Photo credit: Nitzy’s Hockey Den
Former player reveals the worst thing about Wayne Gretzky as a coach
Today marked a special day in hockey and for an oilers fans, as Wayne Gretzky turned 63 years old. On his birthday, the Cam and Strick Podcast had formed goaltender Brian Boucher on the podcast to discuss what Gretzky was like as a coach.
Boucher gave a hilarious example of one of Wayne's biggest weaknesses as a coach, being that he couldn't believe some players couldn't make some passes - and some players had to remind him that he was in fact, the greatest passer of all time. It was probably mind boggling to him that maybe some guys couldn't make like, a five foot pass. He was like, I don't understand how you can't do that. You know, as the greatest passer we've ever seen. He's probably so accustomed to being around winners and being on championship teams, it probably was very difficult for him.
It's hilarious to think of Gretzky coaching the Coyotes, watching as plays that he could make routinely were impossible for his own players. Really, his own greatness could have clouded expectations of his own team.
In addition to the passes, Boucher recalls Gretzky going off against the referees for penalty calls during games, and some incredible video examples play as Boucher speak in the clip.
All in all, just because you're the greatest player of all time, doesn't mean you can be a great coach. Wayne's stint in Arizona was relatively short lived and unsuccessful, and he's never explored returning to coaching since then.
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January 26 | 645 answers Former player reveals the worst thing about Wayne Gretzky as a coach Will Gretzky ever work in hockey again? | ||
Only for TV, not with a team | 463 | 71.8 % |
Yes, he'll return to a team | 124 | 19.2 % |
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