Born and raised in Brantford, Ontario, Gretzky honed his skills on a backyard rink and regularly played minor hockey at a level far above his peers. At six years of age, Wayne was playing at a higher level than his 10-year-old teammates. The sweaters for 10-year-olds were far too large for Wayne, who coped by tucking the sweater into his pants on the right side. Gretzky continued doing this throughout his NHL career, which is why his gamers have that custom velcro on the tail. Despite his unimpressive size and strength, Gretzky's intelligence, stamina, and reading of the game were unrivaled. He was adept at dodging checks from opposing players, and consistently anticipated where the puck was going to be and executed the right move at the right time. Gretzky became known for setting up behind his opponent's net, an area that was nicknamed "Gretzky's office". From modest beginnings with doubtful expectations in the pro’s, he became without a doubt, the greatest hockey player in history. After his retirement in 1999, Gretzky was immediately inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. The NHL retired his jersey number 99 league-wide. This is the earliest known example of a young Wayne practicing his calligraphy, iconic signature and #99. Anyone can own a PSA 9 Gretzky - there are almost 100 in circulation, this is ultra rare and historic. It is the earliest example of Wayne using ‘99’, 3 years before he actually wore the number. At age 14, Wayne was playing for the Toronto Nationals and was already starting to get requests for his autograph. Likely still trying to decide what he wanted his signature to look like, this sheet shows his practice runs. Executed by a 14-year-old wunderkind, while staying with the Cornish family when he was playing for the Toronto/Seneca Nationals in 1975-77. The JSA letter states in part 'The inscriptions were penned in the hand of Wayne Gretzky.' This historic sheet has the provenance of hailing directly from Bill Cornish, who was Wayne’s legal handler at the time. The 6”x9” off-white sheet features four different embryonic iterations in blue ballpoint, along with additional doodles, including ‘#99’. Wayne transitioned from his #9, to #99 after joining the Greyhounds in 1977-78. Cornish has noted that Wayne was already inundated for signature requests and recognized the need to be able to rely on a fast and legible signature. There is a vintage black and white photo of a teen Gretzky above the sheet. Matted and framed in a 13” x 26” display. Once accompanied by a Cornish LOA, which has been misplaced over time. Accompanied by full JSA LOA.