NHL legend Wayne Gretzky visited the locker room of the Dallas Stars to congratulate them on reaching their third straight Western Conference Final. Their next opponent is the team Gretzky won four Stanley Cups with.
Stars captain Jamie Benn shared on Tuesday (ahead of Game 1 against Edmonton) that Gretzky told them they were about to face “a pretty good team.” Benn admitted he felt compelled to ask Gretzky who he would be cheering for, a question Gretzky understandably did not answer.
Benn described Gretzky`s visit after their 2-1 overtime victory against Winnipeg on Saturday night – which secured the Western Final rematch with the Oilers – as “pretty cool.”
This upcoming series is a rematch of last year`s Western Final, which Edmonton won in six games before losing the Stanley Cup Final to Florida in seven games.
Stars coach Pete DeBoer called it “a great honour” to have the “greatest player of all time” visit and greet the team after the game.
Gretzky reportedly told the Stars he enjoyed watching their game and commented that they were now set to play “one of the greatest teams ever.”
Coach DeBoer mentioned he had spent time with Gretzky earlier in the year while both were involved with the Canadian coaching staff for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, which Canada won.
Extra special. That’s my era. That’s the guy we all grew up watching. He’s a special guy when you get him 1-on-1 or in a coach’s room or behind the scenes. You can see his passion for the game. He can sit and talk hockey and tell stories all night.
— Stars coach Pete DeBoer on Wayne Gretzky
Gretzky won four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers in the 1980s. He holds numerous NHL records, including the all-time lead in points (2,857) and assists (1,963). While Alex Ovechkin recently surpassed his career goal record of 894, Gretzky remains a statistical leader in other key areas.
Given his history with Edmonton, did Gretzky say anything during his visit that might cause a stir there, such as expressing support for the Stars?
Coach DeBoer confirmed Gretzky said nothing of the sort, stating Gretzky would never put himself in that position and DeBoer wouldn`t ask him to. He added that Gretzky was respectful of the Stars` achievements, and everyone understands and respects his connection and allegiance to Edmonton.
