The atmosphere is electric among hockey fans during the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game between Team USA and Canada. The situation has escalated to the point where even iconic figures such as Wayne Gretzky have faced backlash from the community due to a particular gesture directed at the American team at TD Garden.

Reporter Ben Steiner on X stated this update, noting, “Wayne Gretzky just gave Team USA thumbs up. Don’t like that one bit.” Among the many notable personalities present at the TD Garden in Boston, the Great One was in attendance, but the gesture of approval that he sent Team USA’s way was not well-received by Canadian fans.

A quick Google search of Gretzky’s name would identify him as “Canadian American.” Is he not entirely Canadian? He was indeed born in Brantford, Ontario, to Walter Gretzky and Phyllis Gretzky. Later in his life Gretzky obtained dual Canadian and U.S. citizenship after marrying his wife, the American actress Janet Jones, in 1988. But it was his move to America that same year that sparked numerous accusations of betrayal directed at the Great One for abandoning his nation.

Did Wayne Gretzky ever consider leaving the Edmonton Oilers to join another NHL franchise? The short answer is not really. “I’m disappointed in having to leave Edmonton. I promised Mess (Mark Messier) I wouldn’t do this … ” remarked Gretzky at the time of his trade to the Los Angeles Kings. Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky transcended the role of mere teammates; they shared a profound friendship that extended beyond the rink. Parting ways with a team and the players he had formed close bonds with was undoubtedly a painful experience for the Great One and not one that he sought out himself.

What was Mark Messier’s response to this trade? “I was golfing at the Edmonton Country Club. Finished nine holes and I went to the little snack shack that they had at the time, and the guy there was making me a sandwich. And, I just happened to look up at the TV and they’re saying that the rumor has it, Wayne Gretzky is being traded to Los Angeles. And I’m thinking to myself, in the peak of his career, they’re gonna trade him? Someone’s f—-ing around.”

Messier was as astonished as any spectator following hockey during that period. As for fans, though it was the front office that was responsible, their sense of betrayal was not just limited to the franchise. Rather, many fans also thought Gretzky to be the mastermind behind his move and directed their ire towards him. Although fan sentiment has now cooled, this latest incident has left of the Great One all riled up.

Wayne Gretzky received some serious flak from fans

“He’s not #Canadian anymore,” began one fan. Another fan was not happy with how Gretzky had turned up at TD Garden on the momentous occasion: “Also not wearing a Canadian Jersey.” It’s true. While the U.S. honorary captain Mike Eurizone wore the team’s jersey, Gretzky didn’t have even a hint of Canadian red on him. In fact, he entered the rink through Team USA’s bench and didn’t even visit the Canadians’ bench. Naturally, a fan was fuming, “The honorary caption of @TeamCanada and he is celebrating the USA. @WayneGretzky is a disgrace to Canada. Remove his honorary title.” 

Yet, has the iconic figure remained quiet regarding Team Canada during the 4 Nations Face-Off? No, not at all. Taking to social media, he expressed his support for the Canadian team, declaring, “Going to be great hockey. Good luck to @hockeycanada” What predictions did he make for the tournament? “It’s going to be tremendous hockey. I’m not sure who is going to win, but I’m just saying as a Canadian, I think our team matches up very good against the Americans,” he stated.

But it seems that Canadian fans wanted more overt actions on Gretzky’s part in support of Canada. “His dad would be so disappointed. He’s nothing like his father. He was a true Canadian,” wrote a fan. When Gretzky was traded to the LA Kings from the Edmonton Oilers, his father suggested that the move was bad for both Canada and him. But is it just his gesture at the finals and his trade to the LA Kings that has Canadian hockey fans up in arms? Well, not really. His friendship with U.S. President Donald Trump, who continues to threaten Canada with tariffs, has only added to his unpopular reputation amongst Canadians. “He’s a traitor. Nothing new,” added another fan, upset yet unsurprised.

Despite the surrounding controversies, Wayne Gretzky’s commitment to hockey remains unwavering. His career in the sport was remarkable, and he continues to hold numerous records in the sport. And he is bound to share the same enthusiasm for the championship game that the fans do.