Hockey great, Wayne Gretzky, is a popular motivational speaker says booking agent, PFP Talent

If you are looking for a motivational sports speaker for your next event, look no further than former NHL legend, Wayne Gretzky. To hire Wayne Gretzky for a personal appearance, endorsement or as a motivational sports speaker, for Wayne Gretzky speaker and Wayne Gretzky booking agent information, call 1.800.966.1380.

Upon Gretzky’s retirement on April 18, 1999, he held forty regular-season records, fifteen playoff records, and six All-Star records. He is the only NHL player to total over 200 points in one season – a feat he accomplished four times. In addition, he tallied over 100 points in 16 professional seasons, 14 of them consecutive. Gretzky’s jersey number, 99, has been retired by all teams in the National Hockey League. He was voted one of six players to the International Ice Hockey Federation’s (IIHF) Centennial All-Star Team in a poll conducted by a group of 56 experts from 16 countries.

After his retirement in 1999, he was immediately inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, and is the most recent player to have the waiting period waived. He became Executive Director for the Canadian national men’s hockey team during the 2002 Winter Olympics, in which the team won a gold medal. In 2000 he became part owner of the Phoenix Coyotes, and following the 2004–05 NHL lockout he became the team’s head coach.

Gretzky stepped down as head coach and head of hockey operations of the Coyotes  on September 24, 2009.

As of May 2008, Gretzky’s current business ventures include the “Wayne Gretzky’s” restaurant in Toronto near the Rogers Centre in downtown Toronto, opened in partnership with John Bitove in 1993. Gretzky is also a partner in First Team Sports, a maker of sports equipment and Worldwide Roller Hockey, Inc., an operator of roller hockey rinks. He has endorsed and launched a wide variety of products, from pillow cases to insurance.

Related hockey speakers:
Mike Eruzione speaker
Mike Bossy speaker

PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency is a sports speakers bureau and top booking agent for hockey speakers, athlete appearances, endorsement deals and bookings. We assist corporations in booking Wayne Gretzky for events. Call 1.800.966.1380 for more info.

Former hockey great, Mike Bossy, is a popular motivational speaker says booking agent, PFP Talent.

If you are looking for a motivational sports speaker for your next event, look no further than former NHL Hall of Famer, Mike Bossy. To hire Mike Bossy as a motivational sports speaker. For Mike Bossy speaker and Mike Bossy booking agent information, call 1.800.966.1380.

Known for his powerful shot and among the league’s goal scoring leaders, Bossy is considered one of the greatest bona-fide snipers in hockey history. Though his career was cut short by injuries, Bossy’s dominance is exemplified by his .762 goals-per-game ratio, the best in NHL history.

Known for his clean play, Bossy never resorted to fighting and was one of the first hockey players to speak out against violence on the ice, and won the Lady Byng Trophy for gentlemanly play three times in 1983, 1984 and 1986.

Bossy is also remembered for being able to score goals in remarkable ways, the most incredible being in the 1982 Stanley Cup Finals against the Vancouver Canucks when, up-ended by a check from Tiger Williams and flying several feet in the air, parallel to the ice, Bossy nonetheless managed to hook the puck with his stick and score.

Bossy played his last NHL game in 1987, at the age of 30, after taking a year off he officially retired in 1988. He worked as a television broadcaster for the Quebec Nordiques until 1990.

Bossy then did a three-year stint as part of the morning zoo crew on CKOI, a French-language radio station in Montreal. He started out doing promotional work for Humpty Dumpty in the late 1990s, a snack-food manufacturer based in eastern Canada. He became the Quebec sales director of the company in 2003

On October 13, 2006, the Islanders held a news conference to announce that Bossy had rejoined the organization, working with the front office in sponsor and fan development.

Bossy holds the current NHL record for most consecutive 50+ goal seasons with nine. Additionally, both he and Gretzky are the only players ever to have scored 60 or more goals in as many as five seasons. Unlike Gretzky, however, who played 20 seasons and 1,487 games, Bossy was healthy enough only for 10, of which only the first nine were full and just over half the games.

Bossy was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991. His #22 jersey was retired by the Islanders on March 3, 1992. In 1998, he was ranked number 20 on The Hockey News’ list of the 100 Greatest Hockey Players, despite having an injury-shortened career.

Related hockey speakers:
Mike Eruzione speaker
Wayne Gretzky speaker

PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency is a sports speakers bureau and top booking agent for hockey speakers, athlete appearances, endorsement deals and bookings. We assist corporations in booking Mike Bossy for events. Call 1.800.966.1380 for more info.

Mike Eruzione is a popular speaker says PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency

The highlight for Eruzione was scoring the game-winning goal against the heavily favored Soviet Union. That victory against the Soviets advanced the U.S to the finals where they defeated Finland to win the gold medal.

Eruzione retired from competition after the Olympics, despite contract offers from the New York Rangers, stating that he’d reached the pinnacle of achievement already. Eruzione then became a television broadcaster, grabbing the microphone at Rangers and New Jersey Devils games and for the NHL on USA Network, and going on to comment at five Olympic Games, working for both ABC and CBS.

Today, Eruzione is a much sought-after corporate spokesperson and motivational speaker, says PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency.

10. British Open - For the serious golfer, a trip to St. Andrews is a pilgrimage to where golf began. Many of golf’s greatest moments have occurred at the British Open, including last year’s near-win by Tom Watson.

9. Red Sox vs. Yankees – You can argue about the greatest rivalry in sports, but I don’t think anyone can argue that the Yankees vs. Red Sox is at or near the top. The fans hate each other and the atmosphere is electric, especially late in the season if the games mean something.

8. Army vs. Navy – Maybe this isn’t the BCS title game, but the pageantry surrounded this classic rivalry and the emotions it stirs is something very unique.

7. World Cup – In almost every country except the U.S., soccer is the most popular sport and the World Cup is the culminating event. This summer’s World Cup in South Africa promises to be the most watched event in tv sports history.

6. World Series - The World Series is special given its history. Be lucky enough to catch a game at either Fenway Park or Yankees Stadium and you’ll be treated to a very special experience.

5. Kentucky Derby – Even if you’re not a horse racing fan, the Kentucky Derby is a fun event to attend. It’s a spectacle, from women wearing the big hats to the Mint Juleps (which, by the way, I think taste horrible).

4. Final Four – The NCAA basketball tournament is the best tournament in American sports. And the excitement level reaches a fever-pitch at the Final Four with teams vying for a spot in the Monday finals. And if you’re team happens to be one of the remaining four, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

3. Stanley Cup Game 7 – Even though I’m not much of a hockey fan, I’m hard pressed to find a more exciting sporting event than a game 7 Stanley Cup final. The excitement and intensity level is unrivaled.

2. Super Bowl - Nothing compares to the Super Bowl in terms of the hype. It’s almost become a national holiday with tens of millions of viewers tuning in. Add in all the events and the chance to rub shoulders with greats such as John Elway and Joe Montana, and everyone should attend at least one.

1. Masters – This is my favorite event. You have to pinch yourself the first time you enter the hallowed grounds of Augusta National. It’s more beautiful in person than you can ever see on tv. And there’s nothing like following the leaders through Amen Corner on Sunday.

Mike Eruzione, Olympic hero & sports motivational speaker

A graduate of Boston University, Eruzione captained the hockey team his senior year and is among the school’s all-time leading scorers.  Little did he know that what lied ahead would change his life forever.

Entering the 1980 Olympics at Lake Placid, NY, the U.S. Olympic Hockey Team werent’ considered medal favorites. They were a bunch of college players competing against stronger and faster teams from Europe, including the mighty Russians who had NHL-caliber players on their team and had won every gold medal but one since 1956. How good were the Russians? In exhibitions that year, Soviet club teams had gone 5–3–1 against NHL teams and a year earlier, the Soviet national team had routed the NHL All-Stars 6–0 to win the Challenge Cup.

In what became forever known as the “Miracle On Ice”, the U.S. stunned the Russians, 4-3, in the semifinals and went onto to win the gold medal after defeating Finland, 4-2. The win against the Russians is considered one of the greatest upsets in Olympics history and was named the Greatest Sports Moment of the Century” by Sports Illustrated.

Eruzione was (and still is) the face of that team. Not only did he serve as captain but he also scored the winning goal against the Russians. Ask anyone about their recollection of that historic event  and you’ll likely either get a rendition of Al Michaels’ memorable call “Do You Believe In Miracles” or a mention of Eruzione.

Eruzione and his team have become American icons. In 2002, Eruzione and his teammates had the honor of lighting the Olympic flame at the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. They were also inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.

Today, Eruzione resides in Massachusetts and serves as Director of Development for Athletics at Boston University. He also stays busy making speaking engagements and personal appearances around the country. His inspirational story of what it takes to be a champion make him one of the sought-after sports speakers in the country.

If you would like to find out how to hire Mike Eruzione for a speaking engagement, appearance, endorsement, autograph signing or special event, request Mike Eruzione booking agent information from PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency. PFP is a top celebrity booking agent for sports stars and celebrities. Call 800.966.1380.

Tiger Woods earns $1B becoming highest paid athlete

Forbes reported last week that Tiger Woods became the first athlete to earn $1 billion in career earnings from endorsements, prize winnings, golf course design and appearance fees. Woods reportedly earns $30 million a year from Nike and receives $10 million per project for his golf design work. He also just won $10 million last week for winning the FedEx Cup title.

The crazy part is that Woods in only 33 years old and has many years of competitive golf, endorsements and golf course design ahead of him. It’s not a stretch to say that he’ll likely make well in excess of $2 billion by the time his career ends. It’s estimated that he has now earned more than NBA great Michael Jordan ($800 million) and retired Formula One driver Michal Shumacher ($700 million).

Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan compete at San Francisco Golf Tournament

I thought it would be interesting to look at the list of highest paid endorsers…

1. Tiger Woods ($110 million)…Even though he missed the second half of 2008 and the first part of this year with a knee injury, Woods is still the king of earnings.

2T. Kobe Bryant ($45 million)…The NBA’s most popular player on a global basis, Bryant is more popular in China than he is in the United States.

2T. Michael Jordan ($45 million)…Jordan is still Nike’s highest paid endorser, reportedly earning more than $40 million per year from his Jordan brand.

2T. Kimi Raikkonen ($45 million)…Formula One’s highest paid driver.

5. David Beckam ($42 million)…Although Beckham’s on the downside of his career, he’s still the most visible soccer player in the world and has endorsements with Adidas and Motorola among others.

6T. Manny Pacquiao ($40 million)…His last two fights against Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton generated more than $100 million in revenue from pay-per-view.

6T. LeBron James ($40 million)…The Michael Jordan of this era, James is the face of the NBA along with Bryant.

6T. Phil Mickelson ($40 million)…Mickelson has earned more than $54 million in prize money during his career, trailing only Woods and Vijay Singh in money earned over a career.

9. Valentino Rossi ($35 million)…The most popular motorcycle racer in the world. Rossi earns $16 million per year just from Yamaha.

10. Dale Earnhardt Jr. ($34 million)…Earnhardt Jr. was voted NASCAR’s most popular driver for the sixth straight year in 2008.

Next Ten…11T. Roger Federer ($34 million); 11T. Shaquille O’Neal ($33 million); 13T. Oscar De La Hoya ($32 million); 13T. Lewis Hamilton ($32 million); 13T. Alex Rodriguez ($32 million); 16. Vijay Singh ($31 million); 17T. Kevin Garnett ($30 million); 17T. Jeff Gordon ($30 million) and 17T. Ronaldinho ($30 million)

The most glaring absence from this list is the lack of representation from the NFL. One would think the most popular sport in the U.S. would be well represented, but NFL salaries aren’t as high as other sports and only a handful of players earn large endorsement income. Even though they’re not on the list, among the top earning NFL players are Payton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger.

Another interesting fact is that the only retired player on the list is Jordan. Among the top earning retired athletes who didn’t make the list are Cal Ripken Jr, John Elway, Muhammad Ali, Magic Johnson and John McEnroe.

PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency is a top booking agent for sports stars, athlete appearances, endorsements and celebrities. If you would like to hire a sports star for an  endorsement,  appearance or speaking engagement, contact us or call 800 966-1380.

Wayne Gretzky

Wayne Gretzky announced Thursday he would be stepping down due to the financial turmoil surrounding the team.

As the bankruptcy court battle between Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie and the NHL over the sale of the financially troubled team continues, Gretzky announced on his web site that he was leaving.

“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.”

There was no immediate word on who would be Gretzky’s replacement. Associate coach Ulf Samuelsson had been serving as interim head coach during the preseason, and the team hired former NHL head coach Dave King as an assistant just this week .

If you would like to find out how to hire Wayne Gretzky for a speaking engagement, appearance, endorsement, autograph signing or special event, request Wayne Gretzky booking agent information from PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency. PFP is a top celebrity booking agent for sports speakers, entertainers, athlete appearances and celebrities.

Watching the NHL playoffs got me thinking about Wayne Gretzky and if the Edmonton Oilers might very well be the greatest dynasty in NHL history. Now I’m that not a big hockey fan, but I’m going to make an argument for the Edmonton Oilers from 1983 – 90. I know people will talk about the Toronto Maple Leafs of the 1940s, the Detroit Red Wings and Montréal Canadiens of the 1950s, the Leafs of the 1960s, the Canadiens and New York Islanders of the 1970s, but I still give the Oilers the edge.

These are the teams that are remembered as the greatest to ever play in the NHL, but it was the Oilers that rewrote the NHL record book. The Toronto Maple Leafs of the 1940s may have been good, but they never scored 400 times in a season. The Red Wings had Hall of Famer Gordie Howe, but the Oilers had Wayne Gretzky. The Canadiens won five Cups in a row, but that was during an era when the NHL had just six teams and only three or four legitimate contenders.

Consider these stats…
Stanley Cups: 5
Stanley Cup Finals Record: 20-6
Regular Season Winning %: .648
Regular Season 1st-Place Finishes: 4
Individual Trophy Winners: 19
Individuals Selected To All-Star Teams: 16

Key Team Records:
Most Wins: 57 (1983-84)
Most Points: 119 (1983-84 & 1985-86)
Most Goals: 446 (1983-84 – NHL record)

Key Individual Records:
Most Assists: 163 (Gretzky in 1986-86 – NHL record)
Most Points: 215 (Gretzky in 1986-86 – NHL record

The team had six future Hall of Famers on its roster during all or part of its run of five Stanley Cup titles – Gretzky (center), Mark Messier (center), Grant Fuhr (Goalie), Jari Kurri (Right Wing), Paul Coffey (Defenseman) and Glenn Anderson (Forward) along with another Hall of Famer as coach/general manager, Glen Sather.

The star of the dynasty years was obviously Wayne Gretzky, who’s called “The Great One” and is considered the greatest player in NHL history.

Check out Wayne Gretzky’s  credentials…

• Upon his retirement in 1999, he held 40 regular season records, 15 playoff records and 6 All-Star records.
• Gretzky is the only NHL player to have over 200 points in one season, a feat he accomplished four times
• Upon his retirement, he was immediately inducted into the NHL Hall of Fame, the last player to have the waiting period lifted
• His #99 has been retired by every NHL team. He is one of only two athletes to have earned that honor league-wide, the other being baseball great Jackie Robinson
• In his career, Gretzky captured nine Hart Trophies as the most valuable player, ten Art Ross Trophies for most points in a season, five Lady Byng Trophies for sportsmanship and performance, five Lester B. Pearson Awards and two Conn Smythe Trophies as playoff MVP.
• Said Bruins coach Terry O’Reilly, “He’s the best. There should be a league rule that he has to be passed around from team to team every year.”
• Today, Gretzky is a minority owner and managing partner of the Phoenix Coyotes. He’s also involved in numerous business ventures and is a popular sports motivational speaker.

If you would like to find out  more information about NHL hockey speakers or how  to hire Wayne Gretzky for a speaking engagement, appearance, endorsement, autograph signing or special event, request Wayne Gretzky booking agent information from PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency. PFP is a top sports booking agent for athletes, entertainers, sports stars and celebrities.