My Favorite Cigar
Wayne Gretzky • Hokcey Legend
Montecristo White
He’s the greatest hockey player that ever drew breath, but you’ll never get him to say it. The man with the slight build from Brantford, Ontario was called, “The Great One.” His number 99 is retired throughout the league. Yet, due to either an excess of humility or a philosophy that scribes should do the analyzing while he did the playing, he deflects the question.
Today, he can often be seen on the golf course, a cigar in his hand or in his mouth. He says his current favorite is the Montecristo White Series, a milder smoke made in the Dominican Republic. Asked about being the greatest, he has said: “I’m not a believer in people who like to brag.” The question is pressed. “I love the game and I’m proud of what I’ve done. Some of it amazes me, I can honestly tell you. There are some records that I don’t think will ever be broken—92 goals will be tough.” Not to mention nine Hart trophies (most valuable player award) and 10 Ross trophies (given to the player with the most points). He won’t say it, but we will: the greatest ever.
