Despite the rough relationship he’s had of late with this home and native land, Canada, U.S.-Canadian dual citizen Wayne Gretzky wants to let people know that he’s still a “true Canadian.”
Appearing with the panel on the CBC pre-game show ahead of Team Canada’s men’s hockey team’s semifinal match with Finland Friday, Gretzky, wearing a Canadian flag pin on his lapel, wanted to make it clear where his allegiances lie.
“First of all, let’s worry about the game, right? That’s most important. That’s how, for Canada, can get to that final game,” Gretzky started, when asked by James Duthie about some of the blurred loyalties Gretzky has shown between Canada and the U.S.
But listen, I’m a hockey player. I’m a Canadian, I’m a true Canadian. I want Canada to wear a gold medal. I’ve never wavered from that.
Wayne Gretzky
“I’ve been friends with presidents, prime ministers. Somehow, as you said, there’s a little bit more tension than normal. At the end of the day, Canada, the U.S. are like brothers and sisters.
“They’re gonna fight and argue, but eventually, you come together, right? And that’s the way I see it.”
Unfortunately for “The Great One,” that’s not the way many Canadians see it.
Many still can’t forgive Gretzky for his friendship with U.S. president Donald Trump, something that came to a boil when he was introduced as Canada’s honourary captain at last year’s 4 Nations Cup.
Flash-forward 12 months later and those same hard feelings from many Canadians haven’t wavered.
There were those who liked what Gretzky had to say, however.
Gretzky, who was born in Brantford, Ont., is widely considered to be the greatest hockey player to ever live. His 1,963 career assists alone would be enough to make him the all-time points leader in NHL history.
As great a player as he was though, Gretzky’s affiliation with President Trump will continue to be a controversial topic among Canadians.