Darren Campbell
Northern News Services

NNSL (Apr 23/99) - Most Canadians remember Wayne Gretzky for his hockey talent.

But when Yellowknife's Lisa Campbell thinks about the Great One, her thoughts turn to his basketball exploits.

That's because when Campbell was 11-years-old and growing up in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. she used to play a little one-on-one with a skinny, burgeoning 17-year-old hockey star.

His name -- Wayne Gretzky.

"Whenever I say, 'Oh, I know him', everybody is so amazed," said Campbell.

Campbell's brush with arguably hockey's greatest hockey player came when Gretzky, then playing for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, lived near her family.

At the time Gretzky was being billeted by the Bondars, who lived across the street from the Campbell's. Gretzky didn't stay with the Bondars or in Sault Ste. Marie long -- he left to play pro hockey after six months -- but during that short time Number 99 left an impression on Campbell.

"Wayne was just so nice. He was very polite and well-mannered," said Campbell, now 31.

"People always say he is nice to everybody. It's true, he really is."

During Gretzky's time living near the Campbell's, he often hitched a ride to Sir James Dunn high school with her dad, Bruce. And when he wasn't busy going to school or playing hockey, Gretzky often would wander over to the Campbell's outdoor hoop and play against Lisa or whoever else happened to be around.

It appears Gretzky never forgot the people who helped him out while he was in Sault Ste. Marie. In fact, when he visited the city a few years later and was already an NHL star, Gretzky presented Campbell's father with a picture of him and Gordie Howe. It was autographed by both hockey legends.

Although never a hockey fan, Campbell said she has watched Gretzky's career with interest. She made a point of watching his final game on Sunday and thinks he made the right decision to retire when he did.

And if it wasn't obvious enough, her assessment of his basketball talents show the Great One made the right decision in pursuing hockey as a career. It appears he never would have made it in basketball.

"He wasn't that good," Campbell said of Gretzky's basketball prowess. "He was awkward at times, which I found odd about him. I'd say, 'Wow, he can play hockey? That's amazing.'"