The Great Son

Ty Gretzky, son of the greatest hockey player ever to lace up skates, is suiting up this season for the Midget AA program at the distinguished Shattuck-St. Mary’s school in Fairbault, Minnesota.

Though it is unfair to judge anyone related to Wayne Gretzky on their hockey prowess, it is something that Ty Gretzky has and unfortunately will have to deal with for the majority of his life. Even though Fairbault, Minnesota is a long way from the lights of Phoenix, he can count on being under the microscope even without names on the back of their jerseys [Shattuck-St. Mary’s does not have names on their jerseys].

Former Minnesota North Star and recruiter for Shattuck St. Mary’s, J.P. Parise, was quoted in the Twin Cities Pioneer Press as saying that Gretzky is a good kid and student that “just wants to play hockey”. The sophomore forward is listed at 5”11’ tall and 135lbs on the statistics sheet on the Sabre’s website, but is listed at 155lbs in the Pioneer Press article.

While only playing on the Midget AA Team leads one to believe that the younger Gretzky lacks the deft playmaking ability and keen sense for the game that made his father so great. However, he has managed to rack up one goal and one assist in two games for the Sabres this season.

After personally coming out on the losing end to a team coached by Andy Murray and featuring Patrick Eaves, I can safely say that if Ty Gretzky has a fighting chance to make it to the NHL, the hockey factory that is Shattuck-St. Mary’s is his best opportunity.  

Perhaps Minnestoa, a state that is keen on hockey, might not have been the greatest escape for “The Great Son”. However, the hockey spotlight will always be on if you are Wayne Gretzky’s boy.

UPDATE:  The New York Times just published an article on Ty Gretzky December 15, 2006.