Comments on: Report: Gretzky a no-go for Winter Classic alumni game

By: ballsohardu

ballsohardu — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:25:24 +0000

Best player ever. Miss the great one

By: atwatercrushesokoye

atwatercrushesokoye — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 01:42:31 +0000

Back during the original outdoor classic in 2003 Gretzky made it very clear that he had NO interest in playing in alumni games unless it was something like that IN Edmonton, I’m guessing he’d make the exception as well for a game in New York. He has no connection to Philly so I’m not sure why he would play there.

By: donttouchthedirtypenny

donttouchthedirtypenny — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:04:56 +0000

The only alumni game I want to see Gretz play in is for the Oilers.

By: xxakshunxx

xxakshunxx — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 23:19:51 +0000

I would think the NHL would be happy he’s not playing…they’ve already got a good amount of former all stars in the game to get people to watch and now they can have the Kings or Oilers in a winter classic in the near future and milk it with Gretzky coming back to be the spotlight for the alumni game

By: 8man

8man — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 22:28:24 +0000

If I were Philly fan, I’d be insulted. Maybe it’s because McSorley won’t be there to have his back.

By: nhlbruins90

nhlbruins90 — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:41:49 +0000

Given all that Gretzky did for the NHL over his career, there must be more to the story. This guy bent over backwards every day to help the league. Every game he played, in every city, every night … he was the go-to guy for an interview in front of the camera. And in every interview, he put the NHL in a good light. Lots of grunt work most super stars wouldn’t be bothered with.

By: govtminion

govtminion — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:01:49 +0000

Very disappointing news… even more sad because of the caveat that if the game were in New York he WOULD play. Really? I’m no fan of Philadelphia myself, but… come on man, it’s one day, it’s the Winter Classic, it’s a chance to put on skates and see old friends and teammates again… do the right thing and make an appearance.

If he’d blamed it on the NHL still owing him a small ransom, I’d almost be on his side. If it’s that he just can’t be troubled to go to Philly instead of New York, that’s really a shame.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:42:58 +0000

That’s a damn shame. I’d love to see the Great One on the open-air ice.