NHL all-time leading scorer Wayne Gretzky will serve as the league's official ambassador as it celebrates 100 years with a Centennial Celebration beginning Jan. 1, 2017.
Dan Rosen of the NHL's official website reported the news Tuesday. The announcement included a statement from commissioner Gary Bettman about the milestone celebration:
A century of great players, great plays and great moments deserves a year-long celebration, and we invite everyone to join our party in 2017. We are delighted that Wayne Gretzky -- whose spectacular contributions on the ice matched his immeasurable graciousness and popularity off the ice -- will serve as our Centennial's official ambassador as we honor all the drama, suspense, excitement and memories that have thrilled the best fans in sports for generations.