GLENDALE, Ariz. — Wayne Gretzky’s tenure as coach of the Coyotes, a period marked largely by on-ice futility, ended abruptly Thursday when the “Great One” announced he was stepping down amid the financial turmoil surrounding the team.
The Coyotes hired former Stars coach Dave Tippett hours after Gretzky announced his departure, which had been rumored as the bankruptcy court battle between Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie and the NHL over the sale of the team dragged on.
“This was a difficult decision that I’ve thought long and hard about,” Gretzky said. “We all hoped there would be a resolution earlier this month to the Coyotes’ ownership situation, but the decision is taking longer than expected.
“Since both remaining bidders have made it clear that I don’t fit into their future plans, I approached general manager Don Maloney and suggested he begin looking for someone to replace me as coach. Don has worked hard and explored many options. I think he has made an excellent choice, and so now it’s time for me to step aside.”
Gretzky, who was due to make $8.5 million this season, coached the Coyotes from 2005-09, finishing with a 143-161-24 record, and the team missed the playoffs in all four seasons. Gretzky, 48, also owns a small piece of the franchise.
Maloney said the Coyotes signed Tippett to a four-year deal. Tippett, 48, went 271-162-59 in six seasons with the Stars.
Brisebois hangs ’em up
MONTREAL — Canadiens defenseman Patrice Brisebois retired, ending his 18-year NHL career with plans to drive in NASCAR’s Canadian series.
Brisebois, who played for the Avalanche from 2005-07, marked the occasion by wearing the Stanley Cup ring he won with the Canadiens in 1993.
“I wore it today for the first time since 1993 because I told myself that I’m a winner,” Brisebois said. “No one can ever take that away from me.”
Brisebois, 38, spent 16 seasons with the Canadiens, retiring in third place on the franchise list for games by a defenseman (896), fourth for goals by a defenseman (87) and fifth in points by a defenseman (371).
Footnotes.
The Canucks and coach Alain Vigneault agreed to a three-year contract extension through the 2012-13 season.
• The Ducks traded defenseman Steve McCarthy to the Thrashers for future considerations.
