In 1988, Wayne Gretzky won his fourth Stanley Cup. He played for the Edmonton Oilers. The team was celebrating. Fans were happy. Cameras were everywhere. But Wayne Gretzky’s mind was already somewhere else.

He had something more special coming up.

Wayne Gretzky eloped and got married on July 16, 1988. He married actress Janet Jones. The wedding took place at St. Joseph’s Basilica in Edmonton, Alberta.It was a huge event. More than 700 people came. The ceremony was shown live on TV in Canada. Thousands of fans waited outside just to see the bride and groom.

Janet Jones was a name in her own right. She had appeared in such films as A League of Their Own and The Flamingo Kid.

She met Wayne Gretzky while filming the dance show Dance Fever.People called their wedding “Canada’s royal wedding.” Hockey players, actors, and close friends all attended. It was not just a wedding—it was a major moment in Canadian culture.The timing was also special. Gretzky had just finished a big season. Now he was starting a new chapter in his life.Also Read: Wayne Gretzky Makes Bold Call For Oilers In Stanley Cup Finals Showdown

Gretzky spoke about the wedding with reporters. He said, “I’m excited about the wedding, and, you know, the wedding would have been a great day no matter what because it’s something I’ll treasure the rest of my life.

But winning this will make it even more exciting.”Just weeks later, something unexpected happened. On August 9, 1988, Wayne Gretzky was traded. He left the Edmonton Oilers. He joined the Los Angeles Kings.The trade shocked fans across Canada. People were upset. For many, Gretzky was more than only a player. He embodied national pride. Wayne Gretzky and Janet began their life in Los Angeles after the move. Their first kid was born in December 1988.

Paulina is her name. Later, they had four more children- Ty, Trevor, Tristan, and Emma.Each child chose a different path. Some went into sports. Others chose acting or modeling.Now, the Gretzky family mostly lives in Los Angeles. They keep a low profile. But they still go to some public events. People continue to admire them, for their love, their story, and their legacy.