Kevin Nugent is a businessman and former professional ice hockey player. Born in Little Falls, Minnesota and a resident of Edina at the time he was drafted, Nugent played for the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association (WHA) where, during the 1978–79 season, he was Wayne Gretzky's first linemate in professional hockey. He was one of Wayne's "protectors," who would drop the gloves if someone took a run at The Great One.