Fansided

Wayne Gretzky hiring a positive sign for Edmonton Oilers

By Sammi Silber

Mar 6, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Wayne Gretzky addresses the media during the first intermission of the game between the Edmonton Oilers and the New York Islanders at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Wayne Gretzky addresses the media during the first intermission of the game between the Edmonton Oilers and the New York Islanders at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Edmonton Oilers made opening night a bit more sentimental, announcing the hiring of Wayne Gretzky prior to puck drop.

Gretzky will serve as Partner and Vice-Chairman of the Oilers’ Entertainment Group. The team announced the news following the the unveiling of the renovated Gretzky statue at the new arena.

“I’m privileged and proud to be back as an Oiler,” Gretzky said.

Gretzky will work alongside his brother Keith, who serves as the assistant general manager.

He will also serve as an ambassador when the NHL celebrates its 100th Anniversary next year. The Oilers legend participated in the Rogers Place opening ceremony prior to the season opener Wednesday.

Though Gretzky’s role has not been completely defined, he will work with the OEG handling day-to-day operations. However, it looks as if he will not have major involvement in hockey operations,  as that role belongs to Peter Chiarelli.

In the end, Gretzky’s hiring is a positive sign for this team going forward.

First off, from a PR standpoint, this is a slam dunk for Edmonton. Not only do they have the best player in NHL history on their staff, but he is also a huge part of Oilers’ history. To this day, Gretzky’s impact lingers, despite the trade in 1988. Hiring Gretzky pays homage to the team’s history, and adds a quality hockey mind to the team.

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Not to mention, the 50-year-old can be more involved and serve as a role model to the youth. This means that the culture change will continue with the Oilers organization, and players can look up to the “Great One.”

Gretzky also holds a plethora of NHL records, and hiring him looks good from the PR standpoint. Edmonton has an NHL legend filling out the franchise management, and can rely on him to help the team moving forward.

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