Full marks to Neil Godbout referencing Arnold Palmer's enormous influence on the world of marketing and endorsements by athletes, but his suggestion that Alexander Ovechkin being the first NHL client of the International Management Group (IMG) is incorrect.
Wayne Gretzky's agent in the 1980s was Mike Barnett, who is now employed as an executive with the New York Rangers. His player agency was purchased by IMG nearly thirty years ago and they immediately enlisted Gretzky as their first NHL spokesman.
Many players were to follow including Paul Coffey, Grant Fuhr, Brett Hull, Lanny MacDonald and Jaromir Jagr.
Bill Tuele
VP public relations (retired)
Edmonton Oilers 1980-2004
Nanaimo
