TEG Live and TLA, in association with not-for-profit organisation STOPCONCUSSIONS Foundation are excited to announce ‘The Great One’ Wayne Gretzky will lace up his skates for a special one off exhibition game at Qudos Bank Arena on 25 June.

Gretzky is widely regarded as the most dominant athlete of any team sport ever, and now Australian sports fans will have the once in a lifetime opportunity to see ‘The Great One’ in action on the custom built Sydney ice rink.

Gretzky will take to the ice prior to the USA v Canada match on June 25 to showcase the skills that saw him hold or break an astonishing 60 NHL records throughout an illustrious career spanning 20 years.

Event organisers are opening the doors to Qudos Bank Arena early for the special one-off event which starts at 5:15pm. Gretzky will captain one team, with STOPCONCUSSIONS Foundation director and former European star, Kerry Goulet set to captain the opposing team in the four on four exhibition match. Players on each team will be made up of lucky competition winners, charity partners and event sponsors.

“This is an incredible honour for myself and my entire team,” said Goulet the Winnipeg born-and-raised co-founder of STOPCONCUSSIONS. “Gretzky is not only the greatest hockey player of all time but he is also an iconic ambassador for the game. By him putting on his skates just shows the passion that he has to help grow the game in Australia and support our worthy causes. Thanks to the support of Stuart Ayres, NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport, Bart Campbell of TLA Worldwide and Geoff Jones of TEG from Australia, we were able to secure The Great One and excite the ice hockey fans of Australia while supporting Keith's and my cause syopconcussions.”

Gretzky said he was excited to get out on the ice with fans and help promote the sport of ice hockey in Australia.

“I can’t wait to get to Australia, you guys really love your sport down there. I’m really excited to have some fun with the fans on the ice and hopefully we get a good crowd in early to watch."

“The game of ice hockey is growing and expanding which is fantastic and who knows we may even see some NHL games played in Australia one day." 

"The beauty of ice hockey is it’s a better game to watch live than on TV so for me It’s about getting as many Aussie fans to experience the sport as possible, and of course we’re also out here to raise awareness for the STOPCONCUSSIONS Foundation which is a fantastic cause,” said Gretzky.

Gretzky holds a number of records in the NHL unlikely to ever be matched again. His personal accomplishments include; seven straight scoring titles, nine Hart Trophies, four 200 points plus seasons, and NHL single season records for goals, points and assists.

The Wayne Gretzky Fantasy Hockey game will start at 5:00PM and there are tickets stil available at www.ticketek.com.au/ihclassic

Please note: Wayne Gretzky will only be attending the Sydney game at Qudos Bank Arena.

As well as showcasing the highest quality ice hockey, the 2016 Ice Hockey Classic will raise awareness and funds for the STOPCONCUSSIONS Foundation in association with Brain Injury Australia through match ticket purchases.

STOPCONCUSSIONS Foundation is a not-for-profit concussion and neurotrauma awareness and education platform founded by former European star Kerry Goulet and ex-NHL stars Keith and Wayne Primeau.