NHL legend Wayne Gretzky pens down EMOTIONAL note in remembrance of ex-teammate Garnet ‘Ace’ Bailey on 9/11 anniversary
On the 22nd anniversary of the tragic 9/11 incident, NHL legend Wayne Gretzky paid a heartfelt tribute to his former teammate Garnet "Ace" Bailey who passed away during his attack.
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Wayne Gretzky (Pic Credit: Imago)
September 11 is one the most painful and tragic days in world history. The world was left when a deadly terrorist attack on New York in 2001 took place. Several thousand people lost their lives in this attack. NHL legend Wayne Gretzky has now taken to his Instagram account and penned down an emotional note while paying tribute to his former teammate Garnet “Ace” Bailey.
Bailey was among those thousands of people who were victims of these horrifying attacks. On the 22nd anniversary of this tragic incident, “The Great One” was unable to hold back his emotions as he remembered his former Edmonton Oilers teammate. The two played together during the 1978-79 season.
The two players had contrasting futures after this season. While this was Gretzky’s first season with the Edmonton-based franchise, Bailey would participate in only eight more games after that season. The latter later hung up his skates and took up the behind-the-scenes role of scout.
“His 3rd cup, 2 in Boston as a player and out first. He was so happy for all the players and the city of Edmonton. He was my first pro roommate miss him every day. Kathy, Todd, and his dog Bunker love you guys. We will never forget 9/11. RIP ACE,” the NHL legend wrote in his post.
The tragic passing of Garnet “Ace” Bailey
The events that transpired on 9/11 still bring shock to people. The coordinated terror attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the White House saw over 2,977 people lose their lives. NHL great Garnet “Ace” Bailey was among those passengers whose flight was hijacked. While Bailey only played for 11 seasons in the league, he was best known for his work as a scout.
He would gain a name for himself as a scout and would later become the Los Angeles Kings director of pro scouting. Before his tragic death, he along with his fellow scout, Mark Bavis were present in Manchester, England to visit their team’s affiliate, the Monarchs. The two would board Flight 175 which was heading back to the US. This turned out to be his last flight.
Bailey along with Bavis were given ceremonial tributes by the NHL and the LA Kings. When the franchise won the Stanley Cup in 2012, they would bring the trophy to the memorial. The team would place the trophy on the panels featuring the names of those two, to give the families a chance to celebrate the trophy with them.
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Vinay Dave
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