Statement From Wayne Gretzky Regarding Sale Of Coyotes
I’m pleased that today’s decision by Judge Baum resolves much of the uncertainty surrounding the Phoenix Coyotes. This positive step will now allow the organization to focus all its energy on the current season. I’m confident the team will build on their early successes and renew the loyalty of many hockey fans in the Phoenix area. I know the NHL will now do its utmost to find an excellent owner for the franchise going forward.
I wish for nothing but the best for the Phoenix Coyotes, their fans and the City of Glendale.
- Wayne
Tags: Gretzky, NHL, phoenix coyotes, wayne gretzky
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Mr. Gretzky. While you have been very gracious to the City of Glendale, the Phoenix Coyotes organization and the NHL, I find it particularly distasteful that the NHL executive group has swept you aside without any consideration for your financial compensation or consideration for the years of effort you put into making the NHL successful in the United States. That is morally and ethically wrong.
It will not be very long before Bettman and the others will come to you to legitimize their activities by agreeing to attend their functions in front of millions of fans, for example the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Do not do it. This will truly cause you to lose the respect of many people who believe you are a decent, hard working man worthy of much better treatment. Show the youth of our land that there are certain principles worth standing up for, and your situation is one really good example. You have provided an excellent model for all to observe and practice. Use your talent and character to continue to lead as a part of Team Canada, or perhaps as a member of the NHL Players advisory board. There are many alternatives available.
Please don’t give in to those who have used you and your fame for their own gain. That would truly be losing. You’re a much better man that that. All the best in the future.
Doug Danter
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:31 pm
oh yeah wayne. bettman will come snivvelling back like the coward he is and you should tell to kiss your you know what. then you should help ballsillie put a team in hamilton…. the coyotes. lol hahaha
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:14 pm
Mr. Gretzky,
You are the most honorable person, and your integrity inspires me. Your attitude is just as incredible as your talent. Hockey is so very lucky to have you.
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:26 am
Gretz,
Hockey isn’t the same with you out of the picture. This reminds me when you retired back in 99. I completely stopped watching the game that I grew to love. Throughout your entire NHL career you always had pressure from the media, coaches, and of course the fans to be the best and you were! As you moved forward and became a coach it all began again with the pressure. You will always be remembered as the NHL’s all time leading goal scorer the “Great One”. For that being said the pressure builds even more and the world begins to expect miracles from you. You did your best with what you had to work with and for what you accomplished I applaud you and thank you for what you have done for this beautiful sport we call Hockey. You have put the Phoenix Coyotes on the map just by branding your name into the franchise and in my opinion they were very lucky to have you as their head coach/part owner. I personally would travel all over Canada & the U.S. just to catch a glimpse of my idol coaching. So Wayne I am saying this from the bottom of my heart please come back soon because I’d love to start watching hockey again. The sport that you became the master of just isn’t the same without you!
We love you Wayne! Your biggest fan in Toronto Sam Fazio.
November 5th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
i really wish you would concentrate on hockey in canada. they don’t appreciate you there . its all about money. that’s all it is for them
January 23rd, 2010 at 5:52 pm
I’ve never been to Phoenix. Eventhough Mr.Gretzky is not part of the visible day to day operations in Glendale, I could be fairly certain that he has probably made a significant enough of an impact on Hockey in Arizona to give the frandchise the formidable oppurtunity to survive and prosper.He was a “TrailBlazer” of new heroes that paved the way for the sport of Hockey and enhanced the success of the N.H.L like no person has or ever will. It was an honour to just be a young hockey player during his historic tenure in the N.H.L.
Sincerely, Ray