Two Great Ones Return to Sport

Hall of Famers Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux, whose careers were entwined for more than a decade, returned to hockey Monday--Gretzky as a player-turned-owner, and Lemieux as a player-turned-owner-turned player-owner.

Gretzky’s protracted purchase of the Phoenix Coyotes with partner Steve Ellman was approved by the NHL Board of Governors, pending closure of the sale by Dec. 31. Gretzky, who retired in 1999 as the NHL’s all-time scoring leader, will run hockey operations for a group that paid $87 million for the Coyotes.

“The last four months have been tough on everyone,” Gretzky said, referring to delays in assembling financing for the purchase and a planned $535-million arena in Scottsdale. “We have huge challenges. This is a whole new venture for me. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity. . . .

“It’s ironic that on the day I assume ownership, Mario Lemieux [announced] his return. I think that’s great for the league that Mario is back.”

Lemieux, who rescued the Pittsburgh Penguins from on-ice futility by leading them to Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992 and saved them from bankruptcy a year ago, will return to the ice in a few weeks. He retired in 1997 at 31, depleted by battling back problems and Hodgkin’s disease. His proximity to the team in the past year rekindled his desire to play, and he began working out Nov. 1 and skating Nov. 28.

Lemieux, 35, committed to play the rest of this season and said he will consider prolonging his career if all goes well.

“This comeback, after not playing for 3 1/2 years, will be the easiest because I’m healthy and I’ve rested for 3 1/2 years,” said Lemieux, who will keep his financial stake in the club--about 16%--but will step down as governor. “It’s a fresh start physically and mentally. I feel I can come back and play at a high level, the way I used to do. I have no doubt I can do that and maybe regain the title of best player in the world.”

Lemieux will earn the NHL average salary of $1.4 million, prorated for the number of games he plays. He knows his return will boost ticket sales but said his decision wasn’t driven by business concerns or the club’s desire for financial help in building a new arena.

“I’m not coming back to embarrass myself,” he said, “A million [dollars] or two isn’t going to help this franchise. A million or two is not going to change my lifestyle. . . . My passion and desire have come back.”