Widely considered the greatest player to ever take to the ice, Wayne Gretzky has signed a three-year contract to serve as the official spokesman for Gretzky NHL 2005 and will be involved with every aspect of the game from consulting with new developer Page 44 Studios, to product development and gameplay. Additionally, as part of the partnership Sony Computer Entertainment America will be the exclusive videogame partner of the Wayne Gretzky Foundation.

Gretzky's goal scoring feats are legendary, but it was as a passer and playmaker that Gretzky's skills were truly beyond those of anyone else who ever took to the ice. Gretzky owned and dominated the game of hockey for two decades, winning four Stanley Cup Championships over an illustrious career in which he played for the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers. Gretzky is the NHL's all-time leading goal, assist and point producer for both the regular season and playoffs. Gretzky also won 10 Art Ross Trophies as the NHL's leading scorer, nine Hart Trophies as the League's MVP, five Lester B. Pearson Awards as the players' voted MVP, and two Conn Smythe Trophies as playoff MVP.

In his career, Gretzky also earned five Lady Byng Trophies as the NHL's most gentlemanly player and made 18 consecutive All-Star game appearances, securing three All-Star MVP awards. He holds virtually every offensive record in the NHL and has contributed significantly to the NHL's popularity. For all of his contributions, the NHL bestowed on Gretzky the unique distinction of being the only player in the history of the NHL to have his jersey number retired by all member clubs. "No. 99" was formally retired at the 2000 NHL All-Star Game in Toronto and will never again be worn by an NHL player.

After retiring in 1999, it only took seven months for Gretzky to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, becoming the tenth and final player in Hockey Hall of Fame history to have the mandatory three-year waiting period for enshrinement waived. Gretzky is now entering his fifth season as managing partner of the Phoenix Coyotes.

"This is a special opportunity for 989 Sports to partner with the greatest player in the history of hockey," said Jack Tretton, executive vice president, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "The Gretzky name is synonymous with greatness, respect, class and an undying passion for the game, and we are truly honored to be working with him. Gretzky is a legend and with all of his accomplishments, it seems only fitting that The Great One would have his own signature franchise with 989 Sports."

Set for a fall 2004 release, Gretzky NHL 2005, the officially licensed videogame of the NHL and the NHLPA, promises to deliver exciting and authentic hockey action. Simulating the intense action of professional hockey, the new franchise

Gretzky NHL 2005 features fast-paced skating, precision passing and bone- jarring checks. Combining true NHL intensity with all-new graphics and a deep Online Mode, Gretzky NHL 2005 will feature EyeToy capabilities that allow gamers to put their face into the game and become an actual player, further increasing the authentic power and emotion of the NHL.

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