Much like their Stanley Cup champion brethren, a select group of fantasy camp skaters are honoring their own championship with a unique piece of jewelry from Intergold Design. Members of the Gretzky Cup championship team from this past February’s Wayne Gretzky Fantasy Camp VII have captured their cup clinching moment in a 10-karat championship style gold ring.

These rings – which are available in yellow or white gold – include the camper’s name, number and the 5-4 final game score. The ring’s top features the Wayne Gretzky logo surrounded by the choice of cubic zirconia’s or genuine diamonds. A red garnet understone peers through the logo, making this ring a true representation of accomplishment.

A similarly designed participant ring is also available to all Fantasy Camp VII participants as the high level of competition and sportsmanship displayed throughout the camp is worthy of its own honor.

View a photo of the Fantasy Camp Championship Ring here.

For additional information on these rings, feel free to contact the WG Authentic office at (480) 778-1899. Please check back early Fall ’09 for information on Fantasy Camp VIII.

Darren Pang appears courtesy of PhoenixCoyotes.com

I want to pass along my gratitude to every Phoenix Coyotes hockey fan.

I moved my family here to the desert four years ago with the intention that we would be here for a very long time, and of course, never expecting what has transpired in the last three months.

I am a hockey guy that does hockey on TV. It is pretty simple. That is what I get paid to do and have done for the last 20 years. When there is no certainty of a TV contract, then things get a little scary and that is what has taken place here in Phoenix. I am sure that this will all get resolved at some point in the near future.

This is no one’s fault, except for the sudden bankruptcy filing, and I can tell you for certain that no one was prepared for that happening, at least not inside the organization.

With the current situation, I had phone calls from other teams and an opportunity to do national studio NHL work as well, but was really having a difficult time as to what to do as I have gained so many great friends inside the Coyotes family and socially as well.

I have been working side by side with one of my closest friends in Dave Strader, and it feels empty to leave behind a friend and partner. Todd Walsh is a fixture in Arizona and always manages to say the right things at the right time and bring the viewer so much closer to the game and to the players. He is as solid as they get. The great thing is they will always be friends, and I am sure the text messages throughout the season with be flowing, especially when we are about to meet up!

Being on a broadcast team doesn’t just mean the TV group, and I would really be missing out if I didn’t thank two terrific people who love the game and bring it to the people for the entire 82-game schedule, and they are radio personalities Bob Heethius and Tyson Nash.

The gang at FS Arizona is a close group and Mike Roth and Mike Connolly have such passion for the game of hockey, and I will always be grateful. They always stick their necks out for the good of the broadcasts, and that is a very good thing.

On the production side, it started with Graham Taylor as producer when I got here and it went to Andy Bock after one season, with Graham getting back in the “big chair” again last year. They are great producers that love going to and producing the game…chasing me around for production meetings…and getting all fired up for another game and a couple of stories later. Thank you guys. The happy bus was always the best place to be!

To Liz, Meg, Mitch, Derek and everyone else involved in production, you know how much I think of you all, both personally and professionally. Thanks.

Dave Vest manages the content of this Web site, and is as good as it gets. My many thanks Dave, for being a real pro and great guy.

I am a very lucky person. I was asked four years ago by Mike Barnett, Doug Moss, Cliff Fletcher and Wayne Gretzky to come and join the Coyotes. I moved my family after 20 years in Chicago. That is never easy, as you can imagine. We feel as though Phoenix is a place we will want to maintain a residence, as we love it here.

I am an avid golfer and am a member at Blackstone Country Club in Peoria. We moved here to the Northwest Peoria area because it is growing by leaps and bounds, and close to Jobing.com Arena, yet easy to get to Scottsdale as well.

We have met some great people socially and through our church, Copper Hills, and their Pastor, Brad Klassen and his wife Elfie. Both have been great friends and will always be, and I know how much my wife, Lynn, will miss them and all their hiking pals!

To be leaving a person as great as Wayne Gretzky is terribly difficult, not to mention his business manager Darren Blake, his coaching staff and trainers to go along with Don Maloney and his staff, is not easy. Wayne, as you all should know by now, is an even better person than he was a player, and that says it all about him.

The Coyotes are one of the very few teams that have full-time security travel with them. Not only does Jim O’Neal, aka The Inspector, take care of all of us, he is simply a tremendous friend. Thanks Jim! All secure pal!

To be able to join the St. Louis Blues and their President, John Davidson, makes me feel really fortunate. I grew up as a broadcaster admiring and emulating JD and we had the honor of working the 1998 and 2002 Winter Olympics together as well as several national games on ABC. He is a tremendous person and the Blues organization is outstanding and on the rise. I am looking forward to working with John Kelly and Bernie Federko on the Blues broadcasts.

We will always have a bond here with the great fans of the Coyotes. I believe in this team, the great players and character that is on the team, led of course, by Shane Doan.

We will see each other often and I will be keeping an eye and a Holy Jumpin out for you!

All the very best,

- Panger

Darren Pang appears courtesy of PhoenixCoyotes.com

Tambellini and Nicklaus Win as Le May Doan Beats Gretzky in a Scorecard Playoff

THORNBURY, ON, July 12, 2009 – Wayne Gretzky’s second annual Nationwide Tour golf tournament finished today with Roger Tambellini earning the victory with a  20-under 265 score, taking the $144,018 USD prize purse and the coveted Gretzky champion’s ring.

Other winners included Olympian Catriona Le May Doan who took the celebrity title in a scorecard playoff with a 42-under 243 score (edging out tournament host Wayne Gretzky) to win the keys to a brand new 2010 Ford Mustang. Cassie Campbell finished third with a 40-under 245. The Amateur title went to Steve Nicklaus, son of golf legend Jack Nicklaus, who shot a 39-under, 246 winning a brand new 2010 Ford Taurus.

“Congratulations to Roger, Catriona and Steve – they all played an impressive couple of rounds this week,” said Wayne Gretzky, who was narrowly beaten by Le May Doan.  “Catriona put the pressure on and made it tough to keep up –we’ll hope for a rematch next year.”

As with the 2008 event, celebrities drew large crowds during the first two rounds, with notable names not making the cut including Charles Barkley, Brett Hull, Todd Bertuzzi, Donovan Bailey, Damon Allen, Mike Keenan, Janet Gretzky and many others. Also making a massive contribution was the local community, as more than 700 volunteers rallied around the event, providing support on the course and through hospitality, security and transportation responsibilities.

“Last year, we were overwhelmed with the support from the friends, volunteers and local communities,” said Gretzky. “There was no way we could have hoped for more this year but we have been completely blown away, with more people helping us make this event something special.”

As the 15th of 29 events of the 2009 Nationwide Tour season, fans were treated to some of golf’s next ‘great ones’, as the pros competed at the mid-way point of their season. With the Nationwide Tour’s top 25 earning a spot in the PGA TOUR next year, competition is fierce, with much more at stake than just tournament winnings.

“The Nationwide Tour is thrilled to come back to Canada this year,” said Jim Duncan, Nationwide Tour Tournament Director. “The fans, staff and community made this a very popular event for players in 2008, and this year is no different. The courses are in perfect shape and the players really love competing here.”

As with any major event, corporate sponsors have played a major role, with Ford and Samsung participating as title and presenting sponsors respectively. Other sponsors include Scotiabank, Crescent Point Energy Group, Corona, Marquis Jet, Grey Goose, Boston Pizza, Tim Hortons, PepsiCo, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Callaway, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, IMI, Hockey Canada, Bruce Power, OLG Casino Brantford, Liquidation World, PAH (II) INC., Roots, Y&R, Liquidation World, PAK-MAN Disposal Services, The FAN 590 and Rogers Sportsnet.

“This event couldn’t happen without the support of our sponsors,” said Gretzky. “It’s been a very humbling experience to see their commitment to helping make this tournament great. I can’t thank them enough.”

Proceeds from the tournament go to the Wayne Gretzky Foundation whose mission it is to provide less fortunate youth with the opportunity to experience the sport of hockey.

For information, please contact:

Mark James, Cohn & Wolfe
647-924-5700
416-400-5263 (cell)
Mark.james@cohnwolfe.ca

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ABOUT THE TOURNAMENT

Coming to Thornbury, Ontario, July 6-12, 2009, the Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic presented by Samsung will provide fans with the opportunity to watch 160 professionals play with celebrities and amateurs in a pro-am style tournament. As an official Nationwide Tour stop, players will be competing for one of the year’s largest purses at $800,099, with all four rounds televised LIVE on the Golf Channel. Two courses will host the tournament – the Georgian Bay Club and The Raven Golf Club at Lora bay – with proceeds from the tournament to benefit the Wayne Gretzky Foundation. Further information, including tickets and volunteer opportunities, can be found at www.gretzky.com/golf.

Article by Don Schwartz, WG Authentic / Visit Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic presented by Samsung

Canadian golfer Derek Gillespie has been waiting for his big break.

Little did the up-and-coming golfer know that his moment would come on a Golf Channel reality show and that the only thing standing between him and taking another step towards his ultimate goal of a PGA Tour card would be 99 yards.

Holding a slim lead on the last hole in the final showdown of the Big Break XI reality competition show, Gillespie’s SkyCaddie showed that he was 99 yards away from the pin and the $100,000 grand prize. For the lifelong hockey fan who wore the Wayne Gretzky 99 Silhouette Cap throughout the show’s taping, the symbolism was strong, though it didn’t dawn upon him until after the fact.

“I saw that I had 99 yards, but I just wanted to hit the green, get it in and scrape it in the hole and win it,” Gillespie said. “It was actually when I got to settle down and have something to eat, drink and do interviews that I was asked about having 99 yards and wearing the 99 hat. It was just kind of neat how everything worked out.”

The win was the crowning moment for The Big Break, which filmed its 11th season on Prince Edward Island. Each week featured skill contests between the contestants, with one of the original 12 – six men, six women – being eliminated after each episode. Though the competitors were all skilled in golf, show business was a different story.

“You were just worried about hitting your shots and trying to control your nerves in front of those cameras, because it can get pretty nerve racking when you see 25 cameras on you,” Gillespie said. “They literally follow your every move. To hit a touch shot, even from 100 yards, is pretty difficult when you’ve got all these distractions. But overall it was a pretty neat and different experience from what I’m used to, just playing golf.”

Also a distraction was the days immediately following the show’s taping, which actually ended last September. Contestants had to sign confidentiality papers prior to the taping, so Gillespie had to keep his life-altering victory a secret until the final episode aired.

“It was tough for the first couple of weeks, but as time went on it got easier because it had all sunk in for me that it was over and I was just trying to move on and think about what I need to do to get on the PGA Tour,” he said. “I’ve been asked so many times ‘Did you win? Did you win?’ But for me it was eight months ago. It wasn’t that big of a deal until the final episode aired recently and I was bombarded with phone calls, Facebook messages, e-mails and interviews. I’m pretty excited for it to be over so I can finally collect that money. But I’m looking forward to the opportunities it brings as well.”

One such opportunity is the chance to play in the upcoming Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic presented by Samsung. For the Oshawa native, the tournament poses double pressure – playing alongside some of hockey’s greats, while also having the chance to compete on the Nationwide Tour.

Not that Gillespie feels that pressure.

“You just try to do your own deal and do the best you can,” he said. “At the end of the day it’s a game and I’m going to have fun with whomever I’m playing with and chat it up. I do understand that it’s important and there’s a lot of money to be won and if I did win and that it could change my life – I’m halfway to the PGA Tour if that happens. I think I play my best golf when I’m relaxed out there and kind of chatting it up and having fun.”

Chances are good that Gillespie will once again be wearing the 99 silhouette somewhere on his attire when he tees off next week in Collingwood. While he makes his living on the greens, a bit of his heart is always on the ice.

“Wayne’s always been an idol of mine,” Gillespie said. “I’ve always looked up to him. I remember when I was a kid growing up in Oshawa that I couldn’t stay up long enough to watch the games out in Edmonton on the West Coast. So before my dad went to work he would always let me know who won before I went to school. This was in the Oilers’ heyday when they were winning all those cups and I was a young kid. He’s an icon in Canada. He’s a great person. He gives back. I couldn’t find somebody better to represent. He’s kind of the ultimate athlete in Canada.”

Given his recent big break, young golf fans may soon be tuning in to see how Gillespie did the previous day. Of course fans can also tune into the Golf Channel’s coverage of the Wayne Gretzky Classic, which tees off July 9 – 12. For more information on the Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic presented by Samsung, visit www.gretzky.com/golf.

Article by Don Schwartz, WG Authentic / Visit Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic presented by Samsung

THORNBURY, June 26, 2009 – Today, the Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic presented by Samsung announced that Charles Barkley will once again take part in the celebrity Pro-Am tournament in Thornbury, Ontario, July 6-12, 2009.

Barkley, well-known for his “unique” golf swing, was a fan favourite at last year’s tournament and will once again tee-off against some of the best professionals in golf.

“We’re thrilled to have him back this year,” said Wayne Gretzky. “His swing certainly draws a lot of attention, but it’s his personality that really shines at these events – he’s a great guy to have around.”

Celebrities taking part include:

• Wayne Gretzky
• Janet Gretzky
• Damon Allen
• Donovan Bailey
• Charles Barkley
• Cassie Campbell
• Javier Colon
• Brett Hull
• Ed Jovanoski
• Catriona Lemay Doan
• Bob McCown
• Darren Pang
• Gino Reda
• Steve Stamkos
• Marty Turco

Tickets and other information are available at www.gretzky.com/golf.

For more information, including media credentials, please contact:

Mark James
Cohn & Wolfe
647-259-3269
mark.james@cohnwolfe.ca

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ABOUT THE TOURNAMENT

Coming to Thornbury, Ontario, July 6-12, 2009, the Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic presented by Samsung will provide fans with the opportunity to watch 160 professionals play with celebrities and amateurs in a pro-am style tournament. As an official Nationwide Tour stop, players will be competing for one of the year’s largest purses at $800,099, with all four rounds televised LIVE on the Golf Channel. Two courses will host the tournament – the Georgian Bay Club and The Raven Golf Club at Lora bay – with proceeds from the tournament to benefit the Wayne Gretzky Foundation. Further information, including tickets and volunteer opportunities, can be found at www.gretzky.com/golf.

Vancouver, BC, Canada, June 23, 2009 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the Worldwide Olympic Partner for Wireless Communications Equipment, today unveiled its Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games theme, “Discover Your Every WOW Moment,” and Games-related programs – including its Team Samsung athletes – at the company’s event in Vancouver on June 23, International Olympic Day.

Samsung launched a new program to link fans to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games using Samsung’s Wireless Olympic Works (WOW) and their mobile phones. For the first time fans around the world will be able to download and install the WOW Public Application from Samsung’s website (www.samsung.com/vancouver2010) to receive real-time information and updates from the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games on their Samsung mobile phones.

Cooperation with Atos Origin and Omega under the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games’ (VANOC) coordination will enable Samsung to deliver the seamless WOW service for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Official Results will be powered by Atos Origin. Timing and results will be managed by Omega.

“The Olympic Games are much more than sports and competition; they are about community, camaraderie and individuals challenging themselves to find inspiration and achieve excellence,” said Gyehyun Kwon, vice president and head of Worldwide Sports Marketing, Samsung Electronics. “Likewise, Samsung seeks to use mobile phone technology and our sponsorship to unify people around the world and help them discover their own WOW moments during the Olympic Games.”

“The Vancouver 2010 Winter Games will be full of `wow’ moments, from the breathtaking scenery to thrilling moments of triumph in our world-class sport venues,” said John Furlong, VANOC’s chief executive officer. “A global leader in wireless technology, Samsung will help share these moments with sports fans around the world, including on handsets for the first time in Olympic history. This is in addition to the more than 7,000 individual pieces of telecommunications equipment they’re contributing to the Games. Both are examples of how Samsung’s expertise is contributing to the overall experience and flawless delivery of the 2010 Games.”

Samsung introduced members of Team Samsung, a group of high-profile brand ambassadors who represent the spirit of the Olympic Games and will share their WOW sports moments with fans all over the world. Led by ice hockey legend and Olympian Wayne Gretzky, Team Samsung will consist of Hayley Wickenheiser, three-time Olympic Games medalist with two golds and one silver; and Jarome Iginla, NHL All-Star, two-time Olympian and Olympic Games gold medalist.

“It’s an honour to lead Team Samsung as the Olympic Games returns to Canada in 2010,” said Wayne Gretzky. “As part of Team Samsung, I know the company is truly dedicated to sports and mobile phone technology. Through the power of its innovative wireless technologies, I expect Samsung will link fans around the world to the Games so we can experience the excitement together.”

Samsung also unveiled its Samsung Olympic Visual Identity System (SOVIS) and previewed design concepts and plans for the Olympic Rendezvous @ Samsung (OR@S). SOVIS combines the Samsung logo and brand attributes with elements that represent the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The design is inspired by the shape of a mobile phone, the beautiful scenery of Vancouver and incorporates the “Inukshuk,” a symbol of friendship and harmony in Canada. The new SOVIS will be used during Samsung’s 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games-related marketing events and promotional activities.

OR@S, located at David Lam Park, will become the epicenter of Samsung’s activities during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, providing engaging experiences and unique WOW moments for fans and athletes. It will showcase the brand’s innovative mobile phone technologies, provide live entertainment and serve as a retreat for athletes and spectators. Samsung will also take an eco-friendly approach to some extent in constructing the OR@S and will provide visitors with easy and intuitive product experiences. OR@S debuted during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and has become a popular meeting spot, hosting more than 3 million people to date.

Samsung also announced its “Samsung Mobile Explorers” program set to launch in August 2009 to spread the excitement of the Games across the world. Around fifty lucky university students from all over the world will be selected as Samsung’s Mobile Explorers getting an opportunity to experience and report on the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The contest will be open to university students in Canada, the Republic of Korea and other countries to be announced at a later date. Each Mobile Explorer will be equipped with the latest Samsung mobile phone to capture their unique WOW moments by sharing their extraordinary Olympic Games stories through text messaging and online posts.

About Samsung’s Involvement in the Olympic Games
Samsung began its Olympic Games involvement as a local sponsor of the Seoul 1988 Olympic Games. Beginning with the Nagano 1998 Olympic Winter Games, the company extended its commitment to the Olympic Movement as the Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Wireless Communications Equipment category, providing its proprietary wireless communications program, called Wireless Olympic Works (WOW), and mobile phones. These innovative wireless technologies provide the Olympic Family with real-time information and communications services. Samsung’s commitment as a Worldwide Olympic Partner continues through to the 2016 Olympic Games.

About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in telecommunication and digital convergence technologies with 2008 consolidated sales of US$96 billion. Employing approximately 164,600 people in 179 offices in 61 countries, the company is recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands and a leading producer of mobile phones. For more information, please visit: www.samsung.com

NHL Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky and his wife, actress Janet Jones, have accepted invitations to participate in the 20th anniversary American Century Championship golf tournament on July 17 -19 at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Lake Tahoe, NV.

They will tee off against over 75 athletes and entertainers for a piece of the $600,000 purse in a three day, 54-hole modified Stableford competition. They will be joined by Michael Jordan, Dan Marino, Charles Barkley, Tony Romo, Ben Roethlisberger, Ray Romano, Mario Lemieux, Dale Jarrett and Jerry Rice, among others.

Wayne Gretzky won four Stanley Cup Championships while with the Edmonton Oilers, and is generally regarded as the greatest player to ever play in the NHL. In his career, Gretzky captured nine Hart Trophies as the most valuable player, ten Art Ross Trophies for most points in a season, five Lady Byng Trophies for sportsmanship and performance, five Lester B. Pearson Awards, and two Conn Smythe Trophies as playoff MVP. He is the only NHL player to total over 200 points in one season—a feat he accomplished four times. Following his retirement in 1999, he was immediately inducted into the NHL Hall of Fame.

The American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament will be televised by NBC on Saturday and Sunday, July 18-19 from 3-6 p.m. ET (live) and on ESPN2 Friday, July 17, from 7-9 p.m. ET (tape delay).

For the fourth year in a row, the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) is the official charity of the American Century Championship. The tournament will help build awareness of the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Campaign, while raising funds for the LAF’s cancer survivorship initiatives.  Collaborating with the LAF on the 2009 tournament is a natural fit for American Century Investments, given the fact that more than 40 percent of the asset management firm’s profits go to fund research for the prevention and cure of gene-based diseases such as cancer.

For further information, contact:

Steve Griffith
Vizion Group
484/433-7757 (East Coast)

Paul Weildinger
Weidinger Public Relations
775/588-2412 (West Coast)

THORNBURY, June 23, 2009 – Today, the Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic presented by Samsung announced 12 new celebrity golfers who will tee-off with the Great One when the tournament returns to Thornbury, Ontario, July 6-12, 2009.

Celebrities taking part include:

• Wayne Gretzky
• Janet Gretzky
• Damon Allen
• Donovan Bailey
• Mike Cammalleri
• Cassie Campbell
• Javier Colon
• Brett Hull
• Ed Jovanoski
• Catriona Lemay Doan
• Bob McCown
• Darren Pang
• Gino Reda
• Steve Stamkos
• Marty Turco

“I’m excited to see so many great athletes and personalities getting on board and joining us this year,” said Wayne Gretzky. Everyone had a great time last year and loved sharing the course with the Pros, as well as all the fans.”

Tickets, and further information, are now available at www.gretzky.com/golf.

For more information, including media credentials, please contact:
Mark James
Cohn & Wolfe
647-259-3269
mark.james@cohnwolfe.ca

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ABOUT THE TOURNAMENT

Coming to Thornbury, Ontario, July 6-12, 2009, the Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic presented by Samsung will provide fans with the opportunity to watch 160 professionals play with celebrities and amateurs in a pro-am style tournament. As an official Nationwide Tour stop, players will be competing for one of the year’s largest purses at $800,099, with all four rounds televised LIVE on the Golf Channel. Two courses will host the tournament – the Georgian Bay Club and The Raven Golf Club at Lora bay – with proceeds from the tournament to benefit the Wayne Gretzky Foundation. Further information, including tickets and volunteer opportunities, can be found at www.gretzky.com/golf.

Article by Don Schwartz, WG Authentic / Visit Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic presented by Samsung

Upon arriving at last year’s Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic presented by Samsung, Nationwide Tour golfer Justin Hicks paused when he noticed his locker number. The lifelong hockey fan from Michigan couldn’t help but wonder whether the random locker assignment was a harbinger of good things to come. The coincidence seemed too perfect.

That locker number? Ninety-nine, of course.

“Seeing locker No. 99 for the Wayne Gretzky tournament was pretty interesting and a positive little thing that went into the back of my head, like ‘Wow, that’s kind of neat. Maybe it’ll be my week or something,’” said Hicks, who went on to win last year’s classic. “Sometimes you need a little something like that to get you thinking that things are going to go your way.”

More than coincidence, of course, is needed to win at the Wayne Gretzky Classic, an annual pro-am style stop on the Nationwide Tour. This year’s classic is set for July 6 – 12 at the Georgian Bay Club and the Raven at Lora Bay in Collingwood, Ontario and features a slew of celebrities and former professional athletes paired with fellow amateurs and players on the Nationwide Tour.

“I think there’s a neat alignment with the hockey playing celebrities and the professionals on the Nationwide Tour,” said Jim Duncan, Nationwide Tour Tournament Director. “I think the road to the top level has a lot of similarities. I don’t think there’s ever been a hockey player that hasn’t had to take a 13-hour drive in a bus or had to drive to get to one place or another. I think our players really enjoy the fact that a lot of them get to play with professional athletes in a pro-am format.”

There’s a certain connection that gets made each year between the golfers and the celebrity amateurs, especially the former athletes who have been bitten by the golf bug since retiring from the sport where they first excelled.

“I think a lot of them watch us play and realize that while they were obviously once at the top of their sports, we’re at the top of ours,” Hicks said. “I think they definitely appreciate what we do. There have been times when I’ve played in other pro-am events and they’re just as interested in us as we are in them, asking things like ‘How did you hit that shot’ or ‘What were you thinking.’ Once you were a professional athlete in one sport it transfers over and they want to be as good as they can be in other sports too. They’re used to being around the crowds and knowing what it’s like to perform under pressure. I think that they really appreciate that with what we do with our games.”

Fans attending the Wayne Gretzky Classic will also appreciate the quality of play from the Nationwide Tour professionals. Generally thought of as a stepping stone to the PGA Tour, the Nationwide Tour has grown to become one of the most respected and competitive golf tours in the game today. Players on the Nationwide Tour such as Brian Gay, Jason Gore, Michael Sim and Camilo Villegas have gone on to success on the PGA Tour, while some golfers that have earned their PGA Tour playing card continue to compete in an occasional Nationwide Tour event.

“The gap between guys playing on the PGA Tour and the Nationwide Tour has gotten pretty slim,” Duncan said. “I don’t think the public knows how close that gap is. But I think when they get out and see how good these guys can play, it’s pretty shocking.”

Hicks understands the tough competition that exists on the Nationwide Tour and expects nothing less at this year’s Wayne Gretzky Classic. A repeat victory is anything but a sure thing, though he does expect to draw upon last year’s success in Collingwood and his familiarity with both the courses and the area, which is the closest stop on the tour to his home and family in Michigan.

Of course, luck sometimes plays a role in sports and it’s yet to be seen who will find himself face-to-face with locker No. 99.

“I’m kind of interested to see what goes on with that,” Hicks said. “I don’t like to read too much into things like that, but it would certainly be a nice thing to see if I show up and get No. 99 again. I just think that Wayne has done so much for hockey and his country that anytime you’re able to draw some energy from that I think it’s a positive thing to have in your favor.”

Article by Don Schwartz, WG Authentic / Visit Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic presented by Samsung

RICHMOND HILL, Ontario – The 2008-2009 season marked the 75th anniversary of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA).  It was celebrated through a series of special events, recognition programs, commemorative merchandise and memorabilia.  It focused on our proud past, current state and exciting future.

As part of the 75th Anniversary season celebration, the OMHA launched a search for the All-Time OMHA Great Team.  The poll consisted of choices from groups of forwards, defensemen, goaltenders, on-ice officials, coaches and executives.  The OMHA All-Time Great Team was officially announced during the OMHA Annual General Meeting weekend on June 12th and 13th.

Leading vote-getters are:

Forwards
Wayne Gretzky, Brantford
Doug Gilmour, Kingston
Syl Apps, Paris

Defense
Bobby Orr, Parry Sound
Rob Blake, Simcoe

Goalie
Curtis Joseph, Keswick

Coach
Roger Neilson, Peterborough

Officials
Ray Scapinello, Guelph
Kerry Fraser, Sarnia
Bill McCreary, Guelph

Executive
Jim Rutherford, Beeton

Each person named in the All-Time Great Poll was chosen based on at least two of the following criteria:
·         Played in the OMHA at one point during their minor hockey
·         Was part of a Committee or Advisory Role with the OMHA in some fashion
·         Was a part of the National Hockey League
·         Their Hometown is a current OMHA Member Association

The OMHA worked with the NHL Alumni, NHLPA, NHL and Hockey Hall of Fame on a special recognition program for these recipients.  This includes a donation by the NHLPA Goals and Dreams Fund of five sets of hockey equipment to less fortunate players in the All-Time Great’s hometown, and a special banner presentation in the All-Time Great’s hometown.

To learn more please contact:

Kevin Boston, Ontario Minor Hockey Association
P: (905) 780-2174
E-mail: kboston@omha.net

About the Ontario Minor Hockey Association
The Ontario Minor Hockey Association, founded in 1935, is the largest minor hockey association in the world and oversees a participant base of 300,000 consisting of players, coaches, trainers, officials, hockey volunteers and parents across the province. The OMHA has 260 active member minor hockey associations and annually coordinates 31 leagues and approximately 600 development clinics throughout Ontario.  For more information, visit www.omha.net.