Executive director of the Canadian ice hockey team Wayne Gretzky has acknowledged that his team is under pressure to repeat its gold medal performance of Salt Lake City 2002.

"They're always under the microscope," Gretzky said.

"We're a team that's always looked upon to winning gold medals. This will be no different."

Gretzky again took the opportunity to reiterate that he had no involvement in a gambling investigation involving Rick Tocchet, the assistant coach with the Phoenix Coyotes. Gretzky is head coach of the Coyotes.

"That's not for me to talk about," Gretzky said.

"There's no story about me, that's what I keep trying to tell you. I'm not involved. Not much really to add to what I said two days ago. Nothing for me to talk about. I'm not involved. It's been a hard week for my family.

"The only focus I have right now is this hockey team getting ready for the Olympic Games."

AP