What Hockey team does Wayne Gretzky own?

By Jayson Panganiban February 20, 2024 04:26

Photo by Larry Wong /Postmedia

Wayne Gretzky, also known as "The Great One," is a legendary figure in the world of ice hockey. His impact on the sport extends beyond his exceptional skills on the ice to include his involvement in various business ventures and ownership roles within the hockey community. This article delves into the detailed information about the hockey teams owned by Wayne Gretzky.

Ownership Involvement

Previous Ownership of the Phoenix Coyotes

One of the most notable ownership involvements of Wayne Gretzky was with the Phoenix Coyotes. He became a minority owner of the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes in 2000 and was later named the Coyotes’ head coach in 2005. However, the Coyotes faced financial difficulties during Gretzky’s tenure, and he eventually resigned as head coach in 2009, which coincided with the team losing its ownership stake when it filed for bankruptcy and was subsequently purchased by the NHL.

Current Ownership Status

As of the most recent information available, Wayne Gretzky's ownership involvement with any hockey team is limited. There are no known reports indicating his ownership of any hockey team after his departure from the Phoenix Coyotes.

Niagara IceDogs

However, it's worth noting that in the past, Wayne Gretzky was involved as a minority stakeholder in the Ontario Hockey League's Niagara IceDogs. This partnership with the IceDogs, alongside majority owner Darren DeDobbelaer, generated a lot of buzz in the hockey community.

Business Ventures

Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery

Apart from his ownership involvement with hockey teams, Wayne Gretzky has been involved in various business ventures. One of his most notable ventures is the Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery, co-founded with Andrew Peller Limited. The winery, located in Ontario, Canada, offers a range of red and white wines. Additionally, he launched a line of whisky named No. 99 Gretzky Estates Whisky, which is distilled in Canada and aged in oak barrels.

Gretzky Hockey School and 17 Sport

In 2014, Wayne Gretzky founded the Gretzky Hockey School, which offers hockey training and coaching for children. He also co-founded 17 Sport, a sports management and marketing agency that represents athletes, coaches, and broadcasters in various sports.

The Great One Restaurant and Endorsements

In 1993, Wayne Gretzky opened The Great One, a casual dining restaurant in Toronto, Canada, featuring hockey memorabilia and serving Canadian-inspired dishes. Throughout his career, Gretzky has also been involved in various endorsement deals with companies such as Nike, Pepsi, and Coca-Cola, and served as a spokesperson for TD Ameritrade.

Philanthropic Activities

In recent years, Wayne Gretzky has been more involved in philanthropic activities, dedicating his efforts to charity work, including the Wayne Gretzky Foundation, which supports causes like healthcare, education, and grassroots sports.

Wayne Gretzky, widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time, has had a significant impact on the sport both on and off the ice. While his ownership involvement with hockey teams seems limited in recent times, his influence and contributions to the sport continue to be felt through his business ventures, philanthropic activities, and his enduring legacy as "The Great One."

Wayne Gretzky's ownership of hockey teams has been notable through his previous involvement with the Phoenix Coyotes and as a minority stakeholder in the Niagara IceDogs. Additionally, his impact extends to various business ventures, philanthropic activities, and endorsements, solidifying his enduring legacy in the world of ice hockey