Hockey legend Bobby Oh took the defense of Wayne Gretzky on Saturday at Opid as “Great Things” won “Great Things” as Team Canada's honorary captain in the 4 Nations final It's here.
Most of the criticism was around Gretzky's apparent support for President Donald Trump. Gretzky was seen as a celebration of his victory in Florida when Trump won the 2024 presidential election and became his inauguration in January. Trump has also teased Canada and called Justin Trudeau the “governor” of the “51st state.” Trump has even come to the idea that Gretzky will become Canada's next governor.
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The New York Rangers Way Gretsky celebrates on November 7, 1997 by scoring a goal against the Dallas Stars. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)
Orr wrote Toronto Sun That he was filled with “disappointment” when he read criticism of someone he considers as one of the “great Canadians to date.”
“How whimsical are people when someone who gave so much time and effort to Canadian hockey is treated in that way,” Orr's column read. “Listen, we all have our personal beliefs because we all have something to do with religion, politics, etc. Wayne is your right to such beliefs. I respect him. Why can't you respect him?”
Charles Berkley aims for Canada after four countries' victory: “They didn't want to be the 51st state.”
Canadian retired professional hockey player Wayne Gretzky arrives at the presidential inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC on January 20, 2025. (saul loeb-pool via imaging images)
ORR highlighted Gretzky's charity throughout his professional career and subsequently to Canadians.
“Please, let's take the time. A little grace and a little respect for the good man and the great Canadian.”
Gretzky has not spoken in any way about his support for Trump.
“I was with Wayne Gretzky. I said, 'Wayne, do you want to be governor of Canada?” Trump said at a Mar-a-Lago press conference earlier this month.
Wayne Gretzky smokes a cigar on February 8, 2020 during the AT&T Pebble Beach Proam in Pebble Beach, California. (Michael Madrid Usan Today Sports)
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“Wayne wasn't very interested, but he probably liked the nation,” Trump added. “He's my friend. He's a great guy. He's a great guy. We call him a great guy. He's a great hockey player.”
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