In a peculiar moment during a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on May 6, 2025, President Donald Trump mistakenly identified Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin as a Canadian hockey player. This gaffe occurred as Trump expressed his admiration for Canada and its hockey legends, particularly Wayne Gretzky, whom he referred to as the "Great One."
Trump's comments came amid ongoing tensions between the United States and Canada, primarily due to a tariff war and his controversial suggestion that Canada could become the 51st state. During the press conference, when asked about concessions he wanted from Canada, Trump sidestepped the question, saying, "I just want to be friends with Canada. Regardless of anything, we’re going to be friends with Canada. Canada is a very special place to me."
In his remarks, Trump stated, "I have a lot of respect for the Canadians. Wayne Gretzky, how good, The Great One. You happen to have a very, very good hockey player right here on the Capitals who I have a lot, he is a big, tough cookie too. Just broke the record. And he’s a great guy." The problem? Ovechkin is not Canadian; he was born and raised in Moscow, Russia, and he recently broke Gretzky’s long-standing NHL scoring record by netting his 895th career goal.
The slip-up sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with many hockey fans and critics of Trump quick to point out the mistake. Comments ranged from humorous jabs about Trump’s geographical knowledge to criticisms of his understanding of the sport. One user quipped, "Geography was never his strong suit, huh?"
Trump's relationship with the hockey community is notable, particularly his ties to Gretzky, who has faced backlash in Canada for his association with the former president. Many Canadians feel that Gretzky's friendship with Trump undermines his standing as a national hero. In a recent poll, 20% of Canadians expressed that Gretzky should apologize for his friendship with Trump, while another fifth believed he should remain in the U.S.
Despite the controversy, Gretzky has maintained a significant presence in the hockey world and was recently named honorary captain for Team Canada at the 4 Nations championship. However, his decision not to wear Canadian colors during the event drew criticism from some fans. Bobby Orr, another hockey legend, defended Gretzky in an op-ed, arguing that he has consistently represented Canada with pride.
Trump's comments about Ovechkin were not the first instance where he mentioned the player. He congratulated the Capitals and Ovechkin after their 2018 Stanley Cup victory, stating, "Congratulations to the Washington Capitals on their GREAT play and winning the Stanley Cup Championship. Alex Ovechkin, the team captain, was spectacular - a true Superstar!"
While Trump may have been trying to foster goodwill during his meeting with Carney, the gaffe highlights the complex relationship between the two countries. Trump's administration has imposed tariffs on Canadian goods, further straining diplomatic relations. Yet, Trump has continued to express his admiration for Canada, citing personal connections through his family history.
The meeting with Carney was significant as it marked the first time the new Prime Minister had visited the White House since his election on April 28, 2025. Carney's administration has sought to navigate the challenges posed by Trump's policies, including the ongoing trade disputes.
As the press conference unfolded, it became evident that Trump's comments about hockey were not merely a casual reference but rather a reflection of his broader strategy to connect with Canadians. However, the misidentification of Ovechkin as a Canadian player served as a reminder of the awkwardness that can arise in international diplomacy, particularly when personal interests and political rhetoric collide.
In the wake of Trump's remarks, Ovechkin continues to be a prominent figure in the NHL, representing Russia on the international stage. He has played for the Russian national team and is expected to participate in the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics, where he may once again showcase his talents on a global platform.
As for Trump, his fascination with hockey and the personalities surrounding it, particularly Gretzky and Ovechkin, underscores his efforts to engage with sports as a means of connecting with the public. However, the accuracy of his statements remains critical, especially when addressing international relations.
In summary, while Trump’s attempts to celebrate hockey and express friendship towards Canada were evident, the confusion surrounding Ovechkin's nationality has added a layer of complexity to an already strained diplomatic relationship. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of accuracy in political discourse, particularly in an era marked by heightened tensions and scrutiny.
