One of Canada’s most iconic athletes is joining the long list of legendary athletes to lend their voice (and likeness) to The Simpsons.

Sportsnet has learned that “The Great One”, Wayne Gretzky, will guest star on the Dec. 11th episode.

“He’s smart, funny and we felt like (Gretzky) must have when he met Gordie Howe as a kid,” says longtime Simpsons executive producer Al Jean of the experience working with Gretzky, who recorded his parts for the upcoming episode this summer.



Wayne Gretzky poses with members of The Simpsons staff while recording a cameo appearance for the show’s Dec. 4 episode. (Courtesy of FOX)

Another producer, Joel Cohen, says the experience was one he won’t forget, even though it brought back some painful memories.

“I’m a Calgary native and consequent Oiler-hater,” he says, “so 99 and I had a lot to talk about, and even more to trash-talk about — Semenko, Fuhr, Steve Smith bouncing the puck off Fuhr. Through it all, he was as classy and generous as you hope an icon can be. It was almost enough for me to forgive him for repeatedly demolishing my Flames’ playoff hopes. Not quite, but almost.”

The Simpsons airs Sunday nights on Global at 7:30 p.m. ET.