Criticism of Wayne Gretzky by Canadians due to his support for Trump has ‘broken his heart,’ wife says

The Backlash Against Wayne Gretzky: A tale of Loyalty, Politics, and Hockey

Wayne Gretzky, the hockey legend and widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, found himself at the center of a political firestorm recently. His apparent support for former U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked a wave of criticism from his fellow Canadians. The backlash came to light as Gretzky was named the honorary captain of Team Canada during the 4 Nations Face-Off championship in Boston. While the honor was meant to celebrate his contributions to Canadian hockey, it instead brought scrutiny over his perceived political leanings. Trump, who has been a polarizing figure in Canada due to his comments about the country potentially becoming the "51st state" and his imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods, has drawn significant disdain from Canadians. Gretzky’s association with Trump, therefore, has led many to question his loyalty to Canada and its values.

Bobby Orr Rushes to Gretzky’s Defense

In response to the criticism, another hockey legend, Bobby Orr, came to Gretzky’s defense in a heartfelt column published in the Toronto Sun. Orr expressed his disappointment at seeing Gretzky, whom he described as one of the "greatest Canadians ever," being treated with such disrespect. "How fickle can people be, when someone who has given so much time and effort to Canadian hockey is treated in such a way," Orr wrote. He emphasized the importance of respecting individual beliefs, even when they differ from one’s own. Orr’s column served as a powerful reminder of the need for tolerance and understanding, especially in the face of differing political opinions. His words resonated with many, highlighting the importance of separating personal beliefs from public service and contributions to the sport.

Janet Gretzky Speaks Out on Social Media

Wayne Gretzky’s wife, Janet, also joined the conversation, responding to Orr’s column on Instagram. In a heartfelt post, she thanked Orr for his support and shared his column, calling his words "meaningful" to both Wayne and their family. Janet addressed the hurt caused by the negative comments, writing that Wayne was deeply distressed by the backlash. "I have never met anyone who is more proud to be a Canadian, and it has broken his heart to read and see the mean comments," she wrote. Janet’s post humanized Wayne Gretzky, reminding his critics of the emotional toll their words can have. She also reiterated Gretzky’s love for both hockey and his country, emphasizing that his actions and contributions should not be overshadowed by political debates.

The Criticism Persists Despite Support

Despite Orr’s and Janet Gretzky’s efforts to defend Wayne, the criticism did not subside. Many on social media continued to express their disapproval, with some even suggesting that Gretzky’s support for Trump disqualified him from being considered a "great Canadian." One user wrote, "You can’t be a great Canadian if you support Trump, who is trying to destroy Canada. It’s that simple." Another critic accused Orr of writing his column as a "Trumper for another Trumper," implying that Orr’s defense of Gretzky was politically motivated. These comments reflect the deep divides created by political polarization, where even legendary figures like Gretzky and Orr are not immune to scrutiny based on their perceived alliances.

Trump’s Involvement Adds Fuel to the Fire

The situation took another twist when Trump himself weighed in on the matter. In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump revealed that he had asked Gretzky to become the "governor of Canada" after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation. While the idea of Gretzky holding such a position was clearly hypothetical, it added fuel to the fire, as critics interpreted it as further evidence of Gretzky’s alignment with Trump’s views. Trump also claimed that Gretzky supports "Canada remaining a separate Country, rather than becoming a cherished and beautiful 51st State," a statement that seemed to contradict earlier criticism of Gretzky’s alleged support for Trump’s policies. Despite this, Trump referred to Gretzky as a "free agent," a term typically used in sports to describe a player who can sign with any team. The post was seen by many as an attempt to sway public opinion in Gretzky’s favor, though it ultimately had the opposite effect for some.

A Reflection on Sports, Politics, and Public Figures

The controversy surrounding Wayne Gretzky serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by public figures who choose to engage with politics. While athletes and celebrities have every right to their opinions, they often face intense scrutiny when their views align with polarizing figures like Trump. Gretzky’s situation highlights the broader debate about the role of sports in politics and the expectations placed on athletes to represent their countries both on and off the field. For many Canadians, Gretzky’s contributions to hockey are undeniably remarkable, but his perceived support for Trump has created a rift between his fans and critics. As the debate rages on, it serves as a reminder of the complexities of balancing personal beliefs with public personas, and the importance of fostering respect and understanding, even in the face of disagreement.