Wayne Gretzky was a Canadian hero. His pro-Trump rebrand is a betrayal

The Guardian ^ | Thu 27 Mar 2025 | Karen Booth

[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.

[gnickgnack2]

Did they ever actually come out with the $2 coin called the dubloon?