The Coachella Valley has hosted a number of iconic professional athletes who have come here to share their stories in recent years, from Joe Montana ... hockey legend Wayne Gretzky on Jan. 23.

The countdown is on with Alex Ovechkin just 11 goals from overtaking Wayne Gretzky as the NHL's career ... in the category. Joe Sakic, 10th in points at 1,641, could be within reach next season.

Alex Ovechkin tied Wayne Gretzky as the NHL's career goal leader ... putting him 11th (1,617) in the category. Joe Sakic, 10th in points at 1,641, could be within reach next season.

Alex Ovechkin is second to no one after scoring his 895th NHL career goal Sunday afternoon, breaking his tie with Wayne Gretzky ... call from local broadcaster Joe Beninati of Monumental Sports ...

He bowed to Wayne Gretzky standing in a suite ... Ovechkin’s goal song, “Shake, Rattle & Roll” by Big Joe Turner, blared from the speakers, and mascot Slapshot flipped the counter in ...

Through its cracked glass, I saw a front-page picture of Wayne Gretzky, weeping ... a chain of succession that began with Joe Malone and included Howie Morenz and Maurice Richard, until Ovechkin ...