Since Caitlyn Clark began playing in the WNBA, she has gone beyond just women’s basketball, drawing attention from sports legends in other fields. NHL legend Wayne Gretzky is a fan of Clark and commended her impact on women’s sports overall.
In a recent episode of the “New Heights” podcast hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce, Gretzky mentioned how Alex Ovechkin surpassed his greatest goal record, a mark many thought would never be broken until Ovechkin achieved it in April. Gretzky expressed how this kind of achievement elevates the sport and inspires awe.
Gretzky also highlighted Clark as a prime example of how new athletes can break boundaries and reshape what people believe is achievable in their sports. He noted how Clark’s influence has spread nationwide and possibly worldwide, encouraging many young girls to engage in sports like basketball, soccer, and volleyball.
Gretzky himself has an extensive legacy, holding numerous NHL records including 2,857 career points and surpassing Gordie Howe in goals. In contrast, Clark, with only 44 career games under her belt, has already shattered several WNBA records. Most recently, she matched Courtney Vanderroute by scoring at least 20 points and providing 10 assists in the most career games.
Unfortunately, Clark is currently sidelined with an injury, expected to miss at least four games due to a left quad strain, impacting the Indiana Fever and their fans.
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Fan Take: This convergence of hockey and basketball greatness highlights the universal power of sports to inspire across disciplines. For hockey fans, Gretzky’s praise of Clark reinforces how breaking records and barriers can energize the entire sporting community, signaling a bright future for athletic innovation and inclusivity.
