Stars lining up to compete at Wayne Gretzky event

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COLLINGWOOD, Ontario -- The Wayne Gretzky Foundation announced on Tuesday its latest confirmed celebrities for the upcoming Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic presented by Samsung. The following recently announced their confirmation:

• Mark Messier, Hart Memorial trophy, Conn Smythe trophy and six-time Stanley Cup winner
• Doug Gilmour, Frank J. Selke trophy and Stanley Cup winner
• Darcy Tucker, member of the Toronto Maple Leafs
• Marty McSorely, former NHL defenseman and two-time Stanley Cup winner

While many of Gretzky's old teammates will take part in the tournament, it will be Brantford native David Hearn who will partner with Gretzky on June 23, 2008. Hearn is thrilled about the idea.

"I'm excited to be playing with Wayne," said Hearn. "It's a big honour in that it's the first event that he's hosted."

Gretzky, fresh off a recent win at the BMW Charity Pro-Am at the Cliffs with Chris Nallen, will make a formidable team with Hearn. More player and celebrity confirmations are still to come, but with Doug Gilmour, Mark Messier, Darcy Tucker and other proven clutch-performers already on-board, the competition is sure to be fierce.

"Mess and I go way back, and trust me - his reputation for winning and leadership is well-deserved," said Gretzky. "Whoever plays with Mark has a very good chance to win."

Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Wayne Gretzky Foundation. For more information about ticket sales and volunteer opportunities, visit www.gretzky.com/golf.

Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic presented by Samsung Confirmed Celebrities:

• Mark Messier, Hart Memorial trophy, Conn Smythe trophy and six-time Stanley Cup winner
• Doug Gilmour, Frank J. Selke trophy and Stanley Cup winner
• Kevin Dillon, or "Drama" from HBO's hit series Entourage
• Jerry Ferrara, or "Turtle" from HBO's hit series Entourage
• John Elway, former Denver Broncos quarterback and NFL Hall of Famer
• Paul Coffey, second all-time in defensemen scoring and NHL Hall of Famer
• Brett Hull, third all-time in NHL scoring and future Hall of Famer
• Darcy Tucker, current member of the Toronto Maple Leafs
• Grant Fuhr, sixth all-time in NHL goalie wins and Hall of Famer
• Alan Thicke, or "Jason Seaver" from ABC's Growing Pains
• Marty Turco, current NHL goaltender for the Dallas Stars
• Josh Kelley, singer-songwriter and husband to Grey's Anatomy star Katherine Heigl
• Marty McSorely, former NHL defenseman and two-time Stanley Cup winner
• Janet Gretzky, former actress
• Darren Pang, former NHL goaltender and current TSN and NBC colour commentator
• Scott Thornton, left-winger for the L.A. Kings, formerly of the Toronto Maple Leafs
• Matthew Barnaby, former NHL "tough-guy" for seven different teams
• Cassie Campbell, gold medalist and member of Canada's National women's hockey team
• Trent Edwards, quarterback of the Buffalo Bills
• Ed Mio, former NHL goaltender
• Nick Kypreos, hockey analyst and former Toronto Maple Leaf
• Pierre McGuire, hockey analyst
• Gino Reda, hockey analyst
• Javier Colon, singer-songwriter