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Gretzky returning to MSG for 1st time since last game |
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The Phoenix Coyotes are heading back on the road, this time to the northeast, and MSG is going to be an emotional stop along the way.
For Coyotes Head coach and Managing Partner, Wayne Gretzky, this will be the 1st time he has returned to The Worlds Most Famous Building since April 18, 1999.
That was the afternoon the Rangers hosted the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Gretzky played his final game in what can best be described as the greatest goodbye in the history of the game. It seemed like it would never end, and no one wanted it to. The Penguins players stayed on the ice, slapping their sticks on the ice. Former teammates, like Coyotes Associate coach Ulf Samuelsson, were in attendance as well and there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
His 2nd last game was played in Ottawa, and word started leaking out that he was going to retire after the Penguins game. ESPN had Steve Levy and I fly to Ottawa from Buffalo, where we had broadcast a game the night before. I remember sitting in Gretzky's stall after the game, reminiscing about a career that will never be matched. If you know Wayne, he doesn't spend a lot of time talking about himself, nor his career. He is always aware of his surroundings and takes care of everyone. He makes everyone feel welcome and comfortable. He has a great memory as well. I asked him if he remembered the 1st game he coached. He once owned the Major Jr A team that I played for, the Belleville Bulls. I was 18 at the time and Gretz skated with us at camp before his own camp in Edmonton. He travelled with us for an exhibition game and was behind the bench, in place of Larry Mavety. We won 7-0. He was 1 and 0 as a coach, and he loved every minute of it. You should have seen him behind the bench.
He not only remembered. He knew the score. He knew I was the goalie and he knew Marty McSorley scored a couple of goals! He told me later he knew our team was in trouble!
His final game was a national game on FOX. John Davidson was calling the game, I remember. On his way to MSG, he got a call from Gretz. Typical of the way he thinks, he thought of something that he wanted JD to share on the air. He doesn't miss a beat. He wanted to say thanks to many friends that either had an influence on his career, people that he had known for a long time, that he admired.
He wanted JD to say something about the late Tom Mees and what he meant to the game of hockey in the United States. He really liked Tommy. He always had time for him and I know for a fact how much that meant to Tom, my 1st partner at ESPN. Classic Gretzky.
These are some of the little things that young stars today can learn from.
After the game, the NYR's continued their classy ways and had a reception in the Windows of the World, atop the World Trade Center.
They invited the visiting Penguins, who were preparing for a play off series in a few days. Their GM was Craig Patrick, one of the greats in our game for plenty of reasons. He delayed their team charter and had them all experience this outstanding celebration.
During the warm up and game, Gretzky used 50 sticks. They were Hespeler C.S. pro aluminum shafts with his classic, near straight blade insert. He personalized and signed them to his teammates, trainers, PR staff and coaches. He thought of it all.
He used 3 jerseys for that final game. One was signed to his trainer, Mike Folga. One to his agent at the time, Mike Barnett and the other he kept, which he handed off to the Hall of Fame.
He returns as a Coach and Managing Partner of the Phoenix Coyotes. He is developing a franchise, along with GM and former Ranger, Don Maloney. They are all in the right direction. They have plenty of high end draft picks that are knocking on the door, or are in the line up. He has been engaged in every sense of the word with his team. He is fired up after a win and beats himself up after a loss. He loves every minute of it. Just like when he was a player.
He also loved every minute of his time with the Rangers. He turned down a very lucrative, long term deal from the St. Louis Blues and signed a 1 year deal with the Rangers for far less. he then signed for a few more years. He has long said that every athlete should have a chance to play on the World's greatest stage, especially late in their career. It reinvigorates your drive and your passion for the game.
It is surprising that he has not stepped foot back into MSG.
His jersey has been retired by every NHL team. The NHL retired his jersey in NY, but Gretz was not there. He could not be there for the jersey retirement of Mike Richter, nor his good friend, Mark Messier as he was coaching the Coyotes.
I would think that the Rangers will eventually retire his jersey, why wouldn't they?
This will be a magnificant evening, for so many reasons, and I know how much Gretz is looking forward to it. I am sure the Ranger fans are as well. Enjoy these moments, as we all did the afternoon the Great One retired.
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