Don't expect The Great One to be working from the broadcast booth much in the future.
Wayne Gretzky loves his day job -- as an analyst on the "NHL On TNT"studio show alongside Rick Tocchet, Anson Carter, Paul Bissonnette and host Liam McHugh-- that much.
"We have a lot of fun on the panel," Gretzky said on a conference call with reporters Tuesday."We really enjoy being together. It's fun to have chemistry right off the bat."
Since he retired in 1999 as the NHL's all-time leading scorer – along with dozens of other records he still holds – Gretzkyhas missedplaying.
He realized long ago he wanted to givehis life to the game and saw the Turner gig as an opportunity to stay connected, which heappreciates– from the parity between teams to the stars' skill level to the direction of the league.
His friendship with Charles Barkley, a panelist on TNT's "Inside the NBA" who spoke highly of the Turner Sports team, also pushed him into the role.
"Probably, he was underrating it," Gretzky said."It's an even better and nicer group than I could have imagined. It's kind of a fun atmosphere to be in."
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Everyone brings something different to the program, Gretzkysaid, whether it's a quip from Bissonnette or a breakdown from Tocchet.Most importantly, they all get along.
"We can debate each other. We can argue with each other. And once we leave the studio, it's over and done with," said Gretzky, who welcomes the conflict."It's good not to always agree with each other. I think that's part of what's made it fun."
Gretzky and his studio-mateswill be on-site for the Western Conference Finals starting Tuesday night in Denver between the Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers. He said he's ready to travel, but not at the rates of TNT broadcast analysts Darren Pang, Keith Jones and Eddie Olcyzk.
"Their jobs are safe," Gretzky said."That's not for me."
So while one GOAT (Tom Brady) has post-retirement plans involving the booth, Gretzky appears content in the studio.
Anempty-nester, Gretzky moved to Florida to be close to his three grandchildren who live there. It's also an hour flight to Atlanta for the TNT show.
"(Broadcasters) work a lot harder than any of us on the panel," Gretzky said."Trust me."
Wayne Gretzky says Paul Bissonnette 'an incredible story'
Tocchet and Gretzky were teammates later in their careers with the Los Angeles Kings and had remained friends. That was key, Gretzky said, because ithelped the other three realize he's "one of the guys."
That's especially true of Bissonnette, the quintet's edgier wild card who befriended Gretzky's sons while playing for the Arizona Coyotes. He entered media once his playing days ended, hosts a hockey podcast for Barstool Sports and now sits next to Gretzky once a week (and more often during the playoffs).
Gretzky called Bissonnette "an incredible story" whose career essentially began once he retired from the game thanks to hard work and a passion for hockey.
"Obviously, he's off-the-cuff," Gretzky said of Bissonnette."But he's a smarter hockey person than I think people thought going into this year. He knows the game. He respects the game, and I can't say enough good things about him."
Follow Chris Bumbaca on Twitter @BOOMbaca.
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the world of hockey and its prominent figures. Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about Wayne Gretzky and his role on the "NHL On TNT" studio show.
1. Wayne Gretzky's Love for His Analyst Role:
- Gretzky retired in 1999 as the NHL's all-time leading scorer, and despite missing playing, he found joy in his role as an analyst on the "NHL On TNT" studio show.
- The chemistry among the panelists, including Rick Tocchet, Anson Carter, Paul Bissonnette, and host Liam McHugh, adds to the enjoyment of the job.
- Gretzky sees the Turner gig as an opportunity to stay connected to the game he loves.
2. Motivation for Joining the Turner Sports Team:
- Gretzky decided to give his life to the game and joined Turner Sports as an analyst to stay connected to hockey.
- Charles Barkley, a friend and panelist on TNT's "Inside the NBA," spoke highly of the Turner Sports team, influencing Gretzky to take on the role.
3. Dynamics Among Panelists:
- The panelists, each bringing something unique to the program, contribute to the overall success of the show.
- Gretzky appreciates the diversity of perspectives, from quips by Bissonnette to breakdowns from Tocchet.
- The ability to debate and argue on air, followed by a cordial atmosphere off-air, adds to the fun of the show.
4. On-Site Presence for Western Conference Finals:
- Gretzky and his studio-mates, including Tocchet, will be on-site for the Western Conference Finals in Denver between the Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers.
- While Gretzky is ready to travel, he expresses contentment with his studio role and contrasts it with the rigorous travel schedules of other TNT broadcast analysts.
5. Personal Life of Wayne Gretzky:
- An empty-nester, Gretzky moved to Florida to be close to his three grandchildren.
- The proximity of his residence to Atlanta allows for easy access to the TNT show.
6. Relationship with Paul Bissonnette:
- Gretzky and Tocchet, former teammates, maintained their friendship, contributing to the camaraderie on the show.
- Bissonnette, an edgier wildcard on the panel, became friends with Gretzky's sons while playing for the Arizona Coyotes.
- Gretzky praises Bissonnette's journey from player to media personality, highlighting his knowledge and respect for the game.
In summary, Wayne Gretzky's transition from legendary player to a key figure in hockey analysis, his camaraderie with fellow panelists, and his insights into the dynamics of the show make for a compelling narrative in the article.
