Rick Tocchet, assistant coach of the Phoenix Coyotes and a former NHL star has been charged with financing a U.S.-wide sports gambling ring.

Authorities said more than 1,000 bets were placed in the New Jersey-based gambling setup within a 40-day period, to the tune of more than $1.7 million processed in bets on professional and college level sports.

Police dubbed the investigation "Operation Slapshot," and said at least six current NHL players have placed wagers in the betting ring.

Authorities served Tocchet with a criminal complaint Monday. The 41-year-old Toronto native now faces charges of promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy.

None of the alleged wagers were placed on hockey games, police said.

Tocchet described it as a "football thing."

"It's not a hockey-related issue it's a football thing, and at this time I can't really comment on anything further," Tocchet said after practice in Phoenix on Tuesday.

"I feel bad for the Coyotes and stuff like that, but like I said, it's not a hockey-related issue and that's all I can comment."

Tocchet's boss, Wayne Gretzky, who is the head coach and part-owner of the Coyotes, stood by him.

"Everyone in the world is innocent until proven guilty," Gretzky said. "I was aware of it last night and you just go from there. He's a great guy and a good friend, he's just going through a tough time right now. Obviously we've got to let it run its course."

Gretzky's wife, Janet Jones, also allegedly placed bets according to two law enforcement officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. None of the bettors have been officially identified.

When reporters asked Gretzky about the report he said: "I don't know. You'd have to ask her that."

Investigation is ongoing

The police investigation promises to be massive, said TSN hockey analyst Bob McKenzie.

"This is just the beginning," McKenzie told CTV Newsnet. "This isn't going to take days or hours to complete, this is going to take weeks and maybe even months to complete. And I think you can be absolutely certain more charges are going to be laid."

The most serious charges against Tocchet could land him in prison, said TSN's Gino Reda.

"The most significant charge there is money laundering," Reda said. "He has been given two weeks now to appear, to turn himself in. He has told New Jersey state troopers that he will indeed make the trip to New Jersey, turn himself in, at which time he'll be arrested. And that carries with it a seven-year sentence in the United States."

New Jersey state police Col. Rick Fuentes said an investigation into the ring found that half a dozen current NHL players placed bets in the ring. He declined to name the players, but said none of them bet on hockey.

But it may go even deeper than that.

"New Jersey police have told us here at TSN that there are at least 12 other NHLers involved… plus one NHL coach, and an NHL owner is involved as well," Reda said. "Now, they're not alleging that the NHL players bet on hockey, they're just saying they're involved."

Authorities said Tocchet partnered in the endeavour with James J. Harney, a state trooper. Tocchet allegedly financed the arrangement.

"Tocchet received illegal sports bets from wagers and funneled money back to New Jersey," Fuentes told the Associated Press.

Bill Daly, the deputy commissioner of the NHL, released a statement Tuesday.

"With respect to the alleged conduct of the unnamed players, it is difficult to have any comment at this point, although everything we have heard, again, indicates it is not hockey-related. We take this issue very seriously and will monitor the proceedings closely," Daly said.

Tocchet is one of three assistant coaches of the Coyotes, working under head coach Wayne Gretzky.

Tocchet took over for Gretzky for 10 days in December when he took time off to be with his dying mother.

Tocchet played in the NHL for 18 years, spending nine years with the Philadelphia Flyers and three seasons with the Coyotes.

A rough and tough forward, he is one of only two players to have collected 400 goals and 2,000 penalty minutes in his career.

Tocchet's alleged partner in the scheme was arrested on Monday and has been suspended from the force and charged with official misconduct, promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy.

James A. Ulmer, 40, was also charged with promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy.

Halney and Ulmer have been released on $100,000 and $50,000 bail respectively. Both are expected to be arraigned in court within two weeks.

The investigation began in October of last year when police received a tip. An undercover officer was able to place a bet, and the investigation was started.

Fuentes also said the gambling ring was connected to organized crime in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey.

More charges may still be laid, Fuentes said.

With files from the Associated Press