The 57-year-old Canadian, known as "The Great One" and widely considered as the best player of all-time, will help with youth participation as the Chinese capital gears up to host the Games.

He will open the KRS-Gretzky Hockey School in Beijing and Shenzhen, working with players between eight and 17.

The programme will potentially expand to 20 other locations over the next five years.

China has little ice hockey pedigree but is keen to change this before playing host at Beijing 2022.

Kunlun Red Star formed in 2016 with this mission in mind - joining the mostly Russian Kontinental Hockey League.

The team is based in Beijing but none of the current squad are Chinese.

"I'm excited to make my first trip to China next month and partner with Kunlun Red Star to grow this wonderful game," said Gretzky, according to China Daily.

"I'm looking forward to seeing more and more young players take part in the sport."

Gretzky represented Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers during his National Hockey League career.

He won the Stanley Cup four times, and was executive director of the Canadian men's team which won Olympic gold at Salt Lake City 2002.

"Having Wayne Gretzky on board is a tremendous boost for hockey in China," Ao Meng, executive director of Kunlun Red Star, said.

"His contribution to the game is incalculable. 

"To now have him part of the growth of hockey in China in the build-up to the 2022 Winter Olympics will promote interest and participation in the sport, especially among young people."