The Great One's Game Day Eating Rituals
Throughout his career, Wayne Gretzky was famously particular about his pregame meal. This was not a modern, scientifically-designed regimen but rather a superstitious and psychological one that started in his youth. The foundation of this meal, which he consumed daily at 12:30 p.m., consisted of a baked potato and steak. The ritual was so ingrained that when a coach attempted to change the team’s pregame menu, Gretzky put his foot down and ensured his specific meal was provided.
His complete pregame meal included more than just meat and potatoes. It was a multi-course affair designed for comfort and routine. The full list of components included:
- Baked potato
- Steak
- Corn
- Chicken noodle soup
- Salad
- Vanilla ice cream for dessert
This meal was non-negotiable for Gretzky, who believed it was essential to his performance. The mental comfort of this routine, established by his father when he was just seven years old, was arguably as important as the physical sustenance it provided.
The Mid-Game Snack: Hot Dogs, Coke, and Chocolate
While his lunch was a fixed ritual, Gretzky’s in-game snacking was more varied but equally unconventional by modern standards. He would typically get hungry again in the evening before or during the game. Depending on the city, he would find what was available, often turning to classic ballpark fare.
His mid-game fuel included:
- Hot Dogs: Sometimes consuming up to four hot dogs with onions and mustard.
- Diet Coke: He drank this, along with ice water and Gatorade, during and between periods for a jolt of energy, noting it felt like a rudimentary energy drink.
- Chocolate Bars: He also ate chocolate bars like Snickers for a quick energy boost.
This assortment of processed foods and high-sugar snacks stands in stark contrast to the scientifically formulated hydration and nutrition that modern athletes consume. However, for Gretzky, it was simply what his body and mind were accustomed to.
The Mike Keenan Conflict
One of the most famous stories regarding Gretzky’s diet is his confrontation with coach Mike Keenan during the 1987 Canada Cup. Keenan, attempting to modernize the team's nutrition, mandated that the players eat chicken and broccoli for their pregame meal. When Gretzky saw the meal, he immediately went to the kitchen and demanded that the entire team be served his preferred meal of steak and potatoes instead. In a legendary display of authority, he told Keenan, “I don’t play without baked potato and steak,” and the coach and staff promptly obliged, ensuring Gretzky and his teammates received their preferred food. This incident underscored just how vital this routine was for the greatest player of all time.
Gretzky's Diet vs. Today's NHL Nutrition
Comparing Gretzky’s diet to a modern NHL player's nutrition highlights the dramatic evolution of sports science. Today, players work with dedicated nutritionists to optimize performance. A comparison table illustrates these differences:
| Feature | Wayne Gretzky's Diet (1980s-90s) | Modern NHL Player's Diet (2020s) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | Baked potato, corn, bread/buns for hot dogs. Primarily for bulk and routine. | Pasta, rice, bagels, sports drinks. Focus on quick absorption and glycogen loading. |
| Protein | Steak. Heavy, high-fat protein source. | Lean protein sources like chicken breast, fish, and protein shakes. Optimized for muscle repair. |
| Hydration | Diet Coke, water, Gatorade (later). Caffeine for stimulation, not optimal hydration. | Electrolyte-rich sports drinks, specific hydration formulas. Avoids sugar crashes and dehydration. |
| Snacks | Hot dogs, chocolate bars. Quick, but low-quality energy. | Energy bars, trail mix, fruit, and smoothies. Nutrient-dense for sustained energy and recovery. |
| Dessert | Vanilla ice cream. Part of the routine, but not a performance food. | None typically recommended, or highly controlled portions of nutrient-rich foods. |
The Psychology of Routine and Performance
Ultimately, Gretzky's diet was less about modern nutritional science and more about the power of routine and psychological comfort. The consistency of his pregame meal was a mental anchor, signaling to his body and mind that it was time to perform. The simple act of eating the same thing every day, from childhood into his professional career, built a powerful psychological association with peak performance. This mind-over-matter approach allowed him to excel despite a diet that would likely be scrutinized and overhauled by today's nutritional experts. The belief that his diet fueled his success was a key part of his mental preparation, allowing him to focus on the game itself.
Conclusion
What does Wayne Gretzky eat? The answer is a mix of ritualistic comfort food and unconventional, low-energy junk food. His legendary career was fueled by a consistent 12:30 p.m. lunch of steak and potatoes with ice cream, supplemented by hot dogs and Diet Coke during games. While this regimen contrasts sharply with the precise nutritional science of today, it worked for Gretzky. His story is a testament to the fact that for some elite athletes, mental habits and deeply ingrained routines can be just as crucial to success as a perfectly optimized diet.
A Legacy of Weirdness
Gretzky's memorable eating habits are a fascinating window into a different era of professional sports. His routines, such as drinking a Diet Coke after a glass of ice water and Gatorade, contributed to his mystique. He even shared tales of eating McDonald's with his teammate Bernie Nicholls after practice, a testament to the less-regimented times. The Great One's ability to maintain peak performance on a diet that seemed more suited for a fan than an athlete is a legendary part of his story. You can hear more about his habits in this interview with Graham Bensinger.
