Former King Tocchet pleads guilty to gambling ring charges

MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. —  Former NHL player Rick Tocchet pleaded guilty Friday to running a sports gambling ring, but might not have to serve jail time.

Tocchet, who played for Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, the Kings, Boston, Washington and Phoenix in a career that spanned 22 seasons, is on leave from his job as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Coyotes. He pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to promote gambling and promoting gambling. Such offenses usually do not carry a jail sentence for first-time offenders.

Tocchet, 43, is the third man to plead guilty in the case, which New Jersey authorities dubbed “Operation Slapshot.” The others, including James Harney, a state trooper, are expected to get jail time. Janet Jones, the wife of hockey great Wayne Gretzky, was accused of betting but was not charged in the case.

Prosecutors said in February 2006 that the ring handled $1.7 million in wagers during a 40-day stretch that began at the end of 2005 and included college football bowl games and the Super Bowl. They said no bets on hockey.

Tocchet did not speak during the hearing except to answer yes or no questions. When asked by his attorney if he bet on pro hockey, Tocchet said, “No.”