Wayne Gretzky, the hockey icon known fondly as "The Great One," has recently found himself at the center of significant backlash from Canadians following his involvement with U.S. President Donald Trump and his conduct during the 4 Nations Face-Off. This tumultuous situation unfolded last week when Gretzky was appointed as honorary captain for the international hockey tournament’s finale, directly following incidents where he appeared to favor the American players more than their Canadian counterparts.
During the ceremony, which took place on February 24, 2025, Gretzky faced scrutiny for opting to wear his suit instead of Canada’s colors, as he entered through the U.S. players' bench and was seen giving thumbs up to American athletes. Many Canadians interpreted these gestures as disrespectful, especially considering his political affiliations and past supportive interactions with Trump, who has mentioned making Canada the 51st state frequently.
The backlash against Gretzky came to a head as social media erupted with criticism. Many expressed feelings of betrayal toward the player who has been heralded as one of Canada's greatest sports figures. Bobby Orr, another legendary Canadian hockey player, publicly came to Gretzky's defense, lamenting the intense criticism directed at him. “How fickle can people be when someone who has give so much time and effort to Canadian hockey is treated in such a way?” Orr remarked, questioning the fairness of the public response. His sentiments were echoed by Gretzky’s wife, Janet, who took to Instagram to express her husband’s heartache over the situation, asserting, "It has broken his heart to read and see the mean comments. He would do anything to make Canadians proud.”
Complicatively, Trump also weighed in, tweeting sentiments on Truth Social, saying, “Wayne is my friend, and he wants to make me happy, and is there for somewhat 'low key' about Canada remaining a separate Country.” This endorsement from the polarizing president only intensified the criticism, with many Canadians finding it difficult to reconcile Gretzky's friendship with someone many view as undermining Canadian sovereignty.
On social media, frustration grew. Users voiced their desire for Gretzky to speak for himself rather than relying on Trump’s defense. One commenter questioned why Gretzky wouldn’t affirm his loyalty to Canada independently: “How about Wayne Gretzky saying he is against Canada becoming the 51st state instead of President Trump saying it for him?” This displayed the broader sentiment among fans who wished to hear direct acknowledgement from Gretzky himself.
Adding more complexity to the situation, some fans and commentators took this opportunity to question Gretzky's loyalty altogether. There’s now even growing support for changing the name of Wayne Gretzky Drive, previously named in honor of his illustrious career, with over 10,000 signatures gathered on Change.org for the petition. This dramatic pivot by fans has raised questions about Gretzky’s standing as the ultimate Canadian athlete, turning what was once pride for the NHL's all-time leader in goals, assists, and points, to perceived betrayal.
Nevertheless, not everyone aligned against Gretzky. Supporters, including some who sided with Trump’s glowing endorsement of him, praised Gretzky's potential capabilities, even considering him fit for political office: “Wayne would be great for any political position,” one user expressed. This sentiment highlighted the divisive nature of the discussion surrounding Gretzky’s actions, leaving many uncertain about his future support.
Meanwhile, experts have begun to weigh in on the potential reputation damage Gretzky might face. Michael Mulvey, marketing professor at the University of Ottawa, suggested there could be “generational forgetting” affecting Gretzky’s popularity, albeit not substantially impacting his personal wealth or brand. “I don’t think Gretzky really needs to worry,” he noted, explaining how he built his legacy long ago and how public emotions could shift with time.
The controversy surrounding Gretzky aligns with broader conversations happening across Canada and the United States concerning national identity and political allegiance. Given the history he built, the next steps taken by Gretzky will be pivotal for his legacy and how Canadian fans choose to perceive him. Will he make the statement many are hoping for, or will the silence continue to echo through the hearts of his supporters?