99 Reasons to Watch ‘Biography’

Wayne Gretzky is known as the Great One, even to those who pride themselves on their ignorance of hockey or sports in general. But “what they ought to call me is the Grateful One,” his 1990 autobiography says.

Tonight’s “Biography” (8 p.m., A&E;) deftly explains why Gretzky, who is retired from playing but is back in the spotlight as executive director of the Canadian Olympic hockey team, still feels that way. It emphasizes the importance of family and friends to him as his life progressed from the backyard rink his father set up to the international arena in which he is now an ambassador for the game.

During his playing days, Gretzky dominated hockey with his scoring ability, relying on anticipation and his knowledge of the game rather than size, strength or skating speed. They were skills taught to him by his father, Walter, a virtually constant presence at the big moments throughout Gretzky’s career. And, to be sure, there were many of those--four Stanley Cup championships with his first NHL team, the Edmonton Oilers; career scoring milestones as a member of the Kings; and an emotional retirement with the New York Rangers.

Though most of the story will be familiar to fans of the game, the “Biography” documentary does an excellent job of keeping it fresh, especially when examining Gretzky’s younger days. Many of the excerpts from home movies, early game films and even a segment of No. 99 singing on “The Alan Thicke Show” are rarely seen. More surprisingly, among the many people interviewed for the show is his mother, Phyllis, a huge presence in Gretzky’s life who usually stays in the background.

Some of the more bizarre and unhappy twists in Gretzky’s life, including his departure from L.A. to a brief stint in St. Louis and the imprisonment of friend and former Kings owner Bruce McNall for bank fraud, aren’t really addressed in the show. But overall, this “Biography” hits the highlights in a compelling enough way to remind you how much hockey misses the Great One on ice.