Barkley will work closely with President of Hockey Operations and General Manager John Chayka and will be tasked with teaching and mentoring the club's younger players and assisting with hockey analytics strategy.

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - Coyotes Owner, Chairman and Governor Andrew Barroway announced today that 11-time NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer Charles Barkley will join the Coyotes as a special adviser of hockey strategy, effective immediately.

"Anything can happen in the NHL, and anything can happen with this team, so I'm excited to help this organization realize its full potential," Barkley said. "At first, I thought this idea was just terrible, but after giving it some more thought, I think this could be something really special.

"I want to teach these kids that you've got to believe in yourself," Barkley added. "I believe I'm the best-looking guy in the world, and I might be right."

In 16 pro seasons with Philadelphia, Phoenix and Houston, Barkley averaged 22.1 points and 11.7 rebounds in 1,073 games, earning an induction into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2014. He also won two gold medals as a member of the U.S. Men's National Basketball Team.

"This idea emerged after we had Charles drop the puck for us back in February," Barroway said. "We use advanced hockey analytics to support our overall hockey strategy. Given that Charles is a television analyst, we knew he was a natural fit to serve as the special adviser of hockey strategy and help drive our analytics approach. He has an incredible pedigree and has proven to be successful at everything he's done, except maybe golf."

The Coyotes will finish their season with a two-game road trip through Calgary and Vancouver this week before wrapping up the 2017-18 season on April 7 vs. Anaheim.

Tickets are still available at ArizonaCoyotes.com.

Also, Happy April Fool's Day!