The hockey legend and the Canadian Wayne Gretzky icon has been pushed to the ongoing uproar over the president of the United States, Donald Trump, tariffs, national hymns and the “state 51” of the United States.
Gretzky was already being criticized for his ties with Trump after attending the parties after the elections in President's Club in Palm Beach, Florida, as well as the inauguration in Washington. But, in the midst of the commercial war that takes place in the two nations, it was the presence of Gretzky as the honorary captain of the Canada team in the recent 4 NHL 4 nations championship that really enraged some of its compatriots.
Many have criticized Gretzky for not using team colors in the extra -time victory of Canada over the US team. In Boston. Others, meanwhile, focused on Gretzky's ties with Trump, who has insisted that Canada renounces his sovereignty and joined the United States as his state 51.
“Just go to declare this nature naturally,” wrote the reporter of TSN based in Canada, Dave Naylor, in X, “Canada's honorary captain publicly supports a political leader whose position is that Canada should not exist as a nation.
But he received the support of a member of the Hockey Hall of Hoper in Boston Bruins Great Bobby Orr.
In a opinion piece for the sun of TorontoThe Ontario native defended Gretzky, who won several important international competitions as captain of the Canada team during his game days.
While the honorary captain of the US team, Mike Eruzione (near the left), wore a replica shirt at the end of 4 nations on Thursday, Canada's honorary captain Wayne Gretzky (near the right) not He did it
The legend of Bruins Bobby Orr (right) wrote a column defending Gretzky (left) of Trump's critics
“For my life, I can't understand why” Oditators “have decided to chase Wayne because” he did not wear a Canadian shirt “during his introduction in the final game,” Orr wrote. 'I, for my part, thought he looked very worthy while representing Canada with class and professionalism.
“Remember, this is a man who carried the Arce sheet on multiple occasions with pride,” Orr continued. “As a player and administrator, he has brought anything but glory to his homeland year after year, decade after decade.”
Interestingly, the ORR column does not directly mention Trump.
However, it works to remember Canadians that Gretzky is one of them.
“Wayne is a type of Brantford, Ontario, who fulfilled well and has done nothing throughout his life, but gives help and help to innumerable Canadians along the way,” Orr concluded.
'Please take some time. It extends a little grace and a little respect for a good man and a great Canadian.
This is not the first time that Canada has been at war with itself about Gretzky. The exchange of Edmonton to Los Angeles continues to chase the country, even after the Oilers won the 1990 Stanley Cup without him.
Then there was Gretzky's support for the controversial “war against terror” of Gretzky in 2003. With the country divided by Iraq's invasion in the United States, critics hung a sign that said 'U $ lacey' 'around a statue of Gretzky in Edmonton.
Gretzky attended Trump's Electoral Victory Party in Mar-A-Lago, where the two golf fans and their families celebrating together were seen.
Janet Jones, Gretzky's wife, shared a photo of her husband with Trump on social networks, who seemed to anger the liberal fans of hockey last month.
“You have to really question the ethics and logic of someone who support someone like Trump,” a user published.
“Apparently there is an inverse relationship between hockey and intelligence skills,” added another.
One said: 'Few things in the earth more shameful than the rare of Canadian Maga'.
But while Gretzky was being criticized by Canadian hockey fans, Trump hugged him, who suggested that the top scorer of all NHL times should be applied for prime minister.
Gretzky's wife, Janet Jones, also published an older photo of him with a radiant Donald Trump
Janet Jones Gretzky was praise of Canada and the United States, but critics did not have it
Wayne Gretzky and his wife Janet Jones arrive at the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol in Washington on January 20.
“I have many great friends,” said Trump, 78, to a crowd in Mar-a-Lago in January. 'One of them is the “ Grande' '. I said, '' Running for the prime minister will win … He will take two seconds. ''
'He said:' 'Well, will I apply for prime minister or governor? You tell me, “Trump continued.
'I said:' 'I don't know, let's do it governor. I like that more. ''
Famous concerned about the United States trade deficit with Canada, Trump suggested previous Canada'.
“You would win easily, you wouldn't have to campaign,” Trump wrote in his social publication of truth.
Unfortunately, Gretzky did not seem anxious to become the prime minister or governor of Canada, according to Trump.
“He had no interest, but I think the people of Canada should begin a movement of the Draft Wayne Gretzky,” Trump added. 'It would be very fun to see it!'