Wayne Gretzky teaches basic skills.

Recognition comes early for Wayne Gretzky. He begins signing autographs at age 10. He's the focus of countless newspaper articles and a TV special by age 11. And by the time of this 1974 interview with CBC's Peter Gzowski, the 13 year old is a seasoned hockey star. Yet when asked if he's going to turn pro, the 5-foot-2, 93-pound whiz kid tells Gzowski: "All I can say is I hope."

It's a love story of royal proportions. Edmontonians have come out in droves to see their favourite hero marry American actress Janet Jones. It is one of the biggest events in the city's history. As seen in this CBC Television footage, well-wishers have lined every inch of the route from the church to the reception. Hockey stars Gordie Howe and Paul Coffey, along with actor Alan Thicke, a longtime friend, provide some of the glitz but much of it comes in the form Gretzky's new bride. Jones looks every inch the Hollywood celebrity in an elaborate wedding dress.

Jones talks about being in love with Canada's hockey hero.

CBC host offers to go to L.A. instead of Gretzky in an effort to block the trade.

After just eight games with the Indianapolis Racers, Wayne Gretzky is traded to Edmonton along with veteran players Peter Driscoll and goalie Eddie Mio. The whiz kid is at the centre of the trade. During a break while practising with his new teammates in Edmonton, Gretzky tells CBC Television that he's trying not to think about the pressure. The 17-year-old is more concerned with finding room and board. "I'm not ready to live on my own yet," says Gretzky. "I can't cook my own meals yet."

At 16, Wayne Gretzky is a legitimate celebrity. As shown in this 1977 CBC Television clip, news of his astounding talent is drawing record crowds. Legions of adoring fans greet him at hockey rinks, airports and even on the streets. Gretzky is the main attraction for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, one of the top teams in the Ontario Hockey Association. Despite all the fanfare, Gretzky shows remarkable poise on and off the ice. He is patient with the media as well as the onslaught of autograph-seekers.

The kid definitely has what the interviewer describes as "God-given" talent. But, as shown in these early home videos aired on CBC, Wayne Gretzky has worked hard to develop his skills ever since he was two. Whether it's practising in the backyard rink of his Brantford home or becoming the top scorer for his town's Nadrofsky Steelers by age 11, there's no denying Gretzky's love of hockey began at a young age.

The hockey world is in a state of disbelief as Wayne Gretzky bids a tearful farewell to the city that adopted him through his incomparable 10-year career. As heard in this CBC Radio clip, Canadians, particularly Edmontonians, are stunned by the news that owner Peter Pocklington has traded Canada's greatest hockey player to the Los Angles Kings. Pocklington has done the unthinkable by robbing Edmonton and Canada of the game's greatest champion. In what is the biggest trade in sports history, 27-year-old Gretzky is L.A. bound.

Gretzky's best man Eddie Mio says Peter Pocklington initiated the trade; Pocklington denies it.