“He was like a second father”: Fans get emotional after Wayne Gretzky shares heartfelt tribute for 9/11 victim and close friend

Recently, Wayne Gretzky posted an emotional memorial. He called to mind a teammate that was very meaningful to him. Early hockey years saw Garnet "Ace" Bailey, a teammate, assist him.

Short yet packed of emotion, Wayne Gretzky's message The motivation for this statement was really moving.

Wayne Gretzky honors Garnet ‘Ace’ Bailey, lost in 9/11

Garnet "Ace" Bailey died on September 11, 2001 aboard United Airlines Flight 175. New York's plane struck the World Trade Center's South Tower. Bailey was going toward the Los Angeles Kings' training facility. At 53, he was close to Gretzky and Bailey.

Wayne Gretzky was only 17 in 1978–79; Bailey, 30, moved in with him for the Edmonton Oilers.

Bailey assisted Gretzky in acclimating to professional life. He accompanied him on and off the ice. They grew to be like family. Their families even gathered sometimes. Wayne Gretzky shared about Bailey on Instagram on June 13, 2025. "Ace, we are always thinking about you and your family," he scribbled. It reached many admirers. “Kid, you follow what I say, and you'll win a lot of championships,” Bailey once told Gretzky.

That came true; Wayne Gretzky enjoyed one of hockey's most successful careers.Also Read: Did Wayne Gretzky Really Join Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce At The Stanley Cup Final

Garnet Bailey’s memory still lives in hockey

Garnet “Ace” Bailey was left wing. In 1970 and 1972, he led the Boston Bruins to their Stanley Cup triumphs. Behind the scenes for the NHL, he served after his playing days.He was the Director of Pro Scouting for the LA Kings. He helped build winning teams. Bailey also worked with the Edmonton Oilers in the 1980s. He helped shape their Stanley Cup team.

The LA Kings honored him by naming their mascot “Bailey.”They also created the Ace Bailey Memorial Award. The Ace Bailey Children’s Foundation helps sick children in hospitals.In 2012, when the Kings won the Stanley Cup, they took the trophy to the 9/11 Memorial for Bailey’s family. Wayne Gretzky once said, “He reminded me of my dad. He was like a second father.” Bailey’s impact, both in hockey and in life, is still felt today.