Wayne Douglas Gretzky, born on January 26, 1961, is a retired Canadian ice hockey legend and former head coach. His illustrious 20-season career in the National Hockey League (NHL) spanned from 1979 to 1999, during which he played for four teams. Widely known as "the Great One," Gretzky is hailed as the greatest ice hockey player ever across the globe.
Upon retirement in 1999, Gretzky held a staggering 61 NHL records. His impact extended beyond the ice, with significant contributions to popularizing hockey in California during his tenure with the Los Angeles Kings. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame immediately after retirement, Gretzky's jersey number 99 was retired league-wide in the NHL. His influence continued post-retirement, serving roles in management and ownership, including coaching the Phoenix Coyotes and a return to the Edmonton Oilers in 2016.
Wayne Gretzky Ownership History-
Wayne Gretzky is no longer associated with the ownership or management of the Arizona Coyotes.
After initially joining the Phoenix Coyotes in May 2000, Gretzky acquired a 10% stake in the team as a minority owner, partnering with majority owner Steve Ellman. He took on significant roles within the organization, serving as alternate governor, managing partner, and head of hockey operations. This move prevented the potential relocation of the Coyotes to Portland, Oregon. In 2005, rumors circulated about Gretzky possibly naming himself head coach, which were initially denied but later confirmed.
Gretzky took on the role of head coach on August 8, 2005. However, his coaching tenure faced personal challenges when he took an indefinite leave of absence on December 17 to be with his ill mother, Phyllis Gretzky, who later passed away on December 19. Nonetheless, Wayne Gretzky resumed his coaching duties on December 28. The Coyotes' performance improved during the 2005–06 season, with a 16-win improvement over the previous season. In 2006, Jerry Moyes became the majority owner of the Coyotes, introducing uncertainty about Gretzky's role. Despite the team's declining performance, Gretzky agreed to a five-year contract to remain the head coach on May 31, 2006. However, during Gretzky's coaching tenure, the Coyotes did not reach the postseason, and their best finish in the Western Conference standings was 12th.
On May 5, 2009, the Coyotes' holding company, Dewey Ranch Hockey LLC, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This led to an ownership dispute, with potential relocation to Hamilton, Ontario, involving Jim Balsillie and the NHL. Gretzky's contractual status became uncertain, and he did not attend the Coyotes' training camp. Notably, on September 24, 2009, Wayne Gretzky stepped down as head coach and head of hockey operations. Gretzky's final head coaching record with the Coyotes was 143–161–24.
FAQ's On Wayne Gretzky Coyotes
A. Wayne Gretzky retired from professional ice hockey in 1999 after playing in the National Hockey League for over 19 seasons.
A. Wayne Gretzky joined the Phoenix Coyotes in May 2000, acquiring a 10% stake as a minority owner, serving as alternate governor, managing partner, and head of hockey operations.
A. Yes, Wayne Gretzky became the head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes on August 8, 2005, and coached until September 24, 2009, with a leave of absence due to personal reasons during the 2005–06 season.
A. Wayne Douglas has played 1487 games and recorded 894 goals and 1,963 assists for over two decades.
A. Wayne Gretzky has won four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers.
