Wayne Gretzky, often celebrated as one of hockey’s greatest legends, has found himself ensnared in political controversy following President Donald Trump’s public endorsement. The backlash ignited when Gretzky, serving as honorary captain for Team Canada at the recent 4 Nations hockey tournament, was booed during the event. His association with Trump, known for promoting tariffs on Canadian goods and controversially stating Canada should become the '51st state', has ruffled feathers among many Canadians.
Trump, who recently took to his social media platform Truth Social to defend Gretzky, claimed, “Wayne Gretzky is a fantastic guy! They call him, ‘The Great One,’ and he is. He could run for any political office in Canada, and win.” His efforts to shield Gretzky from the repercussions of his support have not quelled the storm but rather intensified scrutiny from the public.
At the heart of the commotion is the tension between the U.S. and Canada, exacerbated by Trump’s remarks about Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whom he humorously referred to as 'Governor Trudeau.' The risqué comments culminated when Gretzky, during the hockey tournament, opted not to wear any Canadian colors and even gave the U.S. players a thumbs up, prompting fans and commentators alike to question his loyalty.
Bobby Orr, another NHL icon and fellow Canadian, took to the pages of the Toronto Sun to voice his discontent with the backlash against Gretzky. He wrote, "How fickle can people be, when someone who has been so much for Canadian hockey is treated this way?" Orr highlighted the long-standing dedication Gretzky has shown to the sport and his country, urging Canadians to respect differing political beliefs.
Janet Gretzky, Wayne’s wife, also chimed in, expressing gratitude for Orr’s support on her social media, stating, "Thank you Mr. Bobby Orr. Your words mean the world to Wayne and his family... it has broken his heart to read and see the mean comments." Despite her plea for civility, criticism continued, with detractors asserting Gretzky cannot claim patriotism if he supports Trump, whom they accuse of threatening Canada’s sovereignty.
Public reaction has been polarized. One critic remarked, "You can’t be a great Canadian if you support Trump who is trying to destroy Canada, it’s simple.” Another added, "If Wayne is so proud, maybe he should make a public statement denouncing your friend’s call to annex his homeland.” These responses reflect the frustration many Canadians feel toward Gretzky’s perceived endorsement of Trump.
Throughout Gretzky's storied career, he has contributed significantly to Canadian hockey. From his role in the nation’s victory over the Soviet Union in 1987 to leading the 2002 Olympic team to gold, his actions on the ice have earned him iconic status. Yet, his political affiliations, especially his public appearances at Trump's events and wearing MAGA merchandise, have estranged him from portions of the Canadian populace.
Trump's recent interactions with Gretzky have sparked even more interest and controversy. Following the 4 Nations event, Trump declared Gretzky to be a 'free agent' politically, stating, “He supports Canada the way it is, as he should, even though it’s not nearly as good as it could be as part of the Greatest and Most Powerful Country in the World.” This remark stirred outrage among critics who felt it belittled Canadian sovereignty.
This incident puts Gretzky's celebrity status to the test. Will he be able to navigate his way through this political quagmire without damaging his legacy as one of Canada’s favorites? The outcry from both sides demonstrates the significant divides within public opinion, with some seeing him as traitorous and others defending his right to personal belief.
Although Trump’s support for Gretzky has brought newfound media attention, it has also cast shadows on the hockey legend’s reputation. The debate continues to rage around the role athletes should play as public figures and how their political affiliations impact their standing with fans.
It remains to be seen how this saga will evolve. Gretzky's next steps could define not only his relationship with the sport he has loved but also his connection to the nation he has represented so fiercely. Canada’s response to this complex interplay of sports, celebrity, and politics will likely shape the discourse around national pride for years to come.