, elevated the city of Edmonton onto the international stage, and forever changed the game of hockey.

Wayne Gretzky, affectionately known as “The Great One,” is widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time. His legacy in Edmonton is unparalleled, his name synonymous with excellence, and his presence a lingering echo in every corner of Rogers Place. From 1979 to 1988, Gretzky brought the Oilers four Stanley Cup championships and redefined what it meant to dominate the sport. Now, more than three decades later, the franchise is ensuring that his impact will never be forgotten—physically, culturally, and symbolically.

The statue will stand tall outside the main entrance of Rogers Place, designed by renowned Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz, known for blending emotion and realism in large-scale public art. The monument is expected to depict Gretzky in full flight—stick raised, face beaming, forever frozen in a moment of victory. It’s a gesture that the Oilers organization, the City of Edmonton, and all of Canada have long envisioned. That vision is finally becoming reality.

The announcement came Monday morning from Oilers Chairman Daryl Katz, who was visibly emotional while addressing the media. “Wayne Gretzky is more than just the greatest hockey player,” Katz said. “He’s the heart and spirit of this franchise. Every goal, every assist, every banner that hangs inside Rogers Place began with him. This statue isn’t just a thank-you; it’s a permanent reminder of what greatness looks like.”

Indeed, Gretzky’s time with the Oilers was nothing short of legendary. He scored an astounding 583 goals and added 1,086 assists for 1,669 points in just 696 games with Edmonton. His dominance led to four Stanley Cups in a five-year span between 1984 and 1988. But perhaps more than the numbers, it was the way Gretzky played—with vision, grace, and a competitive fire—that made him a national treasure.

The statue project was initially proposed by Oilers fans and alumni groups who felt that Gretzky’s current recognition—limited to retired jerseys and highlight reels—didn’t fully capture his cultural and civic importance. A petition launched last year gathered over 50,000 signatures in just a month, calling on the city and the organization to immortalize their greatest icon.

“When you think of Edmonton, you think of Wayne Gretzky,” said Hall of Famer Mark Messier, Gretzky’s former teammate and longtime friend. “He brought more than championships here—he brought a sense of pride, unity, and hope. This statue is long overdue.”

The $3.8 million cost will be covered by a joint partnership between the Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG), local business sponsors, and private donations from fans. The statue will be built using a high-grade bronze alloy with weather-protective coating to withstand Alberta’s harsh winters. Surrounding the base of the statue will be engraved bricks, each bearing the names of fans who contributed financially to the project—a grassroots touch to an otherwise grand gesture.

Construction will begin this fall and is scheduled to be completed in time for the start of the 2026 NHL season. The unveiling ceremony promises to be an emotional, star-studded affair, with plans to invite former teammates, coaches, and Gretzky himself.

For Gretzky, who now resides in the U.S. but frequently returns to Edmonton for special events, the honor is deeply humbling. In a video message played during the press conference, he expressed gratitude to the Oilers and the people of Edmonton.

“Edmonton will always be my home,” Gretzky said. “Every time I laced up my skates in Northlands Coliseum, I felt the love and energy of this city. The Oilers gave me my start, and the fans gave me my wings. I’m incredibly honored by this tribute, and I share it with every teammate, coach, and fan who made those years unforgettable.”

Current Oilers captain Connor McDavid, whose own career is often measured against the legacy of Gretzky, also voiced his admiration. “I grew up idolizing Wayne Gretzky. To now wear the same jersey and see his statue go up outside our home arena—it gives me chills. This statue will remind all of us, every single game, what the standard is.”

The placement of the statue outside Rogers Place also symbolizes the bridge between eras—linking the championship dynasty of the ’80s to the new hopes of the present day. For fans young and old, the monument will serve as a place to gather, reflect, and feel inspired.

Gretzky’s cultural impact in Canada extends far beyond the ice. His leadership, sportsmanship, and class turned him into an ambassador for not only hockey but for Canadian values. He’s been awarded the Order of Canada, served as a torchbearer during the 2010 Olympics, and continues to advocate for youth hockey programs nationwide. For many Canadians, his story embodies the dream: a small-town boy who rose to global stardom with humility and heart.

Oilers historian Al McKinnon says the statue project is as much about Edmonton’s identity as it is about Gretzky’s greatness. “This city grew with the Oilers. Our economy, our global recognition, even our confidence as a community—Wayne was at the heart of it. His number might be retired, but his spirit still plays here every night.”

Fans have already begun flooding social media with memories and tributes of their own—photos, ticket stubs, old jerseys, and VHS clips of Gretzky’s legendary performances. Many plan to travel to the unveiling next year to witness the historic moment firsthand.

As the NHL continues to evolve, with faster gameplay, new stars, and changing rules, the statue reminds us of an era where magic unfolded nightly, and one man made the impossible look routine. It’s a symbol not just of past glory but of enduring excellence. It tells every Oilers player—present and future—that greatness is possible and that legacy isn’t built in seasons, but in unforgettable moments.

When complete, the statue of Wayne Gretzky will become one of the most iconic landmarks in all of hockey—a place where fans can take photos, pay tribute, and pass on the story of “The Great One” to the next generation. It’s a story of loyalty, triumph, and a bond between athlete and city that time could never erode.

Gretzky once said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” With this $3.8 million tribute, the Oilers didn’t miss—they hit the mark dead center.

It is, quite simply, a statue of gratitude. And it’s everything Wayne Gretzky deserves.