“The Americans Love Our Poor Start”: NHL Legend Wayne Gretzky Made an Infamous Admission That Left the Ice-Hockey Fraternity in Shock During 2002 Winter Olympics

Wayne Gretzky is a former Canadian ice hockey player. He is an ex-head coach of the NHL team, Phoenix Coyotes. During his playing tenure from 1979 to 1999, Gretzky played for 20 NHL seasons and four different teams. The legendary player is the leading goal scorer, assist provider, and point scorer, in the league’s history.

Gretzky is also called one of the greatest players in ice hockey. Thus, he also gained the nickname “The Great One” for his brilliant feat in Canada’s national game. Once, during a Winter Olympics, the Canadian legend stunned the hockey world with his claims against the USA.

Wayne Gretzky had called out the Americans

During the 2022 Winter Olympics, Gretzky served as the executive director of the Canadian men’s hockey team. However, Canada did not have a great start to the mega-event, as they had lost their first couple of games.

Hence, during a media press conference, a frustrated Gretzky lashed out at the critics and termed their reviews as “American propaganda”. According to New York Post, Gretzky claimed, “The Americans love our poor start. They love [the fact] we are not doing well.”

Back then, Canada was aiming for their first ice-hockey gold medal in 50 years hence, Gretzky felt that the pressure on his team was far more than that on the others. “It almost sickens my stomach to turn on the TV because I am such a proud Canadian and fan of our game and of all the players in our locker room. And it makes me ill to hear some of the things being said about us,” said an irritated Gretzky.

The former hockey player tried to protect his players from the observers’ attacks directed toward them. He further added, “Am I hot? Yeah, I’m hot. I’m tired of people taking shots at Canadian hockey.” After the incident, many ice-hockey fans called Gretzky a “crybaby” for ranting his anger on America. But many people also supported Gretzky’s accusations and supported him.

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However, towards the conclusion of the 2002 Winter Olympics, it was a happy ending for Gretzky and Team Canada, as they historically won the gold medal in that tournament.

Wayne Gretzky’s international playing career

In 1981, Gretzky made his debut for the national team during the Canada Cup. In this tournament, the famous no.99 was the leading goal scorer, and he helped his team finish in the second position.

A year later, Gretzky made his World Championships debut, where Canada won the bronze medal. In the 1987 Canada Cup, Gretzky played the best hockey of his career. In this tournament, he registered a tournament-best 21 points in just nine games.

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The 1988 Japan Winter Olympics was the legendary hockey player’s last appearance for his national team. Although Gretzky was unable to win any Olympic medal for his country, he earned one as the team’s executive director.