'Long time coming': Wayne Gretzky rejoins Oilers as partner, vice-chair

Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky is joining the Oilers Entertainment Group as a partner and vice-chair. the Oilers announced Wednesday.

"This has been a day a long time coming," team owner Daryl Katz told a news conference.

Gretzkywill have nothing to do with the on-ice team, Katzsaid.

"Wayne will work with Bob Nicholson and me on all aspects of of OEG business," he said. "None of this changes the structure of the Edmonton Oilers hockey operations hierarchy.

"This is [general manager] Peter Chiarelli's team. He calls the shots."

Gretzky said he and Katz made a handshake deal when the two met severalmonths ago.

"This is a really great opportunity for me to get back into thegame and have a chance to do what we all want to do, win a StanleyCup," Gretzky said.

"I'mprivileged and proud to be anOiler."

The Oilers made the announcement shortly afterunveilingthe refurbished GretzkystatueWednesday afternoon ahead of opening night at the brand new Rogers Place.

Daryl Katz talks about walk of fame

8 years ago

Duration 1:18

The owner of the Edmonton Oilers describes the newest addition to Rogers Place, the walk of fame along 104th Avenue.

Gretzkyreflectedon the team's winning years.

"When we were kids playing here, we didn't think about the future, other than we wanted to become the best team we could possibly become,"hesaid.

"Fortunately, we had so many great players that were unselfish and had one goal and that was to win the Stanley Cup," he said, before wishing the current batch of Oilers the best of luck Wednesday night and for the rest of the season.

• Gretzky hoping to score with EIA wine and whisky restaurant
• Famous Gretzky statue gets facelift from Cochrane bronzesmith before move to new arena

Since 1989, the three-metre bronze statue of Gretzky hoisting the Stanley Cup welcomed hockey fans to Rexall Place in north Edmonton.

Designed by sculptor John Weaver with bronzesmith Don Begg, the 430-kilogram artwork went back to Begg's Studio West in Cochrane, west of Calgary, earlier this summer for cleaning and refurbishing.

The Oilers also unveiled the Oilers Hall of Fame room at Wednesday's ceremony.