Gretzky gets ownership of Coyotes; Lemieux to return to ice

PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) _ The NHL got Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux back on the same day. <br><br>The NHL's Board of Governors on Monday unanimously approved the sale of the Coyotes from Richard Burke

Tuesday, December 12th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) _ The NHL got Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux back on the same day.

The NHL's Board of Governors on Monday unanimously approved the sale of the Coyotes from Richard Burke to a group that includes Gretzky and is headed by real estate developer Steve Ellman. Approval is pending the closing of the transaction by Dec. 31.

``I think Wayne is going to be a great owner,'' NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. ``He has really good business instincts. He's smart. I think it's a real plus for our league.''

Lemieux, meanwhile, held a news conference in Pittsburgh to officially announce his plan to come out of retirement at age 35 to play for the Penguins.

``It's ironic that the day I assume ownership that my partner for many years is going back on the ice,'' Gretzky said. ``I don't expect him to do anything but play at a level that he's capable of playing at. I think he's going to be a strong force for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He's going to help the NHL both at the box office and imagewise.''

Ellman said longtime NHL executive Cliff Fletcher will serve as the team's executive vice president. He also insisted that the Coyotes need a new arena to stay in Phoenix.

``This team doesn't stay if it doesn't get a new arena,'' Ellman said of the Coyotes' future in Arizona. ``We're committed to get this thing done.''

The purchase price for the Coyotes is $87 million. Ellman said his group has already invested $50 million.

Ellman said he hopes to close the deal with Burke before Christmas.

``We've got a great team, great management, and very loyal fans,'' Ellman said. ``We have a brilliant future ahead.''

Burke put the Coyotes up for sale in January when it became doubtful a new arena wouldn't be completed until the 2002-2003 season.

``We believe that we are close to finalizing an arena opportunity in Scottsdale,'' said Ellman, who added that the team is exploring alternative sites, too.

Burke is to retain control of the franchise until the transaction is completed.

``We have a huge challenge,'' said Gretzky, who retired from playing in 1999. ``A whole new venture for me. I'm looking forward to the opportunity.''

Gretzky realizes a major part of his job will be marketing the team.

``I know there will be a lot more selling the game, selling the sport to the people in that area,'' Gretzky said. ``I love the game. I've studied the players. I'm really looking forward to trying to put together a very strong hockey team.''

Gretzky, meanwhile, said he has no intention of returning to the ice.

``I played 21 years,'' Gretzky said. ``I was thrilled to be part of the National Hockey League. I gave everything I could as a player. It was time to retire.''