3 ways Wayne Gretzky paid tribute to Gordie Howe on Sunday.

Throughout Alex Ovechkin's chase for the goal scoring record the focus has understandably been on Ovechkin himself, but after it is all said and done one of the things that will stick with me the most has been the conduct of Wayne Gretzky throughout this process. The man known as The Great One has truly lived up to that over the course of the past several days, showing nothing but class time and time again during what was no doubt a difficult time for the man losing his record.

Sunday was no exception with Gretzky on hand when Ovechkin broke the record against the New York Islanders, with Gretzky making sure that another man was included in the celebration. While the moment was about Gretzky passing on the torch to Ovechkin, Gretzky also made sure that the man who had done the same thing for him many years ago, the legendary Gordie Howe, was also a significant part of that special moment.

Gretzky would find several ways to pay tribute to Howe throughout the celebration, here's a look at the 3 that stood out the most to me:

#1 Gretzky being in attendance.

It's not in every sport that the previous record holder is on hand to celebrate the man breaking his record at the very moment that it takes place, but Gretzky felt an obligation to do so. The reason he felt that way was due to the fact that, many years earlier, Gordie Howe had done the very same for Gretzky himself.

Howe was on hand when Gretzky beat his record, and Gretzky honored Howe today by carrying on the tradition that he established in the National Hockey League.

"When I was breaking Gordie Howe’s record, he was there," said Gretzky. "And I said 2 years ago that if Alex gets close to my record, I’ll be here."

#2 Gretzky wears number 9.

Throughout his career Gretzky became world famous for his iconic jersey, number 99, but there was no sign of 99 on Sunday. Instead in a great display of class, Gretzky chose to add a very subtle pin to his attire, a red pin with the number 9 that was as clear a tribute to Gordie Howe as you're ever going to see.

It was a beautiful gesture on the part of Gretzky, making sure everyone would have the man he idolized as a young hockey player on their mind in that moment.

#3 The Gretzky family passes down a tradition from the Howe family.

During the broadcast Gretzky would shared an incredible story that showcased his admiration not only for Gordie Howe himself, but for the Howe family as a whole. Gretzky even went so far as to carry on a tradition established by Gordie's wife, Colleen Howe, in a beautiful gesture on Sunday.

"Colleen Howe had bought my wife a beautiful bracelet," revealed Gretzky describing the moment he broke Gordie Howe's record. "A month ago my wife said 'You know Colleen Howe started a tradition here, I'm not sure somebody is gonna break Alex's record but I wanna get her something really unique.' So we went out and she picked out an eight-diamond ring for Alex's wife. Not only do the hockey guys pass down traditions but so do the families and wives and I thought it was so cool that my wife followed that. It was an amazing day."

It certainly was an amazing day, one made all that much more amazing thanks to the incredible class displayed by The Great One and his family.