why did gretzky retire
Rating Newest Oldest. Best Answer: Gretzky's health, mainly his back, was never the same after Gary Suter's hit (from behind) in the Worlds. He could still play no doubt but I think he was smart enough to know it was time to move on to other things. Other players weren't able to let go and have suffered for it greatly. In hockey I tend to think of Bobby Orr who's knees are so bad he will always have issuses walking and day to day activities.