Surrey minor hockey player gets attention of Wayne Gretzky after playing Canucks intermission game
There’s no better intermission entertainment at Vancouver Canucks games than the children’s hockey game.
And when the kids come off the ice, one player is selected for an always-unpredictable post-game interview.
On Tuesday, KJ of Surrey Thunder’s U7 team was peppered with questions from in-arena host Ronil Desai.
He handled them with ease.
How was the experience? “Awesome.”
Were you nervous? “No.”
Your favourite thing about playing the game? “Having fun.”
KJ had the attention of the whole arena when he got down on the ground to show off his epic Superman celebration, before giving a curious answer about his favourite Canuck.
“Wayne Gretzky,” the young man said.
Must watch: Friends son was featured on Canucks in-arena broadcast, was very poised, but he misheard a question about his favorite Canuck thinking he meant player, so he replied, "Wayne Gretzky". The Great One saw it, and gave him a heartfelt phone call and surprise. Just watch!! pic.twitter.com/SLDx8i0iQS
— Dr. Dangles (@DrDangles87) February 2, 2026
While Gretzky never played for the Canucks (though he did come close to signing with Vancouver in 1996), that turned out to be the best answer KJ gave, because it earned him a phone call from the Great One himself.
“Even though I didn’t play for the Canucks, I played on Team Canada, so I am a Canuck,” Gretzky told the smiling young fan via a phone call.
“I’m going to send you a jersey to your house, because I thought it was so cool. I thought some of your friends might tease you that you didn’t know [I didn’t play] on the Canucks.”
“Enjoy yourself and root for Team Canada at the Olympics… Have fun playing hockey.”
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