Wayne Gretzky's Trump connection resurfaces during Oilers' Stanley Cup run, sparking fresh debate among fans
As the Edmonton Oilers pursue their Stanley Cup dream, Wayne Gretzky's support for Donald Trump resurfaces (Getty Images)
As the Edmonton Oilers chase their first Stanley Cup title since the Gretzky era, some fans are revisiting a controversy that's been simmering in the background—Wayne Gretzky's open ties to Donald Trump.
But for many in Edmonton, politics are taking a backseat to playoff pride.
Wayne Gretzky's past support of Donald Trump sparks criticism—and vandalism
Earlier this year, Wayne Gretzky found himself at the center of political backlash after appearing at Donald Trump's inauguration alongside his wife Janet Jones. He had previously been seen socializing with Trump at Mar-a-Lago and even appeared to give a thumbs-up to Team USA as honorary captain during the 4 Nations Face-Off. The optics didn't sit well with many Canadians—especially after Trump suggested Canada could become the '51st state' of the U.S.
The fallout was swift. A petition to rename Wayne Gretzky Drive garnered over 14,000 signatures, and a statue of the hockey legend outside Rogers Place was smeared with what smelled like feces. Security fences were later added to protect the statue from further vandalism.
Fans defend The Great One and focus on his legacy
Despite the controversy, local support for Gretzky remains strong—especially as the Oilers try to capture their sixth Stanley Cup. 'Let's forget about the past.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Our one of a kind Patented Cold Water Extraction Process
Superior Ginseng
Undo
What he did here was a lot for the city, a lot for hockey,' said Craig Hiscock, who was seen taking a photo with Gretzky's statue ahead of Game 1.
Longtime fans like Brian Foulken echoed the sentiment. 'At the end of the day, (Gretzky) played here for a long time. The diehard Oilers (fans), we love him,' he said. Darren Rogers added that Gretzky's leadership and records outweigh his political appearances: 'Politics aside, that accomplishment should matter more.'
Now 64, Gretzky is still learning about the new culture surrounding the game. After Edmonton's Game 1 overtime win, he was puzzled by the team's latest post-game tradition. 'Pink Pony—is that a band or is that a song?' he asked on TNT Sports, referring to Chappell Roan's viral hit.
'It's the new generation, Wayne,' replied Paul Bissonnette. Smiling, Gretzky responded, 'I gotta get that (as) my ringtone.'
Also Read:
Wayne Gretzky sparks controversy by accusing Florida Panthers of buying success with tax loopholes
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
‘Quoted out of context': India clarifies defence attaché's remarks on Operation Sindoor, 'misrepresentation of intention'
NEW DELHI: The Indian Embassy in Indonesia on Sunday clarified that media reports had "quoted out of context" remarks made by Defence Attaché Captain Shiv Kumar during a seminar on Operation Sindoor . Captain Shiv Kumar had outlined the Indian military's initial response during the early stages of Operation Sindoor while speaking at a seminar hosted by an Indonesian university. In a statement posted on X, the embassy clarified that the officer's remarks were 'quoted out of context' and that media coverage had misrepresented the intent and focus of the presentation. 'We have seen media reports regarding a presentation made by India's defence attaché to Indonesia at a seminar. His remarks have been quoted out of context, and the media reports are a misrepresentation of the intention and thrust of the presentation made by the speaker,' the embassy said. According to the clarification, the presentation highlighted a key tenet of India's civil-military structure, that the Indian Armed Forces operate under the authority of civilian political leadership. It pointedly noted this contrasts with practices in 'some other countries in our neighbourhood'. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why Seniors All Over America Are Rushing to Buy This Camera Secret Scope Camera Learn More Undo The embassy further said that the officer had referred to Operation Sindoor, explaining that the objective was to target terrorist infrastructure, and that India's military response was non-escalatory. Earlier in the day, Congress had cited the reported comments of India's defence attache to Indonesia and accused the government of having "misled" the country. The party also asked why is Prime Minister Narendra Modi "refusing" to preside over an all-party meeting to take the Opposition into confidence and why has the demand for a special session of Parliament been rejected.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Hotel, dhaba, eatery owners on Kanwar Yatra routes should display their names: Sakshi Maharaj
Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP ) MP Sakshi Maharaj on Sunday demanded that hotel, dhaba and eatery owners on the Kanwar Yatra routes should display their names and identities on boards outside their business establishments. The owners, who hide their identities under fake names, on the Kanwar Yatra routes should not be spared, he told reporters here. "Tampering with faith of the Hindu devotees during the Kanwar Yatra will not be tolerated," said the Unnao MP. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo The food shops on the Kanwar Yatra routes should have a board outside with the names of their owners clearly written on them, he added. The BJP MP also demanded a complete ban on meat and liquor shops on the routes during the Kanwar Yatra. Live Events The yatra is a matter of faith and the sentiments of the devotees must be respected, he said.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Bharat Mata row: It was Kerala govenor who violated protocol, says minister V Sivankutty
Thiruvananthapuram: The war of words over the 'Bharat Mata' picture being used at functions in the Raj Bhavan is continuing with education minister V Sivankutty saying that it was the governor who violated the protocol and not him. He was responding to the letter written by governor Rajendra Arlekar to the chief minister in which the governor had alleged that the minister violated the protocol by boycotting the function at Raj Bhavan. On Saturday, the chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan replied to the governor through a letter in which he said that the minister did not violate any protocol. However, on Sunday, the minister said, "It was the governor who violated the protocol." He also alleged that two RSS workers were controlling the affairs at the Raj Bhavan. Arlekar said in his letter to the CM that as a head of state he was insulted by the minister by boycotting the function at the Raj Bhavan. However, Vijayan responded that the minister acted as per the Constitution and as per the oath of secrecy while assuming power as a minister. The minister also echoed the sentiments of the CM and said the governor's lapse was in keeping 'Bharat Mata's image holding the saffron flag at the official event. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like My 2-year-old baby needs your urgent help, please save her! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo This is not recommended as per the Constitution for any official function of the govt, he said. It has become clear that the govt remains firm in its stance that the governor's explanations lack constitutional protection beyond faith in 'Bharat Mata'. The governor is also firm on his stand. The other day, while speaking at the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Arlekar said he was not ready to compromise on his ideologies. "When I came to Kerala, I said that I am not there for any confrontation with the govt. But that doesn't mean that I will compromise on my ideologies," he said.
