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That's Sports
Those who can play.....
Tuesday, August 9, 2005
There's an old saying, "Those who can, play and those who can't, coach." Wayne Gretzky has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that he can play but now he is going to try and prove he can coach. The Great One is stepping behind the bench of his own Phoenix Coyotes to try and guide them to the promised land.Many people have been skeptical about Gretzky's decision but I think it's going to be great for the Coyotes and hockey in general. First of all Wayne-O has earned the respect of every hockey player that has ever laced up the skates by taking ownership of the greatest hockey league in the world, the NHL.
Many coaches have failed because the players they are coaching didn't respect them and they thought that because the coach wasn't a great player in his day then he wasn't worthy of their respect. Gretzky is worthy. He owns almost every record in the NHL and was the most feared player of his
day. Heck if he laced them up today he would still be better than about 75
percent of the league.
Gretzky has proven that he is a good communicator in his time with Hockey Canada, this will be real, not acting.
Gretzky also has the fear factor that he can instill in his players, he owns the team. If he tells you he will trade you to Chicago then he means it.
Wayne Gretzky will not only be good behind the bench but once again he will save hockey in the states. He is the only hockey player that is ever mentioned in the same breath as Jordan or Ruth. It might sound crazy but he will draw people to watch him coach. People will check out to see what he does differently or just to catch a glimpse of the greatest hockey player that ever lived. Gretzky will be a big draw in the desert because fans know he is an owner with his heart in the game.
Gretzky will be the first to say that he will never be bigger than the game although he is the only owner that has the ability to be bigger than the game. Wayne Gretzky is a winner and the Coyotes will be a force to be reckoned with. Out of ashes rose the Phoeni --- with Wayne Gretzky at the helm.
Gary Patterson was born and raised in Chatham-Kent. He grew up in Thamesville and now lives in Chatham. Patterson was Sports Director at Beaver Communications an Blackburn Radio for over 15 years. Gary is also the track announcer at Dresden Raceway as well as some appearances at Windsor Raceway. He has played all sports inclduing being a mermber of three OBA Championship baseball teams in Thamesville and has also played hockey and football. Gary still plays golf, slo-pitch and ball hockey and well as the odd game of pick up hockey. Patterson is a passionate Miami Dolphin and Michigan Wolverine football fan. Here are few other details about Gary Patterson: Favourite food: steak, chicken wings, chili or Kenny Tharp\'s famous meatloaf; Favourite non alcoholic drink : Diet Coke; Favourite drink: Scotch, Coor\'s Light; Favourite Sports team : Miami Dolphins/Michigan Wolverines/New York Yankees; Favourite Bar : Bru\'s Room Margate Florida/Pompano Beach Florida; Favourite Bartender : Tanya (Margate), Sarah (Pompano); Favourie Vacataion spot : Pompano Beach Florida; Marital Staus : married with chilren Hockey player : Curtis Jospeh/Todd Bertuzzi; Favourite Football player : Retired Dan Marino, Anthony Thomas; Favourite Basketball player : Steve Nash Favourite Baseball player : Derek Jeter; Favourite colour : Blue; Favourite TV Show : CSI Favourite movie : The Sting, Blue Brothers and Field of Dreams; Favourite song Life Been Good To Me ( Joe Walsh); Favourite Band : Tom Petty/Eagles; Favourite type of Dog: Springer Spaniel; Favourite type of Cat : NONE
