The Great One isn’t done playing hockey just yet. Wayne Gretzky was announced as one of the skaters who will represent the St. Louis Blues during the Alumni Game at the 2017 Winter Classic.
The Blues’ full roster is littered with some big and noteworthy names. Beyond the fact that Gretzky himself will appear (despite the fact he only played in 31 games for the Blues), there are a few others who deserve to be discussed.
Chris Pronger will suit up on defense even though he’s still technically an active NHL player for the Arizona Coyotes. Is this the first time a player on an active roster competes in an Alumni Game? You’ve got to love cap technicalities.
In goal, the Blues will use Mike Liut, Martin Brodeur, Ed Staniowski and Chris Mason. Liut playing at age 60 is pretty awesome, but Brodeur is an odd choice. He has had a role with the Blues in the front office, but he only played in seven games for the Blues. Were Curtis Joseph and Grant Fuhr unable or unwilling to play?
Here’s the roster as it currently sits:
Forwards
Larry Patey (#6), Keith Tkachuk (#7), Dallas Drake (#10), Adam Oates (#12), Brett Hull (#16), Gino Cavallini (#17), Scott Mellanby (#19), Bernie Federko (#24), Peter Stastny (#26), Terry Yake (#27), Kelly Chase (#39), Scott Young (#48), Pierre Turgeon (#77) and Wayne Gretzky (#99).
Defense
Al MacInnis (#2), Bruce Affleck (#4), Barret Jackman (#5), Garth Butcher (#5), Jamie Rivers (#6), Paul Cavallini (#14), Jeff Brown (#21), Bryce Salvador (#27) and Chris Pronger (#44).
Goaltenders
Mike Liut (#1), Martin Brodeur (#30), Ed Staniowski (#31) and Chris Mason (#50).
A lot can happen before the actual game, but it’s already shaping to be a memorable event.
