The hockey legend, Bobby Orr, defended Wayne Gretzky in an opinion article on Saturday when “The Great One” Flak made for his appearance as Honorary Captain of the Canada team for the final of the 4 nations.
Most criticism appeared on Gretzky’s apparent support to President Donald Trump. Gretzky was seen as a Victory celebration in Florida when Trump won the 2024 presidential elections and was at its inauguration in January. Trump also made fun of Canada, calling Justin Trudeau the “governor” of “State 51”. Trump has even presented the idea that Gretzky becomes the next Governor of Canada.
CLICK HERE for more sports coverage at Foxnews.com
Wayne Gretzky of New York Rangers celebrates scoring a goal against the stars in Dallas, on November 7, 1997. (AP Photo/LM Otero, Archive)
Orr wrote in the Toronto Sun that he was full of “disappointment” while reading criticism against someone he considers one of the “major Canadians in history.”
“How volatile people can be, when someone who has given so long and effort to Canadian hockey is treated in that way,” said the Orr column. “Listen, we all have our personal beliefs when it comes to things like religion and politics. Wayne respects their right to such beliefs: why can’t you respect yours?”
Charles Barkley points to Canada after the victory of 4 nations: “They did not want to be the state 51”
The Canadian Professional Hockey player Wayne Gretzky arrives at the presidential inauguration in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. (Saul Loeb-Pool through Imagn images)
Orr highlighted the charitable acts of Gretzky towards other Canadians throughout his professional career and after that.
“Please, let’s take a while. Extend a little grace and a little respect for a good man and a great Canadian.”
Gretzky has not spoken in one way or another about Trump’s support.
“I was with Wayne Gretzky. I said: ‘Wayne, would you like to be the governor of Canada?’ I can’t imagine anyone better than Wayne, “Trump said at a Mar-A-Lago press conference earlier this month.
Wayne Gretzky smokes a cigar during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in Pebble Beach, California, February 8, 2020. (Michael Madrid-USA Today Sports)
“Wayne was not too interested. But the state would probably have liked,” Trump added. “He is a friend of mine. He is a great guy. He is the great. We call him the great, right? He is a great hockey player.”
