ESPNEWS reports that Wayne Gretzky has stepped down as the Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations for the hapless Phoenix Coyotes.
In four years as the team's fifth head coach since its 1996 relocation, Gretzky accrued a 143-161-24 record as the team lingered at the bottom of the Pacific Division. They missed a Western Conference playoff spot in all four years that the Great One helmed the team.
Over those four years, beginning with the 2005-06 season, the team saw its share of tough times. In the first season, assistant coach Rick Tocchet was charged with operating an illegal gambling ring, based out of New Jersey, with which Gretzky's wife, Janet Jones, had placed bets.
The team made some poor signings, such as that of an out-of-shape Brett Hull, and finished at the bottom of the d ...
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Article written by Christopher Leone
Phoenix Coyotes’ Disintegration Continues As Wayne Gretzky Steps Down
Posted: 24th September 2009 by Christopher Leone in NHLComments Off on Phoenix Coyotes’ Disintegration Continues As Wayne Gretzky Steps Down