In February of 2006, a four-month undercover police investigation called "Operation Slap Shot" revealed that James Harney, a New Jersey state trooper organized a gambling operation with NHL's Phoenix Coyotes assistant coach Rick Tocchet. Harney admitted to charges of conspiracy. There is evidence of $1.7 million in illegal bets that were made over a 40 day period.
One of the most high-profile suspected bettors was Janet Jones, Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky's wife.
Gretzky, who is now coaching the Phoenix Coyotes for a second year, has distanced himself from the affair, and his wife has not been charged with anything by authorities. Jones was suspected of betting, but not on hockey games. Several NHL players were also suspected to be betting in the ring, but on sports other than hockey.
The sentence for James Harney was scheduled to be handed down this week, but for unknown reasons the sentencing has been postponed. Harney's attorney, Craig Mitnick, could not give a specific reason for the delay but said that it will happen either when Rick Tocchet is indicted and pleads guilty or Jimmy Harney testifies in the trial of Rick Tocchet.
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