Hockey
The NHL's all-time leading scorer has agreed to become a studio analyst with American-based Turner Sports.
NHL's all-time leading scorer to appear on Turner Sports NHL broadcasts next season
The Canadian Press
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Wayne Gretzky is entering the hockey broadcasting world.
The NHL's all-time leading scorer signed a multi-year deal to become a studio analyst with American-based Turner Sports on Wednesday. He will appear during key moments in the regular season — including opening week and the Winter Classic — and then throughout the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The NHL reached multi-year deals with Turner Sports and ESPN for their American television coverage earlier this year, which will end the league's association with NBC starting next season.
Gretzky resigned as vice-chairman of the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday, saying he could not devote the time needed to the franchise given the pandemic and life changes.
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Gretzky said during a telephone interview with The Associated Press that the opportunity to join Atlanta-based Turner, as well as some other changes, led to this being the perfect time to move into an analyst role. Gretzky and his wife, Janet, moved to Missouri earlier this year to be closer to his mother-in-law, who turns 100 in August.
The move from California also allows them to be closer to their two grandchildren, who are in South Florida.
"We just felt like, after the passing of my dad and my youngest going to college this year, maybe this is a good time to move. We've kind of become empty nesters," he said. "Atlanta is an hour from Florida and an hour from St. Louis. So I guess the stars were aligned. We get to spend a lot of time with our family, and I get to do what I love to do, which is talk about hockey."
Turner Sports has earned critical acclaim for its use of former basketball players Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal on its NBA coverage.
'I'm going to be way more positive than I am negative'
Gretzky said Turner reached out to him a couple months ago about a potential role. He also received a recruiting pitch from Barkley.
Even though they are good friends, Gretzky said no one should expect him to have the same style or delivery as Barkley, who is a big hockey fan.
"I'll be honest and forthright, but I'm not, by any means, controversial," Gretzky said. "And just so we're very clear, I'm going to be way more positive than I am negative. That's just my nature. You can still be critical without going over the edge."
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Much like he did in bringing the game to new fans when he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988, Gretzky is hoping to continue to expand the game's reach.
"I think the game is in a better position than it's ever been before. The young players who are in the game today are outstanding athletes and they represent the game the way it should be," he said. "And I'm 60-years-old. I don't need the stress of running a hockey team day to day. But this gives me an opportunity to talk about the game and try to take it to another level.
"I think everyone has a responsibility who was a player in the National Hockey League to try to grow the game, and if I can be part of making Turner a positive venue for people to watch, I'm all for it. In all seriousness, I wish I could still play but unfortunately, that's not going to happen."
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The 60-year-old Gretzky, a native of Brantford, Ont., has worked throughout the hockey industry since retiring as a player in 1999.
Gretzky was coach of the Phoenix Coyotes for four seasons and also was executive director of Canada's men's Olympic hockey team in 2002 and 2006. The '02 team won gold in Salt Lake City.
A four-time Stanley Cup winner as a player with Edmonton, Gretzky returned to a front-office role with the Oilers in 2016.
In his bio on the Oilers' website, the team says Gretzky's duties included working with the Oilers Entertainment Group team on the commercial side of the business, as well as supporting development initiatives in the district where the Rogers Place arena is located.
The team said Gretzky worked closely with owner Daryl Katz and Oilers chairman Bob Nicholson in all aspects of the organization.
Gretzky was not involved in day-to-day dealings with the media during his time in the Oilers front office.
Gretzky returned to Brantford after his dad, Walter, died in March and delivered an emotional eulogy in a nationally-televised ceremony.
Turner Sports also announced veteran play-by-play commentator Kenny Albert and former NHL player Eddie Olczyk will call games on
With files from The Associated Press
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Sure, let's dive into the concepts and details mentioned in the article you provided:
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Wayne Gretzky: Arguably the greatest hockey player in history, Gretzky's career stats are astonishing. His records and achievements are numerous, including being the NHL's all-time leading scorer and winning four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers.
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Turner Sports: An American television network that covers various sports, including basketball (NBA) and now hockey (NHL). They're known for their innovative coverage and have hired Gretzky as a studio analyst, following their successful use of former basketball stars like Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal.
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NHL Broadcasting: The NHL struck multi-year deals with Turner Sports and ESPN for American television coverage, moving away from their association with NBC. This change includes coverage during key moments in the regular season, the Winter Classic, and the Stanley Cup playoffs.
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Gretzky's Transition: Gretzky left his role as vice-chairman of the Edmonton Oilers to become a studio analyst with Turner Sports. His decision was influenced by personal factors like family relocation and life changes after the passing of his father.
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Turner's Approach: Gretzky's role at Turner will involve providing analysis and commentary on hockey. He aims to bring a positive, insightful, and less controversial style compared to others on the network, emphasizing constructive criticism without excessive negativity.
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Hockey's Growth: Gretzky, even after retiring from playing, continues to be passionate about growing hockey's popularity. He believes in the talent and representation of young athletes in the game and wants to contribute to expanding its reach.
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Gretzky's Career Beyond Playing: Post his playing career, Gretzky has been actively involved in hockey, serving as a coach for the Phoenix Coyotes, leading Canada's men's Olympic hockey team to a gold medal, and holding front-office roles with the Edmonton Oilers.
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Personal Loss and Reshaping Priorities: Gretzky's decision to move away from the Oilers and delve into broadcasting was influenced by personal factors, such as the passing of his father and life changes leading to a desire to spend more time with family.
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Kenny Albert and Eddie Olczyk: Two other significant figures announced by Turner Sports, with Kenny Albert as a veteran play-by-play commentator and Eddie Olczyk as a former NHL player who will also be involved in calling games.
In summary, this article covers Gretzky's transition to a broadcasting role with Turner Sports, shedding light on his past accomplishments, the changing landscape of NHL broadcasting, and his motivations for the career shift. It also touches on the personal aspects that influenced his decision-making.
