Wayne Gretzky’s Canadian star power has taken a hit amid his past support for U.S. President Donald Trump. Ontario residents say they’ve had enough and want the hockey icon’s name removed from a popular Niagara winery.
Niagara-on-the-Lake residents have called for and encouraged its operator, Andrew Peller Ltd., to remove Gretzky’s name from all branding.
Gretzky, who was photographed wearing a MAGA (Make America Great Again) hat at Trump’s victory party at Mar-a-Lago following the Nov. 5, 2024 presidential election, is the NHL’s all-time leading scorer. He’s represented Team Canada at the World Junior Championship, World Championship, Canada Cup, World Cup of Hockey and the 1998 Winter Olympics. His on-ice abilities earned him the nickname “The Great One†over his 20-season NHL career.
But Gretzky’s celebrity status has become collateral damage in an ongoing trade war between the U.S. and Canada.
Trump has targeted Canadian industries and workers with tariffs and floated his intentions to make Canada the 51st state.
Wayne Gretzky x Sidney Crosby ðŸðŸ‡¨ðŸ‡¦
— Made In Canada (@MadelnCanada)
Gretzky’s recent appearance as an honorary Team Canada captain at the 4 Nations Face-Off did little to repair his image among patriotic Canadians. On X, fans questioned why The Great One didn’t bother to wear a Team Canada jersey. Gretzky also appeared to give a “thumbs up†to the Team USA bench.
In recent weeks, hockey fans have called out Gretzky’s apparent refusal to publicly defend Canada’s sovereignty in response to Trump’s annexation threats.
Gretzky’s wife Janet Gretzky has defended her husband on Facebook, saying the “mean†comments over his support for Trump have “broken his heart.â€
“I have never met anyone who is more proud to be a Canadian,†she posted.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has also defended Gretzky. At a recent news conference, Ford said he spoke to Gretzky and noted the Great One was “choked up†about the public attacks.
“He is a patriot. He loves Canada,†Ford said.
Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery isn’t the only thing named after the hockey icon.
Wayne Gretzky was an amazing hockey player. I developed a lifelong love of hockey watching him as I grew up. The fact he refuses to speak up for himself or to defend Canada is a disappointment a majority of Canadians will not be able to forgive him for. Both can be true.
— Neil Before Zod™ (@WaytowichNeil)
Wayne Gretzky Drive, an Edmonton freeway formerly named Capilano Drive, was renamed in recognition of the four Stanley Cups Gretzky helped bring to the city in the 1980s.
In his hometown of Brantford, a Highway 403 link formerly known as Park Road North was renamed Wayne Gretzky Parkway.
Gretzky has a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame in Toronto and was inducted into the City of Brantford’s Walk of Fame in 2004.
Gretzky’s star power isn’t just limited to Canada. While Gretzky was ultimately unable to win a Stanley Cup with the Los Angeles Kings, he’s been credited with raising the profile of hockey in the Golden State. Gretzky was honoured with a life-sized statue outside what is now the Arena, the Kings’ home arena.
As many Canadians call for Gretzky to issue a public statement in support of Canadian sovereignty, we want to know how you feel. Has Gretzky’s image as a Canadian icon been tarnished by his association with the U.S. president? Let us know by participating in our reader survey.
Should the Gretzky name be removed from Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery?
Disclaimer: Reader survey results are not scientific. As the informal findings of a survey presented to the readers of this site, they reflect the opinions of those who have chosen to participate. The survey is available online to anyone interested in taking it. This poll does not restrict the number of votes each person can cast.
— With file from Kevin Werner, Niagara Dailies
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