Wayne Gretzky and Michael Jordan reunite to gift signed Oilers and Bulls jerseys to MJ's best friend George Koehler on his birthday

Modified Dec 16, 2024 11:36 GMT

NHL legend Wayne Gretzky and NBA great Michael Jordan recently celebrated their friend George Koehler’s birthday in a special way. At the party, both legends gave Koehler their signed jerseys, one of Gretzky’s Edmonton Oilers and the other of Jordan’s Chicago Bulls.

On Sunday, Wayne Gretzky’s eldest daughter, Paulina, shared a video of the celebration on her Instagram stories. It showed Koehler blowing out a candle on his cake before unpacking the signed No. 99 Oilers jersey.

Gretzky stood beside him and clapped as Koehler put it on. Koehler then held up a signed Bulls jersey from Jordan as the NBA great cheered by his side.

George Koehler has been close to Michael Jordan for over 30 years. Their friendship started in 1984 when Koehler, who had just started a limo business, gave Jordan a ride from the airport after he was drafted by the Chicago Bulls. That chance meeting turned into a lifelong friendship.

Koehler was featured in the docuseries "The Last Dance" as MJ’s trusted friend and personal assistant. He had stayed out of the spotlight but has always been part of Jordan’s inner circle.

Wayne Gretzky believes Canada vs. USA in 4 Nations Face-Off will be ‘tremendous hockey’

Earlier this week, Wayne Gretzky expressed confidence in Team Canada ahead of the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. Gretzky believes Canada’s roster, featuring superstars like Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Brad Marchand and Brayden Point, is strong enough to challenge the USA.

“It's going to be tremendous hockey. I'm not sure who's going to win, but I'm just saying as a Canadian, I think our team matches up really good against the Americans," Gretzky told TNT Sports.

The tournament kicks off on Feb. 12, with Canada facing Sweden in Montreal. On Feb. 15, Canada will take on its biggest rival, the U.S., at the Bell Centre.

Team USA will be led by Auston Matthews, Brady Tkachuk and the Hughes brothers, Quinn and Jack, and has a deep lineup with players like Jake Guentzel. Gretzky, however, feels playing in Montreal will give Canada an edge against its rivals.

After the clash with the USA, Canada will head to Boston for the second phase of the tournament. The team will face Finland on Feb. 17, with the championship game scheduled for Feb. 20 at TD Garden.