EDMONTON — Wayne Gretzky is returning to the Edmonton Oilers.
The Great One has been named partner and vice-chairman of Oilers Entertainment Group.
The Oilers made the announcement today at an unveiling of the iconic Gretzky statue at the team’s new arena, Rogers Place.
Gretzky spent much of his Hall of Fame career in Edmonton, leading the Oilers to four Stanley Cup titles in the 1980s.
The NHL’s all-time leading scorer hasn’t held an official job in a league front office since he was part-owner, coach and head of hockey operations with the Phoenix Coyotes. He left the team in 2009.
Last month, the NHL announced Gretzky would be its “ambassador” for next year’s centennial festivities.
The move comes as the Oilers open the 2016-17 season filled with optimism despite a decade of futility. In addition to the new arena, they have recently named teen phenom Connor McDavid captain and revamped the roster in the off-season.
They host the Flames tonight.