Somewhere in Canada, the next transformative figure is taking their first steps. This nation's story is woven from the threads of groundbreaking individuals and ideas that reshaped the world. From the hockey genius of Wayne Gretzky to the medical miracle of Frederick Banting's insulin, from the economic engine of the oil sands to the retail revolution of Loblaws, Canadian impact is profound. To honour this legacy, the National Post is launching a new series dedicated to celebrating Canadian greatness in all its forms.
Imagining the Next Phenomenon
The series will challenge readers to envision the future heroes currently in our midst, perhaps even in kindergarten today. The editorial directive includes a tantalizing quest: to imagine the "next Wayne Gretzky." For columnist Colby Cosh, this prompts a fundamental question. What would such a successor even look like? Gretzky retired a quarter-century ago, and while some of his records have been challenged, others remain untouched, distant peaks in the sporting universe.
There have been players with more physically dazzling tools—talents like Mario Lemieux, whom some might select in a mythical all-time draft. Yet, Gretzky's phenomenon transcends sport. To find parallels for his unique, preternatural genius, one might look to figures like Mozart or John von Neumann. The sheer scale of his statistical dominance is understood, but numbers are abstract. The true experience of his game, Cosh suggests, was a privilege for those who witnessed it live.
The Unsettling Genius of Number 99
The young Wayne Gretzky, lacking imposing size, blistering speed, or brute strength, possessed a mind that destabilized opponents. His capacity to score from anywhere, coupled with an almost psychic anticipation, made him a waking nightmare for defences. He had a unique ability to elevate not only superstars like Mark Messier and Jari Kurri but also to temporarily anoint ordinary NHL players to historic feats.
Blair "B.J." MacDonald, who shared a special chemistry with Gretzky, recorded 94 points playing on his wing during the Oilers' inaugural NHL season. Without his elite centre, however, MacDonald was relegated to organizational depth with the Vancouver Canucks by 1982. In a more striking example, Dave Lumley—a college alumnus thrust onto Gretzky's line during an injury crisis in late 1981—embarked on a 12-game goal-scoring streak. That record stands as the fifth-longest in league history, a feat matched since only by Mario Lemieux. Gretzky's own personal best streak was nine games.
A Legacy Awaiting Its Successor
The search for the "next Wayne Gretzky" is, at its heart, a search for the next Canadian who will redefine a field through sheer, unparalleled vision. It is a celebration of potential and a recognition that the conditions for genius persist. As the National Post's new series unfolds, it will spotlight the achievements that have shaped the country while keeping an eye on the horizon, waiting to meet the great Canadians we haven't met yet. The next chapter of national glory is being written, and its author may be just getting started.
