Fans call for Wayne Gretzky to take stand on Donald Trump controversy

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Apr 3, 2025, 21:26 IST

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Wayne Gretzky's relationship with Donald Trump has sparked debate amid strained U.S.-Canada relations. Gretzky's silence on this issue and ties to Trump have led to public backlash and questions about his loyalty to Canada, complicating his legacy.

Fans call for Wayne Gretzky to take stand on Donald Trump controversy

Image via Imagn Images

Wayne Gretzky, the greatest hockey player of all time, is known for his remarkable skills on the ice. However, his silence on his relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump has now put him in the middle of a heated debate. As Trump’s policies continue to strain U.S.-Canada relations, Gretzky’s refusal to comment has left many Canadians questioning his loyalty to his home country.

Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing friendship with Donald Trump remains unexplained

Wayne Gretzky has long been associated with Trump, with reports of their friendship dating back to the 1980s. Over the years, he has been seen at Trump’s events, including the former president’s election night celebration and inauguration. While many sports figures have distanced themselves from Trump due to his controversial statements and policies, Gretzky has remained noticeably quiet.

With Trump’s comments suggesting that Canada could become the 51st state of the U.S. and the implementation of trade tariffs affecting Canadian industries, Gretzky’s ties to Trump are now under scrutiny. Many believe that he should clarify his stance, given his influence in both Canada and the United States.

Public reaction and the growing demand for Wayne Gretzky to speak up

The backlash against Gretzky has intensified in recent months. His statue outside Edmonton’s Rogers Place was vandalized, reflecting the public’s frustration. Local leaders and fans have expressed their disappointment, with some even proposing renaming Wayne Gretzky Parkway in his hometown of Brantford.
Kat Philp, a lifelong hockey fan, summed up the sentiment of many: “We always felt he was still Canadian. We don’t feel that way anymore.”
Also Read: Should Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin be immortalized like Wayne Gretzky? Fans have mixed opinions
Gretzky has remained a national hero for decades, but this controversy could change how Canadians perceive him. Whether he chooses to address the issue or remain silent, his legacy is now intertwined with a debate that goes beyond hockey, touching on politics, patriotism, and personal values.

About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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