Report: Wayne Gretzky poised to take over as Coyotes head coach

[Dback Jon]

PHOENIX (CP) - Wayne Gretzky is poised to take over as head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes, according to a report in Arizona's East Valley Tribune newspaper.

Citing "well-placed NHL sources," the Tribune says Gretzky and the Coyotes have all but agreed in principle on a new three-year contract extension. Gretzky is part-owner of the NHL club. The formal announcement is expected this week, the Tribune said.

The report also says Rick Bowness, interim head coach at the end of the 2003-04 season, will resume his former role as an assistant coach. The second assistant spot is expected to filled by former Coyote Rick Tocchet but likely won't be filled until a new collective bargaining agreement is reached, the Tribune said.

Bowness stepped in as the interim coach when the Coyotes fired Bob Francis on Feb. 24, 2004.

Gretzky said last month he would be reluctant to take over as head coach if the NHL decides to open next season with replacement players.

 

[Mulli]

I kinda remember this Gretzky. Tell me again what hockey is.

 

[Pariah]

Pretty soon instead of me trying to describe what lacrosse is to people by saying "It's kinda like hockey, but instead of slapping the ball around on the ground, we keep it in the air with pockets on the stick," I'll be trying to describe what hockey is by saying the opposite.

It's amazing how little impact no NHL had on Denver--a city that was hockey-crazy for the last 5 years.

 

[KingLouieLouie]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=ap-coyotes-gretzky&prov=ap&type=lgns

Coyotes expect coaching decision from Gretzky soon
By BOB BAUM, AP Sports Writer
July 13, 2005

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- The Phoenix Coyotes expect a decision soon from Wayne Gretzky on whether he will coach the team in the upcoming season.

The NHL's all-time leading scorer and nine-time MVP -- and managing partner of the Phoenix franchise -- has said he would wait until a new collective bargaining agreement was in place before deciding whether to take on the coaching job.

``I spoke with Wayne last night,'' said Coyotes general manager Mike Barnett, a longtime friend of Gretzky. ``There's obviously speculation that he will step in and be our head coach. I know he's still very interested in the position.''

But Barnett said Gretzky and his family still must ``make the final decision as to whether they're prepared to leave the life they have now, and their residence in Los Angeles, to come here,''

Barnett and Coyotes president Wayne Moss spoke with reporters on Wednesday, after the announcement that NHL players and owners had agreed to terms on a new deal.

The Coyotes did not make Gretzky available to comment. Barnett said he expects a coaching decision shortly after the deal is ratified and the details are known.

``We're going to have to make a decision with Wayne pretty quickly,'' Barnett said. ``That will be a priority.''

The general manager brushed aside suggestions that Gretzky might coach only home games to minimize his travel obligations.

``Anyone that knows Wayne Gretzky knows that if he would take on this role, he would take it on with the same voracious approach that every other of the 29 head coaches in the National Hockey League do -- full-time and very committed to it,'' Barnett said.

Rick Bowness, who took over as interim coach after Bob Francis was fired in the 2003-2004 season, will remain in the organization, probably returning to his former role of assistant coach, Barnett said.

If Gretzky decides to coach, he will take over a team that largely has its roster in place.

``Based on prior seasons in the NHL, I would say very definitely this is a group capable of competing,'' Barnett said. ``This is a group, with the added skill and character, we think can go well into the playoffs.''

The Coyotes have 18 players under contract -- 14 forwards and four defensemen -- more than any other NHL team.

While most other franchises avoided activity in the uncertain labor environment, Phoenix signed five free agents the summer before the lockout, including 40-year-old Brett Hull.

``The new building has been waiting here for us for too long,'' Barnett said. ``We've liked the team we have on paper for a year now, but it will be nice to see it on the ice. We're anxious to see what we've got.''

 

[chickenhead]

It's amazing how little impact no NHL had on Denver--a city that was hockey-crazy for the last 5 years.

I was just up in Toronto, and lot of people had similar things to say about a city that's been hockey mad for a century. Sure they missed the sport and missed the Leafs, but it was hard to truly miss a league that's pi$$ing you off.

 

[spikecop02]

The Great One is telling the Arizona Republic's David Vest that "nothing's been decided." Meanwhile, the Toronto Sun's Steve Simmons claims that Wayne is "actively looking for assistants to fill out his staff."

As for Gretz's pals, who fear coaching will be a dead-end for Wayne, remember this: The Man is used to center stage. Coaching will put him right back in the middle of the ring.