Those hoping for a glimpse of Wayne Gretzky back on the ice will have to keep hoping, unfortunately.
The Great One has declined to participate in the 2012 Winter Classic alumni game, according to ESPN.
Gretzky texted that he will “be with his family for the holidays,” continuing, “[fans] don’t need to see a 50-year-old slow guy out there!”
Judging by the love Mario Lemieux (and his hat) got last year playing in the Classic at Heinz Field, you would think that’s exactly what fans would want to see. But you wouldn’t find many people out there ready to call Gretzky “slow” without seeing him lace up some skates first.
While the article doesn’t rule out a change of heart for Gretzky, it doesn’t look good. For now, fans watching the alumni game will have to comfort themselves with the likes of Eric Lindros instead. Ugh.
