Wayne Douglas Gretzky, OC (born January 26, 1961) is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player. He is the current part-owner, head of hockey operations and head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born and raised in Brantford, Ontario, Gretzky regularly played minor hockey at a level far above his peers. In 1978, he signed with the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association (WHA), where he briefly played before being signed by the Edmonton Oilers. When the WHA folded, .