The man known as the ‘greatest ice hockey player of all time’, Wayne Gretzky, will bring the USA and Canada national teams to Sydney in June.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said Gretzky will be exclusively in Sydney as an ambassador for the 2016 Ice Hockey Classic at Allphones Arena on Saturday June 25.

“If basketball has Michael Jordan and baseball has Babe Ruth, then ice hockey has Wayne Gretzky. This man is the leading scorer in NHL history, with more goals and more assists than any other player,” Mr Ayres said.

“With Gretzy’s global profile, this event is sure to attract visitors from around Australia and the world to our beautiful Harbour City.”

Wayne Gretzky played 20 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), from 1979-1999, and is an International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame player.

His visit to Sydney has been secured exclusively by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said Wayne Gretzky’s promotion of the event would showcase Sydney to a global audience.

“Wayne Gretzky will be acting as the ambassador for the Sydney Ice Hockey Classic, using his social media platforms and profile in international sport to attract visitors to NSW for the match and to promote the State as a destination for overseas travelers,” Ms Chipchase said.

Tickets for the Ice Hockey Classic at Allphones Arena on Saturday June 25 are available at www.ticketek.com.au