Walter spent his working years as an employee at Bell Canada where he has retired in the early nineties.  During the years he has worked, an accident had struck Walter when a machine manhole cover blew up in his face leaving him deaf in one ear. Luckily his wounds have healed.  Shortly after his retirement, another tragedy had struck Water as a result of a brain aneurysm (ruptured blood vessel) only this time he had found himself in a serious trouble. The family had gathered together for what was believed to be Walter’s last day on earth.

            The Gretzky family is very familiar with the Canadian Deaf Ice Hockey Federation and the Canadian Deaflympic Hockey Team.  Walter has attended several golf events and is immensely popular with the fans and as well the committees. 

            A devoted family man, who mentors and coaches his eldest son to the world of great hockey, Gretzky is well-respected for his solid work ethic and straight-shooting approach to life. He will attend every team practice and our games as well as team meetings in Salt Lake City, Utah.  

            This is a tremendous boost of energy, not for the Canadian Deaflympic Hockey team but for all the Deaf community in Canada as well as for the Canada Deaf Sports Association.

Thank you.

Roy Hysen