Gretzky to serve as ambassador in NHL's Centennial plans

The Great One is back.

In celebration of the NHL's Centennial anniversary, which officially begins Jan. 1, commissioner Gary Bettman announced Wayne Gretzky will serve as the official ambassador.

Gretzky, who owns a multitude of NHL records, will make appearances at various events throughout the year.

"Anyone who knows me knows that I have long revered the history of our game and the players, coaches and executives who built the league before I was fortunate enough to enter it," Gretzky said. "And it is no secret that I remain an avid fan who watches games every night and marvels at the young players who are leading the greatest sport in the world into the league’s next century."

The 100-year celebration kicks off with the Centennial Classic between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings at BMO Field. Other celebratory events include the Winter Classic between Chicago and St. Louis, the Stadium Series involving Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, as well as a countdown of the 100 greatest players of all time at the All-Star Game in Los Angeles.