Rigamarole - A Foot In The Crease - Episode 2.38

www.afootinthecrease.com

Operation Slapshot. Remember that? The gambling ring that was alleged to have been spearheaded by Phoenix Coyotes assistant coach Rick Tocchet and New Jersey State Trooper James Harney. Yes, no? If not, we don’t blame you. First of all, if you are a fan of the game, naturally you want what’s best for it. This gambling ring was anything but a positive thing for the NHL so understandably; many people have tried to put it out of their minds. Secondly, the story was in the news for such a short period of time before seeming to just drop from the face of the earth, there was barely enough time to implant it in your memory.

After lying low for fourteen months, Operation Slapshot made its return to the headlines this week after it was reported that Rick Tocchet had entered a guilty plea for conspiracy and promoting gambling. Because of his previously clean record, it’s doubtful that Tocchet will have to face jail time. As a result, he is now available to return to coaching when the NHL permits his return. But who would want him back you ask? Wayne Gretzky.

It seems that over the past decade, Gretzky has taken on a roll as hockey’s guardian angel. Whenever someone is in trouble, it’s Gretzky that usually comes to their defense. In 2002, Gretzky included a troubled Theo Fleury on the Olympic Roster. Winning the gold, it’s hard to question anything about that team. In 2006, Gretzky did the same for Todd Bertuzzi but this time, it was anything but a positive move. Bertuzzi was terrible and proved to be more than a distraction. Now Gretzky is willing to put himself back on the line again to help out Rick Tocchet.

Why Gretzky continues to associate with tarnished individuals is beyond me. He either is incredibly loyal or not as smart as we give him credit for. Bringing Tocchet back would have the same effect on the Coyotes as Bertuzzi had on Team Canada. Nothing but a distraction for the get go. But hey, all that was just rigamarole.