Wayne Gretzky's Heartbreak Over Canadian Backlash Against Trump Ties

Wayne Gretzky is facing significant backlash in Canada due to his friendship with U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly following his role as honorary captain for Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game. His wife, Janet Jones Gretzky, expressed that the negative comments have 'broken his heart,' emphasizing his pride in being Canadian and his desire to make Canadians proud. Hockey legend Bobby Orr defended Gretzky in an op-ed, criticizing the public's treatment of someone who has given so much to Canadian hockey. The controversy has intensified to the point where fans in Edmonton have started a petition to change a freeway named after Gretzky, reflecting the strong sentiments against his association with Trump. Despite the backlash, Trump publicly supported Gretzky, stating their friendship and hinting at future ambitions for Gretzky in politics. The discourse around Gretzky underscores the intersection of sports and politics in contemporary Canada.