NHL legend Wayne Gretzky and his wife Janet send Danielle Kang encouragement before 2026 CPKC Women’s Open in Edmonton | NHL News
Danielle Kang has received words of encouragement from Wayne Gretzky and his wife Janet ahead of the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open in Edmonton. The message comes after Kang decided to honor the NHL legend by wearing an Edmonton Oilers jersey with Gretzky’s famous No. 99.The LPGA Tour is heading to Edmonton, with Kang scheduled to play at Royal Mayfair Golf Club from Aug. 20-23. Her connection to the Gretzky family adds a personal dimension to her preparation for the Canadian event.
Wayne Gretzky and wife Janet share words of encouragement for Danielle Kang
Wayne Gretzky and Janet support Danielle Kang before Edmonton
“Repping the one and only 99 🧡💙 Gretzky Oilers jersey for the ‘rink’ hole, In honor of @cpkcwomensopen being in Edmonton ❤️🇨🇦🤍” from Wayne Gretzky also appearing in the comments section.Gretzky reposted Kang’s Instagram post on his Instagram story and added a message from him and Janet. Kang prepares for the tournament in Edmonton and is wished luck.The message mentioned the friendly relationship between Kang and the Gretzkys. Rather than just acknowledging the jersey tribute, Gretzky used the opportunity to publicly rally behind Kang ahead of one of the LPGA Tour’s major Canadian events.
Why did Danielle Kang wear Wayne Gretzky’s jersey?
Kang posted a photo of herself in an Edmonton Oilers jersey with Gretzky’s No. 99. Her tribute linked the LPGA tournament in Edmonton to one of the most recognizable figures in the city’s sports history.Gretzky played the first nine seasons of his NHL career with the Edmonton Oilers and became synonymous with the franchise during its championship era. Kang’s decision strikes close to home. His No. 99 lives on in his hockey legacy, and Kang is headed to Edmonton.Kang has also known the Gretzky family for years. Her time golfing at the Sherwood Country Club put her in contact with Gretzky and his family.The 2026 CPKC Women’s Open will be played Aug. 20-23 at Royal Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton. Kang will draw even more attention when she steps into the tournament because of her ties to Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers.The tournament is an opportunity for Kang to play in front of a Canadian crowd that has a personal link to one of the country’s most celebrated hockey personalities.
How Wayne Gretzky connects hockey with golf
Since he retired from professional hockey, Gretzky has also maintained a close association with golf. He has said previously that golf is a sport he enjoys primarily for recreation and family time, not competition.His golf connections have been with professional golfer Dustin Johnson, who is married to Gretzky’s daughter Paulina Gretzky, and they have played rounds together. Gretzky has even played in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, demonstrating how the sport has stayed in his life after the NHL.For Kang, the connection goes the other way: a pro golfer heading into a major tournament, paying tribute to an NHL icon whose legacy is tied to Edmonton.
Why the Gretzky-Kang connection is special
The trade brings a local story to the CPKC Women’s Open. Kang’s tribute to the Edmonton Oilers connects the LPGA event to the city’s hockey culture, while Gretzky and Janet’s response adds a personal element before tournament play kicks off.But when competition gets underway at Royal Mayfair Golf Club, the focus for Kang will eventually shift back to golf. Still, the support from Wayne Gretzky and Janet makes for a memorable moment before the tournament gets underway.
