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The Great One is heading Down Under to promote hockey

Vancouver Canucks v Edmonton Oilers

EDMONTON, AB - APRIL 6: Former Edmonton Oilers forward Wayne Gretzky greets fans during the closing ceremonies at Rexall Place following the game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks on April 6, 2016 at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The game was the final game the Oilers played at Rexall Place before moving to Rogers Place next season. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)

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Having played an influential role popularizing hockey across America’s southwest, Wayne Gretzky is turning his attention to a new frontier.

The Great One’s heading Down Under.

He’s signed on to take part in the Wayne Gretzky Ice Hockey Classic. It involves a series of five exhibition games that began this weekend featuring current and recently retired NHL players, and minor leaguers.

Gretzky will play in a 4-on-4 game at Sydney on June 25. His objective is to increase hockey’s profile in Australia, and raise money for STOPCONCUSSIONS Foundation and Brain Injury Australia.

Gretzky is no stranger to serving as a hockey ambassador after helping the NHL make inroads in California, when he played in Los Angeles, and then in Arizona, when he co-owned and coached the Coyotes.