#wayne-gretzky

#wayne-gretzky

Gretzky, 64, told Variety in an interview about his new deal that he's well aware TNT's NHL coverage has big shoes to fill. "Listen, we are not trying to reinvent the wheel," he said. "We are largely riding the coattails of what those guys on 'Inside the NBA' have done so phenomenally. They know the game, but they are positive, and their personalities come through, even if they don't always agree."

On April 18, 1999, one of the best athletes to ever play the game of hockey took his final bow. That would be Wayne Gretzky, whose professional career came to an end when his New York Rangers played the Pittsburgh Penguins. In the years since then, he has - as many retired athletes tend to do - invested in sport teams and become more involved in politics.Gretzky remains a legend in the sport where he earned the nickname "The Great One," so it's not surprising to learn that memorabilia from his career is in high demand.

Dave Schultz recorded an enormous 472 penalty minutes in the 1974-75 season as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers, a record unlikely to be approached again.

The marquee event features plenty of high ticket items, including a pocket watch from the 1923 World Series given to Babe Ruth and a game worn Mickey Mantle jersey.

Matthew Tkachuk claimed he would choose TJ Oshie over Wayne Gretzky to score a shootout goal to save his life, citing Oshie's memorable performance in a crucial shootout.