Gretzky Surprises Stars After Playoff Victory, Remains Neutral

DALLAS — Wayne Gretzky made a surprise visit to the Dallas Stars‘ locker room after they defeated the Winnipeg Jets on May 18, 2025, securing a spot in their third consecutive Western Conference Final. The Stars won the game 2-1 in overtime at the American Airlines Center.

Gretzky, widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time, offered his congratulations to the team but dodged questions about which team he supports in their upcoming series against the Edmonton Oilers, the franchise he led to four Stanley Cup titles in the 1980s.

Stars captain Jamie Benn recounted their interaction, stating, “He said we’re going up against a pretty good team now, and I had to ask him who he was cheering for. It felt right, and he didn’t answer, obviously.”

Stars head coach Pete DeBoer expressed his excitement over Gretzky’s visit. “What a great honor to have the greatest player of all time come down after the game and say hello,” he said. DeBoer added that Gretzky told the Stars he enjoyed watching them play and praised their upcoming opponents as “one of the greatest teams ever.”

Despite his history with the Oilers, Gretzky maintained a neutral stance. When asked if he revealed his support for the Stars or the Oilers, DeBoer replied, “He didn’t. He would never say that and I would never put him in that spot.”

Gretzky still holds the NHL records for most points (2,857) and assists (1,963), although Alex Ovechkin surpassed his goal record of 894 on April 6, 2024. The new records in his stead have not diminished the status he retains in the hockey community.

As the Stars prepare for Game 1 against the Oilers on May 21, fans from both teams will be watching closely, curious to see how their rivalry unfolds in the next round of the playoffs.