Wayne Gretzky was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2000.
The International Ice Hockey Federation recognized Gretzky as a player after his extraordinary NHL and international career. He entered the IIHF Hall of Fame soon after retiring from the NHL in 1999, joining an elite group representing the sport’s worldwide history.
This honor is separate from his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, which also took place in 1999. The Hockey Hall of Fame waived its usual waiting period for Gretzky, while the IIHF honor followed in 2000. That one-year difference is the most common source of confusion.
Gretzky’s international résumé included Olympic involvement with Canada, World Championship appearances and a major role in Canadian hockey administration. His IIHF recognition therefore reflected more than his NHL records: it also acknowledged his importance to hockey beyond North America.