Posted on 04/06/2025 6:23:55 PM PDT by MinorityRepublican
I remain immensely proud to have lived in Edmonton during the Oilers’ glory years, when Wayne Gretzky was not merely that city’s darling, but also a fresh-faced, flag-waving ambassador for all of Canada.
On ice, he dazzled with his scoring prowess and consistency; off ice, he charmed with his various charitable deeds and aw-shucks humility.
Few could doubt his love for – and mentorship of – the late Joey Moss, the legendary locker-room attendant who was born with Down’s syndrome.
So when it was suggested that the superstar centre and newly minted bridegroom had cried crocodile tears over being traded from Canada’s Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988, I didn’t hesitate to give him the benefit of the doubt.
But when No 99 himself began starring in TV commercials endorsing online sports gambling, I started to squirm, if not cringe.
When it became apparent that Gretzky, a dual citizen, was on the same page politically as Donald Trump, even being photographed with a Maga hat, my discomfort rose. Still, I reasoned that in a democracy, everyone has the right to decide where they throw their support.
A month before Trump’s second inauguration – which the Gretzkys would go on to attend – the Orange One declared that his pal the Great One was so popular in Canada that he could handily run for political office here. It’s distinctly possible I swore under my breath before chalking it up to Trump’s usual mouthing-off.
By the time the so-called leader of the free world began calling Canada “the 51st state” and dismissing our then prime minister as “Governor Trudeau”, my patience had worn thinner than onion skin.
(Excerpt) Read more at theguardian.com ...
Canada went downhill since NAFTA, last time they won The Cup was in 93.
A Canadian Karen writes about being mad at Gretsky in a UK rag?
I’m sure he has no idea who this loonie is.
Ovechkin can be their hero now.
No, the loonie is Canadian currency.
Wait until Mexico overtakes them.
Very similar to the situation with US players in the MLB and NBA. Once you go global, its over.
I heard something about this. Something else for Canadians to be mad about, and blame their troubles on.
Great observation! Especially in cultural matters.
Walt Disney essentially tried to bottle "middle America" culture, and sell it as a product.
But "middle America" isn't universally loved and admired.
In hindsight, the Disney Company should have seen "multiculturalism" as a mortal threat. Of course they weren't smart for that. They didn't really understand what Walt was selling. They were too much a part of it to realize it was unique.
Any country that would have that [un]Freeland woman freezing bank accounts all over the country is a fascist police state.
You mean NHL???
Now baseball, it just isn't as popular in the U.S. anymore. It's way more popular in Japan, Dominican Republic, etc. A lot of U.S. sports fans find it boring. (Guilty as charged.)
And young black athletes are even less interested. I think MB is down to about 6% U.S. black players.
Now baseball, it just isn't as popular in the U.S. anymore. It's way more popular in Japan, Dominican Republic, etc. A lot of U.S. sports fans find it boring. (Guilty as charged.)
And young black athletes are even less interested. I think MB is down to about 6% U.S. black players.
Thanks Karen
Yes.
Kash Patel was with Gretzky when his record was broken.
They play baseball with more passion in Japan, South Korea and the Dominican Republic.
Baseball feels scripted in USA.
The moment Alex Ovechkin breaks Gretzky’s alltime scoring record they throw him under the bus.
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