Wayne Gretzky is currently being destroyed on social media

Here, Wayne Gretzky was introduced as the honorary captain of Canada. And let’s say it didn’t go as planned.
The #99 came out next to the American bench, he gave them a thumbs up, he didn’t look towards the Canadian bench, he wasn’t wearing a Canadian jersey and he didn’t show his support for Canada in front of the cameras
Although he did read out Canada’s lineup in the dressing room before the game, we really wondered who Gretzky was rooting for yesterday.
Your honorary captains for tonight: Wayne Gretzky and Mike Eruzione! #4Nations
: @espn & @ESPNPlus
https://t.co/S5tPrXCygm
: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+
https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF pic.twitter.com/Puoc5JJPSi— NHL (@NHL) February 21, 2025
Of course, we have to think he’s happy about Canada’s win. But since he has good ties with Donald Trump, his gestures yesterday didn’t go over well on social media.
Right now, Canadian fans are upset with Gretzky. Giving a thumbs up to the Americans without doing the same for the Canadians, that’s what’s not going over well.
The great Oilers player is being called a traitor by Canadians and a guy who didn’t want to see Canada, his country of origin, win. Positive comments are rare and his reputation has taken a hit.
A simple search on Twitter will confirm this.
Gretzky:
Enters through US bench
Gives thumbs up to US players
Wears no red or NOTHING repping Canada
Doesn’t even look Team Canada’s way
He’s a traitor & MAGA coward
Good riddance. #4nations pic.twitter.com/1YqguI3yqF— Alex (@alex_upnorth) February 21, 2025
It’s important, in these circumstances, to remember that Trump, who is a friend of Gretzky, has already said he wants the legendary hockey player to become the Prime Minister of Canada.
And when I say Prime Minister, I mean governor. #51stState
When Mario Lemieux was introduced to the crowd at the Bell Centre last Saturday, it was well received. I know the game was in Canada, but what I’m saying is that there was no controversy.
That’s not the case with Gretzky. Honorable mention to P.K. Subban, who is also being criticized on social media after re-posting a message from Donald Trump.
in a nutshell
– Interesting.
What Canadian did the headline ticker under Tkachuk? pic.twitter.com/gcHkZXNXgo
— Jen Hassum (@jenhassum) February 21, 2025
– Wow.
What a special moment… #canada #usa #4Nations pic.twitter.com/m97MXMRYSV
— BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) February 21, 2025
– To read.
Connor McDavid’s 4 Nations dagger emphatically opens Team Canada’s next chapter. From @reporterchris for @TheAthletic
https://t.co/mFqk5NsLu7
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 21, 2025
– Really.
Jaccob Slavin is the poster child for why a second NHL Award should be created for defensive defensemen.
Elite.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 21, 2025